Air Canada begins relaunching flights so customers can travel again

• First departures are AC009 from Toronto to Tokyo-Narita, AC556 from Vancouver to Los Angeles and AC489 from Montreal to Toronto
• 155 flights scheduled to depart today from Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver across North America and to Europe, Asia, South Pacific
• Exceptional disruption policy to be implemented to cover transport expenses

MONTREAL, Aug. 19, 2025 /CNW/ – With the departures of AC009 from Toronto to Tokyo-Narita, AC556 from Vancouver to Los Angeles and AC489 from Montreal to Toronto, Air Canada resumed operations today to get Canadians moving again. The three flights were the first of 155 scheduled for the day as the airline gradually resumes service, beginning with a limited number of international flights this evening. This will gradually increase as the airline restores service in Canada, the U.S. and around the world over the coming days.

“We’re laser-focused on getting our customers moving again. Restoring global operations will take up to ten days, as aircraft and crew are out of position. Additionally, mandatory maintenance checks are required, as aircraft have been on the ground for more than three days. Regrettably, during this period some flights will be canceled until the schedule is stabilized, and we’ll notify customers well in advance and provide options,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, at Air Canada.

“When customers buy a ticket on Air Canada, we are making a commitment to deliver them safely and on schedule. Following this disruption, we know confidence has been shaken. We’re working hard to fully restore their trust, starting by getting customers on their way again. To do that, we will be introducing an exceptional policy tomorrow, towards covering transportation expenses which customers may have incurred to get to their destination during this disruption. As well, we’ve created a dashboard on our website so anyone can transparently track our progress as our operations return to normal. We look forward to welcoming our customers and flight attendants back onboard,” concluded Mr. Nasr.

Air Canada’s recovery dashboard is available now at www.aircanada.com/action. The airline’s exceptional disruption policy will be available beginning August 20, 2025 at www.aircanada.com/action.

As Air Canada ramps up, customers should only go to the airport if they hold a confirmed booking, and their flights show as operating. Flight status can be checked on aircanada.com or on the Air Canada app. Those with cancelled flights can obtain a full refund, a travel credit, or, ask to be rebooked on our Star Alliance partners or other airlines, although capacity is limited due to peak summer travel. To assist in the rebooking process, Air Canada has designated 5,000 agents to assist customers in finding alternative travel. More information for customers about travel options including an FAQ is at:  www.aircanada.com/action. 

Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz or PAL continue to operate as normal.

• A first for any global airline, members can choose how they earn points and status points when they fly with us – by distance traveled, price paid or segments flown
• The #1 airline rewards program is getting even better: Atmos Rewards members enjoy industry-leading generosity with even more ways to earn and redeem points for travel adventures around the globe
• Unleash the full power of Atmos Rewards with our new premium credit card, the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card, offering a Global Companion Award and an even faster way to earn status
• Alaska ushers in a new era of inflight connectivity with the installation of ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi, free for Atmos Rewards members beginning in 2026

SEATTLE, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On a mission to transform global travel, Alaska Airlines launched Atmos™ Rewards today – our evolved, supercharged loyalty program that unifies the best of Mileage Plan and Hawaiian Airlines’ HawaiianMiles into a combined platform to deliver more choice, more rewards and more global access than ever before for our members.

Atmos Rewards continues the generosity that Mileage Plan has long been known for. Alaska has the #1 airline rewards program according to U.S. News & World Report. And it’s getting even better. Atmos Rewards offers new ways to earn valuable points across an extensive worldwide network spanning over 1,000 destinations, connected by the strength of Alaska, Hawaiian and more than 30 global airline partners, including the oneworld alliance. We’ve also assembled a rich collection of partners to earn points with when our members are not flying.

Atmos Rewards is the global airline program that encourages members to tailor the program to their travel style and choose what matters most to them, from flexible point-earning options to preferred perks and personalized benefits in the new Atmos Communities.

“Atmos Rewards is more than a loyalty program – it’s a reflection of how guests travel today,” said Andrew Harrison, chief commercial officer at Alaska Airlines. “We listened to what our members value most and built a program that’s grounded in generosity, personalization and practicality. We’re putting our members in the pilot’s seat, giving them control over how they earn and redeem, while honoring the legacy and values of both Alaska and Hawaiian.”

The power of choice, points that go further and greater access to the world

• Choose among three ways to earn: We’re introducing a first for a global airline that gives our members ultimate flexibility. Later in 2026, points and status points can be earned in one of three ways when flying with us. Members can select the earning option that works best for them and change their preference once a year:
  • Distance traveled: Earn based on how far you go with one point for every mile flown. For thrifty travelers who take cross-country or international trips, this might be the best choice.
  • Price paid: Earn five points for every $1 spent when purchasing a flight. This includes airfare and upgrades purchased in premium cabins. For travelers flying in our premium cabins, including our lie-flat suites, this might be the best choice.
  • Segments flown: Earn a flat 500 points for each flight segment flown. For flyers who take numerous short-distance flights, such as those between Neighbor Islands in Hawai`i or within California, this option guarantees a set number of points on every trip.
• Reward yourself: We keep adding new ways for members to use their valuable points to see the world. They can redeem points for award travel to more than 1,000 destinations on Alaska, Hawaiian and 30+ global airline partners, including oneworld member airlines. Redemptions start at only 4,500 points one-way.
• We’re installing Starlink across the entire Alaska fleet: Alaska and Hawaiian will add Starlink inflight connectivity to more planes, bringing the fastest Wi-Fi in the skies to even more flights. Alaska has teamed up with T-Mobile to make this new Wi-Fi service free exclusively for Atmos Rewards members. Installations on Alaska’s fleet will begin in 2026 and be completed in 2027.  
• More partners, more points: Atmos Rewards members can now earn 2 points for every $1 spent on everyday Lyft rides, and 3 points for every $1 spent on airport and elevated Lyft rides. Link your Atmos Rewards and Lyft accounts at alaskalyft.com to earn more points wherever you go. Later this year, we’ll add more partners to our lineup.
  • Book stays: Explore nearly a million hotels and vacation rentals worldwide where you can earn or redeem points.
  • Atmos Rewards Unlocked: Points can also be used to secure tickets to unique events and travel experiences – available only to Atmos Rewards members.
• Endless earning: Points and status points are earned on flights with us and our partners, as well as through routine purchases with the Atmos Rewards Visa® credit cards and Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard® credit cards* and on purchases made with our non-airline partners. Members can also earn status points when they book award travel. Points are used for various redemptions, and status points track progress toward reaching status and milestones.
• The power of our new premium card: With our new Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card, co-branded with Bank of America, cardholders can reach status and milestones even faster by earning 1 status point for every $2 spent on purchases.
• Milestones unleash perks: Rewards come earlier and more often when members reach milestones with their status points. Each milestone unlocks a choice of perks starting at just 10,000 status points.
• More generous upgrades are on the way: For our Atmos Titanium members, we’ll be the only U.S. airline to offer complimentary, day-of-departure upgrades into global Business Class for them and a companion without requiring points or a certificate. Also, status holders and one companion can take advantage of complimentary upgrades on Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America beginning next spring.
• With new Atmos Communities, pick a group and enjoy extra benefits: All members can choose to be part of Atmos Communities later in 2026 with exclusive benefits tailored to what interests them most. Options include groups unique to members within a specific area of residence, like our popular Huakaʻi by Hawaiian for Hawai’i residents and Club 49 for residents of the state of Alaska (available now), or benefits aligned with interests like travel with families, wellness and more.

“Atmos Rewards is designed to set a new standard for airline loyalty – more generous, more flexible and easier to use, whether members are flying across the globe or just across the Islands. With the combination of Alaska and Hawaiian, we seized a rare opportunity to imagine how we could make the most generous loyalty program even better,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of loyalty, alliances and sales at Alaska Airlines. “With industry-first features like customizable ways to earn and unique benefits tailored to how people travel, we’re giving our guests more control, more value and more reasons to engage.”

What you need to know

• As of today, Mileage Plan members are now Atmos Rewards members. They retain their existing account numbers with no interruption to their benefits – there’s nothing they need to do.
• With Atmos Rewards, Mileage Plan miles are now ‘points’ and elite-qualifying miles are referred to as ‘status points.’
• One Mileage Plan or HawaiianMiles mile = one Atmos Rewards point. The value of points does not change, and points do not expire. Members can continue to redeem for travel on Alaska, Hawaiian and our global partners.
• HawaiianMiles members and all their miles will automatically transition into Atmos Rewards on Oct. 1. They will receive a new account number if they have not previously linked their HawaiianMiles account to a Mileage Plan account. We have more details for HawaiianMiles members here.
• Alaska Airlines Visa® cards are being rebranded as Atmos Rewards Visa® cards. Account numbers and benefits remain the same. Use of the cards and benefits will continue without interruption – there’s no action for cardholders to take.
• The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard* continues unchanged. The card name and benefits stay the same, and cardmembers do not need to take any action.
• We’ll remain the only U.S. airline that offers points for miles flown, but later in 2026, members will be able to choose how they earn points: by distance traveled, price paid or segments flown.
• For members who have status with us, benefits stay the same with more on the way. Learn more about the new Atmos tier names and updates to earning status here.

More about Atmos Rewards

The Atmos Rewards name is designed to inspire wonder. It’s a play on “atmosphere,” embodying an elevated brand that takes travelers to new heights through a visual identity reminiscent of an airplane window, inspiring flyers to dream. The soft gradients, smoothly transitioning in color and intensity, harmoniously weave together the blue of Alaska and the purple and pink of Hawaiian. The name also cues a promise of “most” – demonstrating the 11 years of Alaska’s Mileage Plan being named the number one airline loyalty program and cueing more rewards, more destinations and more choice.

Visit atmosrewards.com to learn even more about our new loyalty program. And follow us on our new Atmos Rewards social channels: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Our credit card programs

A perfect complement to Atmos Rewards is our new premium credit card: the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card. It features exclusive travel perks, including a unique Global Companion Award that can be redeemed on our partners and in premium cabins, accelerated points and status earning potential, Alaska Lounge passes, and other benefits designed to elevate every step of the journey.

Learn more about all the benefits at AtmosRewards.com/SummitCard. The card has an annual fee of $395**.

The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card and Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card are being rebranded to Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® card and Atmos Rewards Visa® Business card. Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ will now be our $99 Companion Fare. Account numbers remain the same, and cardholders will continue to enjoy all the same benefits and earning power with Atmos Rewards.

Current cardholders will receive an Atmos Rewards-branded credit card, featuring the new name and design, when their current card expires. Eligible Atmos Rewards Visa cardholders have access to select benefits across both airlines, including a free checked bag, the $99 Companion Fare, and 3x points on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases.

For Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® cardmembers, there is also no interruption in service or use of benefits now or upon the HawaiianMiles transition to Atmos Rewards on Oct. 1. Cardmembers enjoy select benefits across both airlines, including two free checked bags on eligible flights and 3x points on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases.

Our growing global gateway in Seattle

Alaska continues to expand internationally with new flights from our hometown airport in Seattle – where we’re the largest carrier – to Rome, London and Reykjavik, Iceland. Nonstop service to those European markets is scheduled to begin in spring 2026. We currently fly from Seattle to Tokyo Narita, with flights to Seoul Incheon starting Sept. 12. By 2030, we plan to serve 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle. To support Alaska’s transformation, we’re establishing a 787-9 hub in Seattle that will deploy as many as 17 787s across our global network.

* Hawaiian credit cards continue to earn HawaiianMiles until Oct. 1, 2025.

**Terms and conditions apply. These credit card programs are issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa, Visa Signature and Visa Infinite are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.  

• Alaska is poised to offer the best inflight connectivity service from Seattle, delivering ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi on more departures from the carrier’s largest hub than any other carrier. 
  
• Building on Hawaiian Airlines’ lead as an early innovator of fast, free Wi-Fi, Alaska will start offering Starlink in 2026 and bring the technology to its entire fleet by 2027.
  
• Starlink’s unrivaled gate-to-gate speed and responsiveness across multiple devices allows guests to stream, scroll, game and stay connected just like they would on the ground, no matter where they fly. 

SEATTLE, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Airlines is set to launch a transformational upgrade to the inflight experience: the fastest, most reliable Wi-Fi in the sky on every flight, everywhere we fly. Starting in 2026, Alaska guests will enjoy Starlink Wi-Fi with ultra-fast speeds and dramatically lower latency – unlocking seamless access to live gaming, real-time messaging and high-quality streaming across multiple devices, far beyond what most carriers can deliver.

This isn’t just an upgrade – it’s a reinvention. Alaska is set to bring fast, responsive and reliable Wi-Fi to its fleet starting in 2026, with all aircraft – regional, narrowbody and widebody – connected by 2027, alongside our Hawaiian Airlines Starlink-equipped aircraft.  

Alaska will provide the most flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport offering unrivaled end-to-end Starlink Wi-Fi and become the first U.S. airline to operate Starlink-equipped long-haul flights from the city. Following Hawaiian Airlines’ groundbreaking launch last year as the first major airline to offer Starlink, Alaska and Hawaiian are redefining the future of inflight connectivity. 

“With Starlink already live on Hawaiian Airlines and installations starting this winter across Alaska’s fleet, we’re proud that we’ll offer the fastest, most reliable inflight internet in the skies – with gate-to-gate connectivity on nearly every aircraft across both airlines,” said Ben Minicucci, chief executive officer and president of Alaska Air Group.

You’ll enjoy the same fast, uninterrupted connectivity you rely on at home – stream, game, message and collaborate in real time. Plus, it’s free to our most loyal guests, thanks to an exclusive partnership we just announced today.

This innovative enhancement is part of Alaska’s multi-layer vision to deliver a truly elevated travel experience for every guest at every fare. From unifying loyalty into a single, seamless industry-leading program, to launching a premium credit card with unmatched travel perks, and now, bringing home-quality internet to the skies globally, even on full flights and in remote areas. 

“We’re thrilled to provide reliable high-speed internet on Alaska Airlines’ flights,” said Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Starlink Operations at SpaceX. “From gate to gate, Alaska’s passengers will now experience the world’s best inflight connectivity.” 

Alaska’s Starlink Wi-Fi: Fast, free, everywhere we fly 

• Real-time, ultra-fast speeds: Starlink’s low-latency, high-bandwidth performance is built for real-time applications like workplace messaging platforms, collaborative documents, video streaming, gaming and multi-device use. It offers an inflight internet experience that’s faster and more capable than what most travelers are used to. With latency less than 99 ms and speeds up to 500 Mbps, guests can expect an experience that’s at least 7x faster than the geostationary satellite-based Wi-Fi systems that most airlines use today. 
  
• Global coverage: With more than 8,000 satellites in orbit, Starlink provides uninterrupted connectivity for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ guests, keeping them connected from the moment they step onboard their aircraft and throughout their travels, even in remote areas. In 2026, Alaska will be the first U.S. airline operating long-haul flights from Seattle offering consistent, uninterrupted Wi-Fi service – a key pain point for many international travelers today who lose coverage or experience decreased speeds as their flights take northerly routes to Asia and Europe. 
  
• Leader in innovation: As the only airline with a hub in Seattle to offer Starlink Wi-Fi, Alaska continues to lead the industry in innovation. In addition to bringing the fastest inflight internet to the skies starting in 2026 with completion by 2027, Alaska has recently introduced the TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID Program, offers an industry-first food and beverage pre-order system through its mobile app, and a self-serve check-in experience that starts before guests even reach the airport. 
  
• Sustainability in the skies: Starlink’s electronically steered antennas feature no moving parts and have a much smaller footprint atop our aircraft than competing systems – reducing both weight and drag that impact fuel economy. This new technology, featuring the lightest equipment in the industry, will help us further reduce carbon emissions by conserving over 800,000 gallons of fuel per year, advancing our position as the most fuel-efficient premium U.S. carrier. 

• Starting in 2026, members of Atmos Rewards, an enhanced, combined loyalty program by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, will enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi on Starlink-equipped aircraft.
• Building on its long-time partnership to deliver T-Mobile customers free Wi-Fi, T-Mobile is expanding this benefit to all Atmos Rewards members beginning on select flights in 2026.
• T-Mobile customers who are also Atmos Rewards members will enjoy a seamless, ad-free sign-on experience to Alaska’s free, ultra-fast Wi-Fi – with additional exclusive perks for T-Mobile customers to be announced later this year.

SEATTLE, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Airlines and T-Mobile – both Pacific Northwest-based leaders in innovation – are setting a new standard in inflight connectivity, delivering ultra-fast Wi-Fi, free for Atmos™ Rewards members everywhere the airline flies.

To bring this next-level experience to life, Alaska is proud to name T-Mobile as its presenting partner for this new, free benefit to guests. Guests will experience one of the most advanced inflight connectivity networks in the industry. T-Mobile customers will enjoy exclusive benefits to enhance their inflight experience, including a seamless, ad-free Wi-Fi log-on – with more to be announced later this year.

“This collaboration goes beyond a typical sponsorship – it’s a shared commitment between two hometown leaders focused on delivering more value, innovation and ease to travelers across the Pacific Northwest and beyond,” said Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy and Products at T-Mobile. “At T-Mobile, our mission is to be the best in the world at connecting customers to their world – and together with Alaska, we’re going one step further by extending the same seamless, in-flight Wi-Fi experience our customers love to every Atmos Rewards member.”

Alaska’s fleetwide rollout of new, ultra-fast Wi-Fi begins in 2026 – including regional, narrowbody and widebody. When installation is complete by 2027, Alaska will provide the most flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport offering unmatched gate-to-gate low-latency, high-bandwidth Wi-Fi, exclusively for Atmos Rewards members. Membership is free and easy to join.

Guests will be able to log in or easily sign up for Atmos Rewards to access Wi-Fi at no cost. Atmos Rewards is our industry-leading enhanced loyalty program that unifies the best of Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan and Hawaiian Airlines’ HawaiianMiles into a combined platform to deliver more choice, more rewards and more global access than ever before for our members.

Since 2014, T-Mobile has led the industry in delivering free inflight connectivity experiences to its customers, who already enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi on Alaska flights. Today’s announcement builds on Alaska Airlines’ longstanding partnership with T-Mobile, which already powers the tools the airline’s Flight Attendants, Pilots and Ground Crews use today to efficiently and safely operate the airline.

Astro Mechanica’s engine design addresses biggest economic challenge associated with supersonic flight: fuel efficiency

Astro Mechanica’s technology is first being developed for military use and then commercial aircraft as technology matures – UAV is the venture capital arm of United Airlines

CHICAGO, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines Ventures (UAV), the venture capital arm of United Airlines, today announced an investment in aerospace startup Astro Mechanica. Astro Mechanica’s adaptive propulsion concept and advanced airframe design has the potential to unlock supersonic aircraft with near-term applications for national defense, orbital launch, and long-range cargo delivery.

UAV was established in 2021 to invest in early-stage start-up companies focused on innovative technologies with the potential to shape the future of aviation and travel.

“Astro Mechanica is developing an adaptive engine concept for strategic military and commercial applications, addressing the challenging yet worthwhile pursuit of supersonic flight,” said Mukul Hariharan, Managing Partner at United Airlines Ventures. “UAV is excited to join Astro Mechanica’s renowned investment partners to support its exceptional management team as they advance their engine technology and progress towards their first aircraft prototype.”

Astro Mechanica’s engine, Duality^™, is being designed to utilize a hybrid electric architecture to optimize performance across a wide range of flight speeds and profiles, which would create an engine that would be efficient from takeoff to Mach 3+. With these changes, Astro Mechanica is developing the world’s first supersonic aircraft that has transpacific capability.

“We are excited to form this relationship with United Airlines Ventures (UAV),” said Ian Brooke, CEO and founder of Astro Mechanica. “This investment reflects strong conviction in Astro Mechanica from an experienced and credible industry leader, and we appreciated UAV’s deep technical grasp of our novel high-speed propulsion technologies. We look forward to working with them as an advisor and a collaborator as we move into flight testing for the next era of passenger travel.”

Duality^™ is designed to separate the propulsion units from the turboshaft engine by using electric motors. This allows it to behave like a turbofan at slower speeds, a turbojet at faster speeds just below supersonic, and switch to a ramjet at very high supersonic speeds.

About United Airlines Ventures

United Airlines Ventures (UAV) was established in 2021 to invest in early-stage start-up companies focused on innovative technologies with the potential to shape the future of aviation and travel. To date, UAV has made more than 30 investments in companies developing technologies across aerospace, technology, energy transition, and more. Learn more at unitedairlinesventures.com.

About Astro Mechanica

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Its mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. The company believes that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, Astro Mechanica is integrating its advanced airframe and engine technologies—which include Duality^™, its proprietary dual-use propulsion system—with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, the company is developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government. Learn more at www.astromecha.co.

Customers may book and fly with confidence

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 19, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada said it will gradually restart its operations today after reaching a mediated agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) through a process overseen by a mutually agreed-to mediator, William Kaplan. Mediation discussions were begun on the basis that the union commit to have the airline’s 10,000 flight attendants immediately return to work, allowing the airline to resume the operations of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, which have been grounded since August 16.

“The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologize for the impact on them of this labour disruption. Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible. Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. Full restoration may require a week or more, so we ask for our customers’ patience and understanding over the coming days. I assure them that everyone at Air Canada is doing everything possible to enable them to travel soon,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

The first flights are scheduled for the evening of August 19, but customers are advised that the airline’s return to full, regular service may require seven-to-ten days as aircraft and crew are out of position. During this process, some flights will be cancelled over the next seven to ten days until the schedule is stabilized.

Only customers with confirmed bookings whose flights are shown as operating should go to the airport (check your flight’s status on aircanada.com or on the Air Canada mobile app before going to the airport). Air Canada will offer options to those with cancelled flights, including obtaining a full refund or receiving a credit for future travel. The carrier will also offer to rebook customers on other airlines, although capacity is currently limited due to the peak summer travel season.

As is customary, Air Canada will not comment on the agreement until the ratification process is complete. During any ratification or under the binding arbitration process, a strike or lockout is not possible, meaning customers can plan, book and travel with Air Canada with certainty.

Limited-Time Offer Provides Nearly 18 Months of Frontier Gold Benefits, Including a Free Carry-on Bag, Priority Boarding and More

DENVER, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC) wants to be your new low fare airline, and in partnership with Loyalty Status Co has announced an exclusive offer for members of select loyalty programs with other airlines so they can experience the premium perks of FRONTIER Miles, the most rewarding loyalty program in the sky. For a limited time, consumers with any level of loyalty program membership with Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines or Alaska Airlines can upgrade to Frontier Elite Gold status through December 2026 for just $69*.

Elite Gold members enjoy many premium perks including:

• A free carry-on bag
• Zone 1 priority boarding
• Priority customer care
• Free preferred seat selection
• Complimentary upgrades to premium seating at check-in and UpFront Plus seating four hours before departure

Elite Gold members also earn miles faster – 14X per $1 spent on eligible Frontier purchases – making it easier to reach Elite Platinum or Elite Diamond status. Platinum and Diamond members now enjoy unlimited companion travel, and in late 2025 Frontier will debut First Class seating across its network, offering unmatched comfort and space at ultra-low fares. 

“This is one of the most valuable offers we’ve ever extended to frequent flyers,” said Jeff Werkheiser, senior director of brand and customer engagement, Frontier Airlines. “We’re inviting members of many different airline loyalty programs to experience The New Frontier – where they can travel affordably without sacrificing comfort or premium perks.” 

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Frontier Airlines to bring such a compelling opportunity to members of other programs,” added Mark Ross-Smith, CEO, Loyalty Status Co. “Earning nearly 18 months of Gold status for just $69 is an unbeatable way for travelers to elevate their journeys.” 

To take advantage of this offer, existing members of qualifying loyalty programs can visit frontier.getstatus.com by September 9 and provide their membership information along with the $69* application fee.

*FRONTIER Miles Instant Elite Gold Status Campaign Terms and Conditions:

These specific Frontier status offer terms and conditions apply in addition to the general terms below. 

• All applicants must be current members of the FRONTIER Miles program. If you’re not currently enrolled, you may do so here. 
• Eligible members must hold a valid Rapid Rewards^®, TrueBlue^®, Free Spirit^®, or Mileage Plan™ membership (joined before August 19th, 2025) and provide details. 
• The FRONTIER Miles Elite Gold status offer is valid for purchase for a limited time. The offer may change or be withdrawn at any time, including but not limited to the fees and validity period. 
• All fees, which are subject to change at any time without notice, will be marked and shown before any payments are collected. 
• The Instant FRONTIER Miles Elite status offer provides eligible and approved members Frontier Elite Gold status through December 31, 2026. 
• Once your Frontier Miles account has been upgraded to Gold status, no refunds are permitted under this offer.
• Any refunds provided will result in immediate revocation of Gold status and loss of any associated benefits. 
• The upgrade to the member account will be processed within 24-48 hours. 
• Members must use the same email address in their FRONTIER Miles account on the status offer. 
• Members may be asked to provide additional identification before activating purchased services or products. 
• Purchasing this offer will not extend any existing Frontier status. 
• Members who have previously done a Status Match are eligible for this offer if they meet the criteria. 
• FRONTIER Miles Elite Status benefits cannot be applied to existing bookings to replace ancillary selections already paid for.  Only where ancillary items such as seat selection or bags are not already paid for can the new status benefits be applied. No refund of these ancillary selections is allowed. 
• If you qualified for the status match campaign for Southwest Rapid Rewards^® members earlier this year, you are not eligible for this promotion. 

720 tonnes of aid delivered. More than 15.5 million lives touched.

Over the past five years, Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading air cargo carrier, has transported 720 tonnes of life-saving aid pro bono in support of Airlink and 42 of its non-profit partners. The result? Over 15.5 million people reached in 34 countries.

On this World Humanitarian Day, Qatar Airways Cargo has reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian aid through its WeQare programme – an initiative that is a conscious endeavour to create a positive impact on the industry and the world, including through humanitarian aid. 

In 2024 alone, Qatar Airways Cargo shipped 136 tonnes of critical supplies, supporting Airlink and 16 of its partner NGOs across 12 countries, delivering everything from essential medicines and clean water supplies to shelter materials. That’s USD $2.19 million saved in logistics costs that enabled Airlink and its partners to use these funds where they were needed most – by scaling up humanitarian response efforts.

The numbers speak for themselves:

• 720 tonnes shipped pro bono
• USD $6.59 million saved for NGOs
• 15.5+ million people reached
• 20+ global emergencies responded to

“WeQare is more than a name—it’s a mission,” says Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo. “We are committed to helping Airlink and their partners deliver the right aid, to the right place, at the right time. We continue to support charitable, environmental and humanitarian initiatives across the globe, and will always step up to support our partners.”

Commenting on their partnership, Stephanie Steege, Vice President of Humanitarian Programs at Airlink, said: “The partnership between Qatar Airways Cargo and Airlink is critical in swiftly delivering aid to hard-to-reach crises and supporting our health system strengthening programs, and we are proud of what we have accomplished together. For more than a third of Airlink’s 15-year history, Qatar Airways Cargo has made a transformative impact on our programs worldwide. We thank everyone at Qatar Airways Cargo for their years of support and look forward to continuing to bring hope and relief to communities in crisis for years to come.”

In 2025, Qatar Airways Cargo was recognised with the prestigious 2025 Air Transport World (ATW) Humanitarian Award, a testament to its unwavering commitment to using its vast network and resources for good. This award highlights the airline’s consistent efforts in providing vital aid and disaster relief to communities in need across the globe.

As well as Airlink, Qatar Airways Cargo continues to support other charitable organisations for humanitarian aid including UNHCR, UNICEF and World Food Programme. For the financial year 2024 to 2025, Qatar Airways Cargo transported a total of 470,000kg of humanitarian aid to countries afflicted by crisis.

About Qatar Airways Cargo

Riga — The Supervisory Board of the Latvian airline airBaltic has appointed Erno Hildén as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the airline. He will assume the role as of December 1, 2025.

Mr. Hildén, a Finnish national, brings more than 25 years of international experience in aviation and finance. Until June 2025, he served as Executive Vice President and Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SAS Scandinavian Airlines, where he was a key member of the leadership team during the company’s transformation and capital raise. Before joining SAS, he held senior roles at Saudi Arabian Airlines Group and at Finnair Plc, where he served as Group CFO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and a member of the Executive Board.

Andrejs Martinovs, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of airBaltic, said:
“After a thorough and professional selection process, led by a dedicated nomination committee and an external independent recruitment partner, including the evaluation of several highly qualified candidates, we are pleased to appoint Erno Hildén as the next CEO of airBaltic. His strong background in aviation and finance will add important expertise as the company continues to develop its business and prepares for the next phase of growth. The Supervisory Board looks forward to working closely with him and the Executive Board in the period ahead.”

Erno Hildén commented:
“I appreciate the trust placed in me by the Supervisory Board. It is a privilege to take on this responsibility at airBaltic. My focus will be on ensuring continuity, supporting the Executive Board, and working together with the team to maintain operational stability and contribute to the company’s long-term objectives. I also look forward to applying my international aviation and financial experience to support the company’s next stage of development.”

Until December 1, airBaltic will continue to be led by Interim CEO and Executive Board member Pauls Cālītis, ensuring continuity. After that date, Mr. Cālītis will continue in his role as COO and as a member of the Executive Board.

airBaltic operates more than 130 routes from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Tampere, and, seasonally, Gran Canaria, offering connections to destinations in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus region. A complete schedule of airBaltic flights and tickets is available at www.airbaltic.com.

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 18, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada is suspending its guidance for third quarter and full-year 2025 operating results due to the effects of the labour disruption by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the resulting suspension of all flights.

On August 17, 2025, the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) directed Air Canada to resume airline operations and for all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants to resume their duties by 14:00 EDT on August 17, 2025. The CIRB further ordered that the term of the collective agreement between Air Canada and CUPE that expired on March 31, 2025, be extended to include the period beginning on April 1, 2025 and ending on the day on which the new collective agreement between the parties comes into effect. The CIRB also imposed final binding arbitration to resolve the outstanding terms of the collective agreement. The arbitration procedure would be addressed in the coming days and weeks. 

Later, on August 17, 2025, CUPE illegally directed its flight attendant members to defy the direction from the CIRB to return to work resulting in Air Canada suspending its plan to resume limited flying by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.

Given the effects of the labour disruption and related impact on operations, Air Canada is suspending its guidance for third quarter and full-year 2025 operating results provided in its July 28, 2025 news release.  

Air Canada deeply regrets the impact the labour disruption has had on its customers, its stakeholders and the communities it serves.