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AMSTERDAM and PARIS, June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Transavia Netherlands, the leading low-cost Dutch carrier and Transavia France, the leading low-cost carrier of France, both high-growth subsidiaries of Air France-KLM Group, will partner with IBS Software to transform flight operations for over 145,000 annual flights and optimize crew management.

By implementing IBS Software’s iFlight solution, a unified crew and operations management platform, Transavia Netherlands and Transavia France will be able to access one single source platform to more easily manage disruptions, allocate resources and sprint faster towards its sustainability goals. The single flight operations system will be shared amongst Air France-KLM Group’s 5 airlines, with the crew management system unified across both Transavia France and Transavia Netherlands.

IBS Software’s fully MACH (Microservices-based API-first and Cloud Native) iFlight solution will enable Transavia Netherlands and Transavia France to digitally transform operations at scale, and benefit from superior performance, scalability, security, modularity and resilience. Features including the Tail Optimizer will allow both carriers to realize the full potential of its resources and accelerate the airlines’ net-zero initiatives. Streamlined, automated processes, will enable the carriers to support staff productivity, and align with Air France-KLM Group’s modernization strategy. Accessible, intelligent digital tools, such as process automation, will provide the carriers with more visibility over impacted areas when disruption hits, reducing the impact of delays on staff and passengers.

Etienne Slagman, Head of Schedule & Resource Optimizing & Continuous Improvement at Transavia Netherlands comments: “At Transavia Netherlands, we have a strong commitment to delivering efficient services that are beneficial for staff and passengers alike. Our collaboration with IBS Software will enable us to drive higher operational excellence, and greater employee satisfaction with increased digitalization.” 

Sébastien Lemaire, Chief Information Officer at Transavia France comments: “The trajectory of Transavia is one of strong growth – we will double our aircraft this summer from our fleet in 2019. Our partnership with IBS Software was prompted by the need for strong, high-performance tools that enable us to stay at the forefront of delivering high quality passenger services and ensure robust operations.

Julian Fish, Senior Vice President & Head of Aviation Operations Solutions at IBS Software comments: “A robust crew management and flight operations system is integral to airlines’ ability to adapt in modern times of political and economic instability. Our relationship with Transavia Netherlands and Transavia France marks a shared commitment to spearheading sustainability & digital transformation across the aviation industry.”

This partnership marks a milestone in Transavia Netherlands and Transavia France’s modernization strategy, as both carriers migrate to a cloud-based infrastructure to power a centralized platform and bolstering an open platform strategy.

About IBS Software

IBS Software is a leading SaaS solutions provider to the travel industry globally, managing mission-critical operations for customers in the aviation, tour & cruise, hospitality, and energy resources industries. IBS Software’s solutions for the aviation industry cover fleet & crew operations, aircraft maintenance, passenger services, loyalty programs, staff travel, and air cargo management. Across the hospitality sector, IBS Software offers a cloud-native, unified platform for hotels and travel sellers, including central reservation (CRS), property management (PMS), revenue management (RMS), call centre, booking engine, loyalty, and distribution. For the tour & cruise industry, IBS provides a comprehensive, customer-centric, digital platform that covers onshore, online and on-board solutions. Across the energy & resources industry, we provide logistics management solutions that cover logistics planning, operations & accommodation management. The Consulting and Digital Transformation (CDx) business focuses on driving digital transformation initiatives of its customers, leveraging its domain knowledge, digital technologies and engineering excellence. IBS Software operates from 17 offices across the world.

Further information can be found at www.ibsplc.com; Follow us: Blog | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About Transavia Netherlands

Since 1965, Transavia has been making flying accessible to everyone. Passengers enjoy annual holiday travel, visiting family abroad, and exploring new destinations across Europe and North Africa. This is made possible by a dedicated team of over 3,000 employees — from cockpit and cabin crew to technical and office staff on the ground. Together, they ensure a high-quality journey, delivering a truly exceptional travel experience, now and in the future.

About Transavia France

Transavia, the low-cost airline of the Air France-KLM group, operates nearly 400 routes from France (Orly, Nantes, Lyon, Montpellier, Bordeaux and Marseille), the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven) and Belgium (Brussels) to France, Europe and the Mediterranean basin. In 2024, Transavia France sold 14 million seats. Today, it is the leading low-cost airline departing from Paris (Beauvais, Charles de Gaulle, Orly). With more than 3,200 employees in France, Transavia is committed to service quality, crew proximity and innovation. A commitment that regularly earns it awards. In the Skytrax 2024 ranking – Transavia is the 2nd best Low Cost airline in Europe, and 5th worldwide. For the fifth year running, Transavia France was voted Customer Service of the Year 2025 in the Public Passenger Transport category. For the sixth time, it was also awarded the “Meilleure Enseigne” label by Capital magazine and received the Qualiweb 2025 trophy for its online services in the Tourism and Transport category. Finally, Transavia France received the Travel Trust Award from Skyscanner, for the best booking experience.

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New features are exclusive to United app and include personalized, turn-by-turn directions to connecting gates with estimated walk times, real-time flight status updates, tips for longer layovers, and a heads up if United is able to hold the plane for those with an extra-tight connection

Features are an extension of airline’s ConnectionSaver back-end technology and provide customers full visibility into connecting flight status 

During spring beta test phase, more than 350,000 customers used new features, achieving a 98% success rate in making their connection

More than 20 million United customers have already booked connecting flights this summer

CHICAGO, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — United is ready for peak summer travel season with the official launch of new, personalized mobile app features that make catching connecting flights easier.

Customers with connecting flights at United’s U.S. hub airports can now access a special section of the app that includes a countdown to connecting flights, customized turn-by-turn directions to their connecting gate with estimated walk times, real-time flight status updates, tips for longer layovers, and notifications if United’s ConnectionSaver technology has been activated to hold the plane for them.

These features are exclusive to the United mobile app and expand on the airline’s ConnectionSaver technology – an industry-leading, AI-powered tool that has saved more than 3.3 million customer connections since launching in 2019. ConnectionSaver automatically identifies departing flights that can be held for connecting customers – without delaying the on-time arrival of the customers who have already boarded. Now, customers have full visibility into their connecting flights right on their phone screens.

United trialed these app features during a beta test period this spring, and during that time, more than 350,000 customers used the new features, achieving a 98% success rate making their connection.

“We know that giving people more information, in a transparent and easy-to-understand way, can help de-stress the connecting flight experience,” said David Kinzelman, United’s Chief Customer Officer. “Our award-winning mobile app is a game-changer during travel, and with these new features, our customers will have even more real-time details about their flight and as a result, have an even better experience flying United.”

More than 20 million United customers have already booked connecting flights this summer. The new features are much more customer-facing and specify personalized details based on connection type, including:

• Comfortable Connections: Travelers with comfortable connections are provided personalized status updates to make their connecting flights, including countdown to boarding, gate-to-gate directions and personalized tips to navigate large airports or long layovers such as United Club^SM location details.
• Tight Connections: For travelers pressed on time during a connection, the suite of features provides key information to help them navigate to their connecting flight, including boarding time, walking time, gate number and more. Plus, they will get app notifications if their next flight is being held for them with ConnectionSaver, offering more transparency and peace of mind during their travel journey.
• Missed Connections: If travel doesn’t go as planned, customers automatically receive personalized re-booking options to get them back on their way, giving them options to rebook on a confirmed flight or join the standby list for earlier flights if a seat becomes available.

United will continue to evolve and advance these features to bring even more functionality to customers, including:

• Additional Languages: These features are currently available in English and Spanish, and the airline plans to launch additional languages in the future.
• Expanded Navigation Support: Customers will soon be able to enable location services to show their current location at the airport and provide even more detailed, step-by-step directions, making it even easier to navigate through airports.
• Text Message Updates: United currently notifies customers who opt-in to receive text messages about flight delays and updates customers with connecting flights only if they have a tight connection. In the months ahead, United will deploy text messages to update customers with connecting flights in real time about their connecting flight status and relevant details to make their flights. These more personalized text message updates will provide additional transparency into customer travel plans, reassuring them if they have a comfortable connection or providing tips to navigate a tight or missed connection.

United continues to lead the airline industry on implementing new technologies to improve the customer experience, including:

• Automatic rebooking assistance: Rather than standing in line to speak with an agent or manually searching for alternatives, United’s self-service tools automatically provide travelers with personalized rebooking options, baggage tracking details, and, when eligible, meal and hotel vouchers if their flight is delayed or canceled.
• Real-time weather delay updates: United texts real-time radar maps to help customers understand how inclement weather in one part of the country can impact a flight elsewhere. United is the first and only U.S. airline currently providing its customers these kinds of specific messages, and the airline is sending them with assistance from gen AI tools.
• Industry-leading connectivity in the sky: United started rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi service, the world’s fastest, most reliable connectivity in the sky, for free to MileagePlus® members, and it includes game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming and more. United two-cabin regional aircraft will be outfitted with Starlink by end of year, and the first United mainline aircraft will be outfitted with Starlink by end of year.
• Bag tracking enhancements: United integrated Apple’s Share Item Location for AirTag, so customers everywhere who travel with an AirTag or Find My network accessory can seamlessly share the accessory location with United’s customer service team to help locate their luggage in the event that it is mishandled.

MONTRÉAL, June 25, 2025 – Air Canada (TSX: AC) has taken up and paid for 26,595,744 of its Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares (collectively, the “shares”) at a price of $18.80 per share under its $500 million substantial issuer bid (the “Offer”) to purchase shares for cancellation.

The successful completion of the Offer by Air Canada is an additional step towards its goal of reducing its fully diluted number of shares below 300 million by 2028, creating value for shareholders while investing in growth through a balanced long-term capital allocation strategy.

The shares bought under the Offer, representing about 8.24% of the total number thereof, were acquired for about $500 million. After the Offer, about 296.1 million shares are expected to remain issued and outstanding.

Other information about the Offer

A total of about 26.8 million shares were validly deposited in the Offer and not withdrawn pursuant to auction tenders at or below $18.80 or purchase price tenders. As the Offer was oversubscribed, about 99.14% of the successfully tendered shares were purchased by Air Canada, other than “odd lot” tenders not subject to proration.

Payment and settlement of the purchased shares will be made on or before June 27, 2025 in accordance with the Offer and applicable law. Any shares that are not purchased, including as a result of proration or auction tenders at more than $18.80, will be returned to shareholders as soon as practicable.

Air Canada estimates that for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the ”ITA”) the paid-up capital per share is about $10.59. Shareholders who have sold shares to Air Canada under the Offer will as a result be deemed to have received a dividend equal to $8.21 per share, the amount by which the purchase price exceeds the paid-up capital per share for Canadian federal income tax purposes. The dividend deemed to have been paid by Air Canada to Canadian resident persons is designated as an “eligible dividend” for purposes of the ITA and any corresponding provincial and territorial tax legislation. The “specified amount” for purposes of subsection 191(4) of the ITA is $8.21. Shareholders should consult with their own tax advisors with respect to the income tax consequences of the disposition of their shares under the Offer.

The full details of the Offer were described in the offer to purchase and issuer bid circular dated May 16, 2025, as well as the related letter of transmittal and notice of guaranteed delivery, copies of which were filed and are available under Air Canada’s profile on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

Today (25 June, Wednesday), Ryanair, the number 1 airline in Poland and Europe, celebrated a milestone at Katowice Airport; the 10-millionth Ryanair passenger in Pyrzowice since beginning of operations at the airport in 2007 was handled. Mr. Mateusz, the lucky passenger, arrived on the morning flight from Catania.

Ryanair commenced its activities in Katowice in November 2007; today, it offers:

• 23 regular routes during the summer 2025 season, including 4 new destinations: Budapest, Brussels-Charleroi, Dubrovnik and Reggio di Calabria;
• 3 based aircraft for regular traffic;
• 5 aircraft for charter traffic.

It means that this summer Ryanair has a total of 8 based aircraft in Pyrzowice, i.e. a USD 800M investment and additional jobs in the region.

Alicja Wójcik-Gołębiowska, Ryanair Head of Communications CEE & Baltics, said:

“We are very happy to welcome the 10-millionth Ryanair passenger at Katowice Airport today. It’s a milestone which underlines our long-term development in this region. Since 2007, we have been steadily expanding our offer from Pyrzowice, basing both our scheduled and charter aircraft here. The 2025 summer schedule covers 23 routes, including 4 new destinations: Budapest, Brussels-Charleroi, Dubrovnik and Reggio di Calabria, providing passengers from Upper Silesia with an even bigger choice of attractive and low-cost connections. As the biggest carrier in Europe, we want to continue expanding in Poland and Katowice, and hope that soon we will celebrate further passenger-related milestones here.”

Artur Tomasik, President of the Board of the Upper Silesian Aviation Group, said:

“Ryanair is an important business partner for Katowice Airport, one which consequently expands its network of regular flights here. Currently, the airline has three Boeing 737 aircraft based at Katowice Airport for scheduled flights. This year, the airline offers new routes from Pyrzowice, including two to European capitals, i.e. Budapest and Brussels. We hope that Ryanair will expand its Katowice Airport base with next aircraft in the future, allowing for further growth of the regular flights offer and growth of the number of handled passengers.”

Delta reinforces its commitment to Seattle with the launch of new nonstop service to Barcelona and Rome and the debut of two premier experiences—a Delta One Lounge and Delta Sky Club— in one 24,000-square-foot-space inspired by the Emerald City.

Delta is deepening its investment in Seattle with the announcement of new nonstop service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Barcelona and Rome, alongside the debut of two new premier lounges at SEA: a luxurious Delta One Lounge and a sophisticated Delta Sky Club. Complementing these enhancements, Delta has secured priority access to 18 gates across Concourses A and B—streamlining operations and ensuring a more seamless, elevated experience for travelers from check-in to takeoff. 

“Delta’s commitment runs deep in Seattle, from our people on the ground to our global ambitions in the skies,” said Glen Hauenstein, President of Delta Air Lines. “With new international service and the opening of our Delta One Lounge, we’re investing in what matters most to our customers—exceptional, premium experiences—and reinforcing our role as Seattle’s largest global carrier.” 

Powering Seattle’s international reach 

Delta will launch new daily nonstop service from Seattle to Barcelona and Rome beginning summer 2026*, opening the door to two of Europe’s most iconic destinations. Whether exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona or the timeless landmarks of Rome, customers will enjoy a seamless journey aboard the next-generation Airbus A330-900neo, featuring Delta’s premium cabin experiences. Delta One offers lie-flat seats with full-height privacy doors, direct aisle access and curated inflight meals paired with premium wines. Delta Premium Select offers a more spacious seat, adjustable footrest and leg rest, upgraded dining and an amenity kit, all designed to make long-haul travel more comfortable and refined. 

Delta has launched 28 new markets in Seattle over the past decade and now operates nearly 180 peak-day departures to 60+ global destinations. Through Delta’s global alliances, customers have access to hundreds more across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. 

“We welcome the opportunity to grow our partnership with Delta as they expand Seattle’s connections to international communities and businesses,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman. “Delta’s new international flights to Rome and Barcelona and two new lounges enhance our ability to be a welcoming port. These efforts are good for travelers and enhance cultural exchanges that also benefit our vibrant region.”

A new era of premium travel at SEA 

For the first time ever, Delta is opening two lounges in one separate-but-connected space. Situated across from Gate A11, the two-story space features over 24,000 square feet of panoramic mountain views, sophisticated design and premium offerings to suit every customer. This is the fourth Delta One Lounge added to the network in the past year and the third new Delta Sky Club, bringing the total of Delta lounges and clubs to 57. 

To enhance the Delta One Lounge experience, Delta One customers flying out of SEA now enjoy an exclusive, concierge-style Delta One check-in; similar experiences are offered at BOS, JFK and LAX, with plans to expand to all Delta hubs. Starting June 25, eligible passengers flying in any cabin who check in via the Fly Delta app and enroll in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID (formerly Delta Digital ID) can access expedited bag drop and security lanes, with this benefit rolling out to all Delta hubs by year’s end. 

Perched on the top floor, the Delta One Lounge offers an exclusive retreat with seats for 149 guests inside and 72 seats on a wrap-around terrace with breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier. Just below, the Delta Sky Club seats 183, where expansive windows showcase the surrounding mountains and forests.  

“These sophisticated-yet-comfortable spaces reflect Delta’s commitment to delivering experiences customers can look forward to through every step of their journey,” said Claude Roussel, VP of Sky Clubs and Lounge Experience. “By continuing to invest in key markets and creating bespoke Lounges and Sky Clubs, we are responding to customer demand for the elevated experiences they have come to know, love and expect from Delta at our hubs and beyond.”  

The space pays homage to Seattle’s natural beauty with stone accents, rich wood paneling and a palette of emerald, navy, rust, and warm wood tones. Metallic finishes and reflective glass mimic misty mountain peaks, while curated lighting enhances the inviting atmosphere. Artwork from global and Seattle-based artists add depth and character. This includes Pam Kueny Taylor’s mixed media piece, “Time to Migrate,” featuring a bird perched atop suitcases.  

“Our goal throughout the design process was to create a space that captures both Seattle’s beautiful aesthetic and soul,” said Roussel. “From locally sourced food and artwork by Washington-based artists to sustainable design, this space reflects the spirit and values of the Pacific Northwest.” 

Bold local flavors – as unforgettable as the view 

The Delta One Lounge offers a Seattle-inspired fine-dining experience with an open kitchen, where guests can engage with chefs as dishes are prepared. The three-course menu highlights locally sourced seafood, from Dungeness crab cannelloni to wood-fired teriyaki steelhead, alongside dumplings, ramen and yellowtail crudo. Desserts include a Rainier cherry sundae, chocolate mousse and an artisanal cheese plate featuring Beecher’s flagship cheese. 

Breakfast at the Lounge continues the Pacific Northwest theme with fresh pastries, Dungeness crab benedict and Dutch baby pancakes topped with Rainier cherry compote.  

The regional flair goes beyond the plate – coffee is sourced from Seattle’s own Caffe Umbria, bringing a taste of a city favorite for locals and visitors to enjoy. At the bar, Guests can enjoy a selection of cocktails inspired by Seattle destinations, premium sake and a West Coast–focused wine portfolio.  

The Delta Sky Club rotates seasonal specialties, offering zesty salads, hearty entrees like lemon chicken and ribs and clam chowder from Seattle’s iconic Ivar’s. Desserts include coconut cream pie and marionberry crumble. Like at all Delta Sky Clubs, guests can sit back and enjoy coffee from Starbucks – a hallmark of Delta’s wide-ranging partnership with the beloved Seattle brand. At the bar, cocktails, beer and wine are served, along with non-alcoholic options, with sweeping views of Mount Rainier in the backdrop. 

From elegant plateware sourced from local shops in Japan to our highly trained, attentive staff, each moment is elevated with high-touch hospitality that is distinctly Delta. 

Sustainable innovation, elevated experience 

Beyond its striking design, the entirety of the space was created with sustainability in mind, featuring smart windows that adjust to sunlight, all-electric energy with motion-sensing lights, and reusable dinnerware to reduce waste. These thoughtful touches help lower energy consumption while fostering an eco-friendly, comfortable, and elevated atmosphere. 

These enhancements are matched by a broader commitment to sustainability in Delta’s Seattle hub: 87% of Delta’s CORE fleet and 70% of its ground support equipment at SEA are now electric. As a testament to Delta’s focus on enhancing sustainability initiatives across its operation at SEA, last year the Port of Seattle recognized the airline with a Sustainable Century Award for operating the highest percentage of fuel-efficient aircraft at the airport. 

Continued investments in Seattle 

With 2,700 employees across Washington state, Delta has a long-standing commitment to Seattle—reflected in impactful partnerships with local brands like Starbucks and T-Mobile, sponsorships of beloved hometown teams including the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders FC, and deep engagement with community organizations throughout the region. 

*SEA-FCO will launch May 6, 2026. SEA-BCN will launch May 7, 2026. 

This collaboration highlights the value of strategic partnerships

• Air Europa’s first flight from Abu Dhabi marks the Spanish carrier’s Middle East debut
• Enhanced partnership strengthens connectivity between the UAE and Spain

Abu Dhabi, UAE / Madrid, Spain  – Etihad Airways and Air Europa have celebrated a historic milestone as Air Europa operates its inaugural wet-lease flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid, marking the Spanish carrier’s first-ever aircraft operation from the Middle East.

The landmark Boeing 787-9 service represents a significant evolution of the partnership between the two airlines, building on their expanded codeshare agreement and frequent flyer programme cooperation. This collaboration highlights the value of strategic partnerships in improving global connectivity and offering more seamless travel options for passengers across four continents.

Etihad now offers twice-daily services to Madrid, with the afternoon EY103 service operated by Air Europa’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring 32 Business class and 307 Economy seats. The wet-lease arrangement, alongside the expanded codeshare, strengthens the growing market between Abu Dhabi and Spain, and supports wider tourism and trade links between the two countries.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Today marks a new chapter in our partnership with Air Europa. This collaboration demonstrates how Etihad can work with strategic partners to enhance our Madrid route and offer even greater choice for travellers between the UAE and Spain. By partnering with Air Europa, we’re opening exciting possibilities for our passengers seeking to explore new destinations.”

Juan José Hidalgo, Air Europa’s President, added: ““Partnering with Etihad Airways to launch our first Middle East service from Abu Dhabi is a major milestone for Air Europa. It allows us to better serve growing demand for travel between Spain and the UAE. Abu Dhabi is a world-class destination and an ideal platform for us to expand into new markets.”

The partnership reinforces Etihad’s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s position as an attractive destination for both leisure and business travel, while also strengthening links with key European markets such as Spain. Together, Etihad and Air Europa offer passengers convenient travel options to more than 130 destinations across their combined networks.

The wet-lease operation establishes a strong foundation for more strategic initiatives between Etihad and Air Europa in the future, including opportunities for deeper commercial activities and expanded bilateral cooperation. Both airlines remain committed to exploring additional collaborative opportunities that will benefit passengers through enhanced travel options, improved connectivity, and seamless service delivery.

FRISCO, Texas ー The PGA of America and American Airlines announced today an expansive new multiyear partnership establishing American as the Official Airline of the PGA of America and PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), as well as the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup USA through 2027.

Designed to elevate the travel experience for PGA of America Golf Professionals and the thousands of PGA Championship and Ryder Cup spectators nationwide, American brings an unparalleled commitment to accessibility and connection to the game.

In this exciting collaboration, American will work closely with the PGA of America to provide immersive experiences and exclusive benefits to AAdvantage^® credit cardmembers, including designated hospitality areas and the opportunity to redeem miles for various perks.

“Together with the PGA, we’re looking forward to offering our customers an opportunity to experience golf like never before, whether they’re traveling to the most-talked-about tournaments or getting within feet of their favorite golfers on the course,” said Caroline Clayton, American’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our AAdvantage^® members love these priceless moments, and we’re honored to make them happen.”

American will also serve as a presenting sponsor of The Secretary’s Cup, a spirited 9-hole match amongst 12 PGA HOPE teams that is contested annually during PGA Championship week. PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of The PGA of America REACH Foundation, introducing golf to Veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

“American Airlines is well established as a global aviation leader, dedicated to providing exceptional service and travel experiences,” said Jeff Price, PGA of America Chief Commercial and Philanthropy Officer. “As our PGA Members travel the country growing the game and thousands of spectators journey to our Major Championships, American will deliver a world-class experience and ensure they reach their destinations. American’s tremendous support of PGA HOPE and one of our Association’s most impactful annual events, The Secretary’s Cup, highlights our shared mission to support our nation’s heroes.”

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held Sept. 23-28 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. The 108th PGA Championship will be contested May 11-17, 2026, at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

Relive Delta’s recent gate celebrations to exciting new and recurring European routes just in time for the summer.

Delta is making bold moves across the Atlantic this summer, operating its most expansive trans-Atlantic schedule ever from key hubs including New York–JFK, Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis–St. Paul, and Detroit. With this growth, Delta becomes the largest U.S. carrier to Italy, Greece, France, the Netherlands, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and the Czech Republic, and the only U.S. airline flying direct to Prague. 

And while the celebrations span the map this summer, Italy is taking center stage. Delta has increased service to the country by more than 10% year-over-year, reinforcing its position as the #1 U.S. carrier in the Italian market.  

Boston (BOS) to Barcelona, Spain (BCN) 

Boston Logan’s Terminal E turned into a mini fiesta with flamenco dancers and a Spanish guitarist, with mocktails to match. The energy of Barcelona was alive and well at the gate, setting the tone for a summer of tapas and sangria. 

Boston (BOS) to Milan, Italy (MXP) 

The next day, Milan took center stage with a live opera and elegant refreshments. Customers were treated to a taste of Italy’s fashion and cultural capital before wheels up. 

New York (JFK) to Catania, Sicily (CTA) 

Delta’s first-ever direct flight to Catania took off with a sweet Sicilian send-off. Think: a custom cannoli-inspired cake, Italian treats and live music from a local Sicilian artist. The celebration captured the spirit of Sicily’s eastern coast—Mount Etna, Taormina and Siracusa included. 

Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH) 

Delta and the Metropolitan Airports Commission marked the launch with speeches, live music and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event brought together Delta leaders and local officials to celebrate a new link between the Midwest and Scandinavia. 

Also launched in May: 

• Detroit (DTW) to Dublin, Ireland (DUB) 

• Atlanta (ATL) to Naples, Italy (NAP) 

• Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Rome, Italy (FCO) 

And the momentum continues with Atlanta to Brussels (BRU) route launched June 10. 

With new routes, more seats and noteworthy send-offs, Delta is giving customers more ways than ever to experience the world whether it’s sipping espresso in Rome, flamenco dancing in Barcelona or exploring the charm of Copenhagen.  Book your flight at delta.com.

Flying over bodies of water brings unique challenges that go well beyond routine safety checks. In the rare event of a ditching or forced water landing, crews and passengers face hypothermia, disorientation and isolation until rescue arrives. Hands-on preparation and muscle-memory drills are essential to turn a crisis into a controlled evacuation.

Understanding overwater emergencies.

An unplanned water landing tests both equipment and human instinct. Cold temperatures, strong currents and the shock of immersion can overwhelm even experienced aviators. In that moment, familiarity with life vests, life rafts and signalling devices becomes essential.

During these rare but critical challenges, aviation professionals rely on two specialised programmes: water survival training and HUET training (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training). Each course builds the skills and confidence needed to respond decisively when every second counts. Training that simulates these conditions reduces panic and improves coordination, ensuring that crews can guide passengers through evacuation and await rescue safely.

Water survival training essentials

Water survival training focuses on actions immediately after ditching. Crews practise inflating and donning life vests, boarding life rafts in choppy water and operating distress signals such as flares and personal locator beacons. Training often takes place in pools or sheltered open-water sites where instructors can vary wave patterns and water temperatures to mirror real sea conditions. Participants learn to:

• Conserve energy and maintain body heat
• Deploy and manage life rafts under pressure
• Prioritise the safety of passengers with limited swimming ability
• Use communication tools to coordinate with rescue vessels

By repeating these exercises, crew members develop the muscle memory and calm mindset needed to act without hesitation.

The importance of HUET training

For personnel who fly to offshore platforms or island airstrips, helicopter emergencies require additional preparation. HUET training immerses trainees in underwater escape drills. Pilots, engineers and cabin attendants enter a submerged mock-up cabin that tilts and fills with water. Under instructor supervision, they practise:

• Operating emergency breathing systems
• Locating and opening escape hatches in zero visibility
• Maintaining orientation in disorienting conditions
• Exiting the fuselage and swimming clear of the wreckage

These realistic scenarios teach crews to control their breathing, think clearly under stress and support one another during escape.

Building confidence through realism

Both programmes stress realistic conditions and repeated practice. Instructors introduce unexpected variables, such as simulated equipment malfunctions or power disruptions, to test adaptability. After each drill, participants review performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Over time, crews gain the assurance that they can respond confidently to any overwater scenario.

Keeping skills current

Completing water survival and HUET courses once is not enough. Regular recurrency ensures that skills remain sharp and that newer crew members gain the same competence. Airlines often partner with accredited providers for scheduled training blocks, combining online theory with hands-on sessions. Some use digital platforms to track certifications, automate refresher reminders and maintain audit-ready records, helping management demonstrate compliance and safeguard operations.

Conclusion

Overwater emergencies challenge both training and teamwork. By investing in comprehensive water survival training and HUET training, aviation operators equip their crews with the lifesaving skills required for any sea landing. Realistic drills build confidence and coordination, while ongoing recurrency keeps every team member prepared. In aviation, readiness means more than maintaining aircraft, it entails ensuring every person on board has the knowledge and practice to reach safety in case of an emergency.

New Capabilities Provide Customers with More Ways to Monitor and Help Recover Their Checked Bags

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announced two major enhancements to its baggage experience: a new mobile app feature that provides customers with real-time updates on the status of their checked bags, and a new option that allows customers to securely share the location of an Apple AirTag or Find My network accessory placed inside their checked luggage.

“We are constantly looking for ways to offer our customers a more convenient travel experience,” said Carol Clements, JetBlue’s Chief Digital and Technology Officer. “As part of our JetForward strategy, we’re focused on delivering the products and perks our customers want. This new in-app bag tracking feature, along with AirTag location sharing for baggage recovery, are designed to bring customers peace of mind when checking their bags with JetBlue.”

These new capabilities will give customers greater visibility into their bags’ journey and help expedite recovery in the rare event of a delay or mishandling. JetBlue consistently ranks among the top U.S. carriers for baggage handling, with fewer than 1% of customers experiencing a delay, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. The airline continues to invest in innovative, customer-focused technology to deliver a more seamless travel experience.

New Baggage Tracking in the JetBlue Mobile App
Building on the baggage status updates JetBlue already provides via email, the airline has introduced enhanced tracking in its mobile app, making it easier than ever for customers to stay informed. Travelers flying across JetBlue’s network can now access real-time updates on their checked bags directly within the app, putting everything in one convenient place. This added visibility not only streamlines the travel experience but also offers greater peace of mind by helping customers feel confident their bags are on the right track.

Apple’s Find My Integration Enhances JetBlue’s Baggage Support
JetBlue is also adding support in the rare event a checked bag is delayed or misplaced. Customers who place an Apple AirTag or Find My network accessory in their bag can now choose to securely share its location with JetBlue’s Baggage Service team, helping the airline reunite customers with their belongings more quickly.

To share an item’s location, customers can generate a Share Item Location link in the Find My app on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This link can be provided to JetBlue by scanning a QR code in the baggage claim area or by working with a crewmember at the airport’s Baggage Service Office. JetBlue crewmembers will use the temporary link to help locate and retrieve bags found within JetBlue stations or other contracted facilities. Customers remain in full control of their location-sharing settings, and access automatically ends once they are reunited with their bags.

By combining in-app bag tracking with the ability to share the location of a Find My-enabled item, JetBlue is giving customers more ways to stay informed and feel confident throughout their journey. These enhancements reflect JetBlue’s continued investment in innovative, customer-friendly technology designed to offer greater peace of mind and a more seamless travel experience.

In 2024, the airline ranked second among all U.S. carriers in baggage handling, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. By improving systems and expanding support options, JetBlue is further strengthening its goal of getting baggage where it needs to go and giving customers one less thing to worry about.