Today In Aviation
Last Updated: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, 3:34 AM PST
2025-12-13T03:34:32.525550-08:00 2025-12-13T03:34:32.525550-08:00 (2025-12-13T03:34:32.525550-08:00)
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
• Mateusz Maszczynski
United revives controversial AI crew-scheduling plan amid contract talks, contradicting earlier assurances
By Paddle Your Own Kanoo: United Airlines is reviving its AI scheduling plan for flight attendants, contradicting previous assurances amid ongoing contract negotiations.
Washington Post
• Lori Aratani
Trump administration launches air-taxi pilot program aimed at Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
By Washington Post: A pilot program created by the Trump administration may boost the fortunes of companies eager to have air taxis in the skies in time for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Reuters
• David Shepardson
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Terminates TSA Collective Bargaining Agreement Covering 47,000 Officers
By Reuters: U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Friday terminated the collective bargaining agreement covering 47,000 Transportation Security Administration officers, the department said in a statement.
Reuters
• Apratim Sarkar
Southwest Airlines to open Austin crew base in 2026, create 2,000 jobs
By Reuters: Southwest Airlines said on Friday it would open a crew base at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in March 2026, creating more than 2,000 jobs as the carrier looks to expand its footprint in fast-growing central Texas.
Airline Geeks
Southwest to Open New Crew Base
Reuters
• Allison Lampert
Canada's WestJet to pause non-adjustable seat rollout, seek passenger feedback
By Reuters: WestJet Airlines said on Friday it would pause its rollout of non-adjustable economy seats next week, testing the limits of add-on culture as it faces pushback for charging extra for adjustable seats.
rotorhub.com
• Gideon Ewers
Quanta Aviation Services Acquires Billings Flying Service to Expand Utilities and Construction Helicopter Operations
By rotorhub.com: Billings Flying Service has been acquired by utilities and construction giant Quanta Services the company has announced. Billings says that the deal with Quanta, who also own fellow CH-47 operators PJ Helicopters as well as powerline support company Winco, will allow it to ‘grow its offerings and expand into the utilities and construction markets’ as well as merging resources with Quanta.
Aviation Week
• Ella Nethersole
Jekta, Open Skies To Launch Electric Amphibious Aircraft In The Gulf
By Aviation Week: Swiss startup Jekta has partnered with UK-based Open Skies Network to develop electric amphibious aircraft operations across the Gulf region.
