Airlines News

FlightGlobal

US airlines oppose new Air China flights, citing Russia overflight disadvantage

Airlines for America is urging U.S. regulators to block proposed Air China service to New York and Washington, D.C., arguing that U.S. carriers cannot overfly Russia on routes to China and therefore face a structural operating disadvantage against Chinese competitors.

Aviacionline

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Aeroflot orders 90 MC-21-310s in Russia’s largest civil aircraft deal

Aeroflot Group has signed for 90 Yakovlev MC-21-310s, adding to an existing order for 18 aircraft and taking its planned fleet into triple figures. Deliveries are scheduled for 2029–2032, with Aviadvigatel PD-14 engines, simulators, crew training and 22 years of aftermarket support included.

Reuters

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U.S. airlines oppose two additional Air China flights, citing Russian airspace advantage

American, Delta and United are backing Airlines for America’s request that two Air China services linked to Xi Jinping’s planned U.S. visit be treated as charters rather than scheduled flights. The group argues access to Russian airspace creates a competitive imbalance for U.S. carriers operating China routes.

FlightGlobal

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Fuel surge pushes major airlines to cut marginal routes and reassess winter capacity

American, United and Southwest are trimming marginal routes as jet fuel prices remain near record levels, while Air Canada is adjusting capacity and pricing. The moves come as resilient demand supports bookings, but travelers are already facing fares nearly 25% higher than a year ago.

RTE

Ryanair CEO apologizes unreservedly for comparing rival airlines to “rapists”

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has issued a “sincere and unreserved” apology more than a week after comparing full-service competitors including British Airways and Aer Lingus to rapists over their higher airfares, drawing renewed attention to the airline’s combative executive communications.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

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Delta expands Los Angeles schedule beyond 200 daily departures and plans Minneapolis A350 base for 2027

Delta will operate more than 200 daily departures from Los Angeles International Airport in summer 2027, adding two routes and frequency across seven markets. Separately, the airline plans to establish an Airbus A350 base at Minneapolis–St. Paul in early 2027, potentially supporting seasonal long-haul growth.

Bloomberg

Jet fuel prices return near post-Iran-war highs, renewing airline cost pressure

Jet fuel prices in parts of the US have climbed back near their most expensive level since hostilities linked to the Iran war began. The renewed increase threatens to intensify cost pressure for airlines and travelers after prices previously moved sharply lower.

ch-aviation

GOL inaugurates first European route with wet-leased A330-200 service to Lisbon

GOL Linhas Aéreas launched its first long-haul route to Europe on Sept. 16-17, 2026, connecting Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro International. The service uses A330-200 EC-MAJ, wet-leased from fellow Abra Group carrier Wamos Air, according to ADS-B data.