Skift
• Rafat Ali
American Airlines’ Starlink deployment appears set to extend beyond its previously announced Airbus rollout to include Boeing 737s, 777s and 787s. The move would broaden competition with United Airlines, which currently promotes an early lead in Starlink-equipped aircraft and onboard connectivity.
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The proposed integration of Pelita Air into Garuda Indonesia will not be completed in 2026, Danantara Indonesia chief operating officer Dony Oskaria said on Sept. 29. The delay extends uncertainty around the structure, timing and strategic rationale of the Indonesian state-linked carriers’ planned combination.
American Airlines’ Starlink deployment appears set to extend beyond its previously announced Airbus rollout to include Boeing 737s, 777s and 787s. The move would broaden competition with United Airlines, which currently promotes an early lead in Starlink-equipped aircraft and onboard connectivity.
United Airlines is offering eligible Delta and American Airlines frequent flyers a fast track to MileagePlus elite status, including Premier 1K, with benefits potentially extending through January 2028. The campaign follows a public dispute between Delta CEO Ed Bastian and Elon Musk over Starlink, giving rivals an opening to court dissatisfied travelers.
Royal Brunei Airlines has completed installation of SES-powered RB SkyConnect inflight Wi-Fi across its seven Airbus A320neo aircraft. The multi-orbit connectivity service gives the airline’s full A320neo fleet an upgraded onboard internet offering as it develops its connected travel experience.
High activity
Pegasus Airlines has completed its acquisition of Czech Airlines and the Smartwings Group after securing all required regulatory approvals and satisfying closing conditions. The transaction expands the Turkish carrier’s European platform, while Czech Airlines’ brand is set to remain intact.
Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air plans to add Heathrow frequencies as its fleet expands, with three Boeing 787-9s expected in the coming weeks and its first Airbus A321neo due before year-end. The deliveries will support the carrier’s initial network growth as aircraft availability increases.
Brazilian airline Azul has entered an agreement for up to $512 million in financing from development bank BNDES. The long-term funding is intended to strengthen liquidity and support debt repayment, providing additional balance-sheet flexibility as the carrier manages its ongoing operations.
The impact of a doubling in jet fuel prices would vary across airlines, depending in part on their mix of older and newer Airbus A320/A321-family aircraft and Boeing 737 variants. The analysis examines the resulting implications for airline operating costs and fleet economics.
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