PaxEx News

Flying Magazine

High activity

FAA awards $870 million for airport infrastructure, safety and passenger upgrades

The FAA is awarding $870 million for airport improvements, with funding directed toward infrastructure upgrades, safety enhancements and more family-friendly features. The grants underscore continued federal investment in airport facilities and passenger-facing infrastructure, though the announcement provides no further breakdown of recipients or individual project amounts.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

FAA proposal drops prescriptive onboard drug list but stops short of requiring epinephrine auto-injectors

The FAA is proposing to replace its prescriptive list of drugs for aircraft medical kits with a less-specific framework. The proposal would not require airlines to carry epinephrine auto-injectors, leaving a key treatment decision to operators and preserving a gap in emergency medical equipment requirements.

CNA

Changi Airport begins deploying autonomous wheelchairs for passengers with reduced mobility

Changi Airport Group and ground handler SATS are rolling out autonomous wheelchairs in Terminals 2 and 3, initially targeting transit passengers. Airlines at the Singapore hub handle about 2,300 wheelchair-assistance requests daily, with transfer passengers accounting for four in five requests.

Breitflyte

High activity

American raises Citi AAdvantage Executive fee to $695 while adding credits, Loyalty Points and lounge changes

American Airlines and Citi are refreshing the AAdvantage Executive card from August 2026, raising its annual fee to $695 while adding new credits, more Loyalty Points, Omni status and other benefits. The package, alongside lounge updates, targets Delta and United’s premium customer and loyalty ecosystems.

Inflight Online

High activity

Allegiant pilots ratify 40% pay increase as ultra-low-cost carrier adds premium Allegiant First cabin

Allegiant’s pilots approved a two-year contract delivering a 40% average hourly pay increase and releasing roughly $300 million in accrued retention bonuses. Separately, the ultra-low-cost carrier plans to launch Allegiant First in 2027, with 2–2 seating, 37-inch pitch, greater recline and bundled baggage.

Aviation Source

High activity

Air India expands Canada network and 787 cabin upgrades as United plans premium Houston deployment

Air India is introducing its new Boeing 787-9 cabin on Delhi–Toronto flights, adding Mumbai–Toronto service and 4,400 monthly Canada seats while accelerating 787-8 retrofits through Shanghai MRO. Separately, United will deploy its 222-seat “Elevated” 787-9 on Houston long-haul routes from October 2026.

PaxEx.Aero

Delta and DraftKings launch SkyPicks inflight sports “gaming” platform

Delta and DraftKings have launched SkyPicks, an inflight sports “gaming” offering, as the companies emphasize that the product is not gambling. The partnership expands Delta’s onboard passenger experience into sports engagement while requiring careful positioning around the distinction between gaming and wagering.

CNBC

Airfare remains elevated, with airline executives warning prices may not fall soon

Air travelers are facing higher fares this year, and airline executives say the elevated pricing environment is likely to persist. The outlook points to continued pressure on travel budgets and limited near-term relief for passengers expecting ticket prices to decline.