Happy Sunday!
A lot happened in the industry this past week. Delta rolled out new interiors, including new Delta One suites for its A350-1000s and A330-200/300s. United CEO Scott Kirby spoke to President Donald Trump about acquiring American. Spirit faces liquidation, JetBlue founder warned of bankruptcy, and American celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Delta Launches New Interiors for A350-1000, A330-200/300s
Delta Air Lines unveiled new Delta One seats for its A350-1000 aircraft, set to enter service in 2027 when deliveries begin. The airline also introduced new seats for Premium Economy and Main Cabin, and its existing A330-200/300 fleet will see a refresh.
The A350-1000 will feature Thompson Aero’s VantageNova product for Delta One, a reverse herringbone seat in a 1-2-1 configuration.
The airline’s A330-200/300 fleet will also receive a much-needed refurbishment:
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United CEO Interested in Merger With American, American Says No
Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that United Airlines Chief Executive Officer pitched the idea of a merger with American Airlines, which Reuters later confirmed, and that Kirby spoke to Trump on February 25.
Kirby argued that a United–American merger would make for a stronger competitor in the international market, appealing to the Trump administration’s wishes to address the nation’s trade deficits around the world.
Any merger proposal between the two industry giants would face intense antitrust scrutiny and pushback from industry rivals, consumers, and Congress.
American later issued a statement on Friday, saying that “it is not engaged with or interested in any discussions regarding a merger with United Airlines.”
Interestingly, American used an interesting choice of words in its statement, acknowledging that “…changes in the broader airline marketplace may be necessary.” While denying that it isn’t interested in a combination with United, it didn’t put the idea of a merger with another carrier away.
JetBlue is currently looking to sell itself, and American arguably has a lot to gain from acquiring the New York-based airline.
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Spirit Could Liquidate, JetBlue Founder Warns of Bankruptcy
Spirit Airlines is at risk of liquidation amid rising fuel costs, according to sources. The airline had hoped to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the summer, but the high jet fuel prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have put a dent in its plans. Fuel is the second-largest cost for airlines behind labor.
According to The Air Current, the carrier is seeking government aid in the meantime. The airline and other low-cost carriers will meet with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for a discussion early this coming week.
JetBlue Airways is another struggling carrier, and founder David Neelman said he believes the airline is headed for bankruptcy if current volatile conditions persist, during a conversation with Breeze Airlines pilots flagged by industry insider JonNYC.
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American Airlines Celebrates 100th Anniversary
American Airlines celebrated its centennial anniversary on April 15. Robterson Aircraft Corporation operated a DH-4 biplane from Chicago bound for St. Louis on April 15, 1926, carrying only mail. This would later turn into American Airlines, and 100 years later, the carrier celebrated this milestone and all that lies ahead for it.
The carrier celebrated the milestone at each of its key hubs around the country, with specific ceremonies for each airport’s 100th flight of the day. The airline also held ceremonies for flight AA100 from New York JFK to London Heathrow, and for flight AA1926 from Chicago O’Hare to St. Louis, just as the DH-4 biplane did 100 years ago. AA100 was operated by the carrier’s Boeing 777-300ER sporting its Flagship livery (photo below), and flight AA1926 was operated by a Boeing 737-800 with its Centennial livery.
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Earnings Season Schedule
It’s earnings season. Here’s a list of airlines and their first-quarter earnings dates:
- JetBlue Airways: April 28, 2026
- Alaska Airlines: April 20, 2026
- United Airlines: April 21, 2026
- Southwest Airlines: April 22, 2026
- American Airlines: April 23, 2026
- JetBlue Airways: April 28, 2026
Featured image by the author.
