Aviation Weekly Update

Airlines and Routes

• Emirates First Class Award Changes: Emirates has made its first class award seats even more exclusive, restricting access primarily to its most frequent flyers.

• Spirit Airlines Bankruptcy Update: Spirit Airlines is emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which includes a reset of its accounting policies and possible route adjustments, with some routes ceasing in July and August 2025.
• United Airlines Free WiFi Rollout: United Airlines is beginning to equip its fleet with free Starlink satellite WiFi, aiming to enhance passenger connectivity.
• Saudia Fleet Expansion: Saudia is accelerating its fleet expansion and launching new routes, even as it faces new US tariffs.
• Jetstar Exits Honolulu: After 18 years, Jetstar is ending its Honolulu service, although it will continue to serve other US cities through winter.
• New Flights to Tokyo: Hawaiian Airlines is launching new flights to Tokyo using an Airbus A330, starting May 12, 2025.
• American Airlines Expands to Rome: American Airlines will connect its Dallas hub with Rome through January 2026, marking a significant expansion of its international network.

Industry and Technology

• US Air Traffic Control Modernization: The US Department of Transportation has announced a plan to modernize thousands of air traffic control sites, aiming to update the aging ATC system.
• KC-46A Pegasus Deliveries Resume: After a suspension earlier this year, the US Air Force is resuming deliveries of the KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers.
• FAA Certifies Universal Avionics Wi-Fi: The FAA has certified Universal Avionics’ Wi-Fi-enabled systems, which could improve connectivity and operations in business aviation.
• Aerospace Supply Chain Challenges: The aerospace supply chain continues to face imbalances between supply and demand, with ongoing cost pressures and operational challenges for airlines globally.

Business and Financial Trends

• Record Airline Revenues, Uneven Profits: The global airline industry is projected to generate $1 trillion in revenue for 2025, but profitability remains concentrated, with over 38% of profits coming from US carriers.
• JetBlue Fleet Update: JetBlue has introduced a freshly repainted A320, adding vibrancy to its fleet as it prepares for the busy summer season.

Emerging Technologies and Initiatives

• AI in Aerospace: Artificial intelligence is increasingly being harnessed across the aviation sector, impacting business operations, maintenance, and safety.
• Joby eVTOL Test Flights: Joby Aviation has completed successful piloted test flights of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking progress in advanced air mobility.

Notable Upcoming Events

• SpaceX Ax-4 Astronaut Mission: SpaceX is targeting May 29, 2025, for the launch of its fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.
• Miami International Airport Expansion: The airport committee is reviewing proposals for a major South Terminal expansion, signaling continued infrastructure growth.

Summary Table: Key Aviation News (May 12, 2025)

This week in aviation is marked by significant airline route and fleet updates, major technology rollouts like free in-flight WiFi, ongoing industry financial pressures, and continued innovation in advanced air mobility and air traffic control modernization.

Citations:

1. https://aviationweek.com
2. https://simpleflying.com/category/aviation-news/
3. https://www.ainonline.com
4. https://www.flightglobal.com/news
5. https://www.aiaa.org/news/industry-news
6. https://www.aviationnews-online.com
7. https://www.the-independent.com/topic/aviation
8. https://www.wsj.com/business/airlines
9. https://airlineweekly.skift.com
10. https://www.reddit.com/r/aviation/