Deportation flights from Los Angeles more than doubled in June, according to LA Times investigation A report by the Los Angeles Times revealed that ICE-linked deportation flights more than doubled in the Los Angeles area during the month leading up to June 15. The newspaper attributes the surge to intensified immigration operations, including a major June 6 raid in the Fashion District that, according to the White House, led to the detention of 330 people by June 11.Many of those arrested were transported out of California on special flights, the Times reported. While ICE declined to provide specific details for security reasons, the agency confirmed that regional offices coordinate transfers with ICE Air Operations, based in Mesa, Arizona.The Times based its analysis on data from Tom Cartwright, a volunteer with Witness at the Border, who has tracked over 36,000 ICE flights over the past five years using flight and registration data.Between May 15 and June 15, the Times recorded 29 deportation-related flights from airports in the Los Angeles area, compared to just 11 during the previous month. Nearly 70% of those flights departed from Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, near the ICE detention center in Adelanto. Other departures were identified from Hollywood Burbank Airport and Meadows Field in Bakersfield.Regarding destinations, about a quarter of the flights landed at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona, while around 20% went to El Paso, Texas, where the Mexican consulate confirmed that some detainees are being held.A section of the Witness at the Border report notes that ICE Air contracts with intermediary company CSI Aviation, which subcontracts flights to carriers including GlobalX, Eastern Air Express, World Atlantic (Caribbean Sun), Eastern Air, OMNI Air, and Kaiser. Smaller jets operated by Gryphon Air (ATS) are used primarily for long-haul flights to Africa, the Pacific, and Europe. Historically, most flights have been handled by GlobalX and Eastern Air Express, while the other airlines participate more sporadically.The documentation also includes deportation flights operated by foreign governments: Mexico uses VivaAerobus, Panama uses Air Panama, and Venezuela uses Conviasa.ICE Air Operations also runs flights from cities including Miami, Alexandria (Louisiana), San Antonio, and Brownsville (Texas), the Times noted. These charter flights often make multiple stops domestically and internationally, though exact passenger routes are not trackable. Between January and May, ICE conducted 685 deportation stops to over 30 international destinations, a figure similar to the same period last year. Among destinations outside the continental U.S. were San Juan (Puerto Rico), San Pedro Sula (Honduras), Tapachula (Mexico), and Guatemala City.Charter airlines conducting deportation flights for the U.S. government have faced increasing public scrutiny. Avelo Airlines removed branding from planes used in such operations due to its exposure as a commercial carrier, while GlobalX reportedly suffered a website hack.Download document: <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e221cacff87ba2d2833cf54/t/683e3abe5cbcc22f5dce1067/1748908738621/ICE+Air+MayTHCPDF.pdf">ICE Air Report – May 2025 by Tom Cartwright</a>

"ICE, ICE Baby": Deportation Flights Surge After LA Raids

As part of a press conference held this Wednesday in Buenos Aires, Dominican airline Arajet announced the launch of a new international route connecting Punta Cana with the Argentine city of Córdoba, further expanding its presence in the country and strengthening its strategy of regional air integration from the Caribbean.During the event, the company’s CEO, Víctor Pacheco, also revealed that a new route to Los Angeles will be announced soon, marking another step forward in its expansion into the U.S. market.The airline has been executing an accelerated growth strategy in the United States, where it already operates regular flights from Santo Domingo to Miami, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and, as of last week, Newark, one of the gateways to the New York metropolitan area. It also plans to launch new connections to Orlando (October 26), Chicago (November 15), and Boston (November 20).With a focus on attracting both outbound tourism and the Dominican diaspora, Arajet has also filed applications to fly to a total of 17 cities in the U.S., including Washington Dulles and Baltimore, although those routes have not yet been scheduled.The addition of Los Angeles will be a key strategic milestone, as it is one of the main gateways from the U.S. West Coast to Latin America and the Caribbean, and home to a large Latin and Dominican population.Arajet currently operates a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and follows a low-cost, continent-wide model, leveraging bilateral agreements such as the open skies treaty between the Dominican Republic and the United States, which facilitates the launch of new cross-border routes.

Arajet Sets Sights on LAX as Its Next U.S. Destination

American Airlines has delayed “Project Olympus,” its initiative to modernize the cabins of its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, according to a report by View from the Wing. In early May, a 777-300ER was flown from Dallas/Fort Worth to HAECO’s facilities in Hong Kong, but after nearly a month on site, the aircraft returned to the U.S. without undergoing renovations due to supplier delays, negatively impacting the airline’s cabin upgrade timeline.The U.S. carrier plans to remove the First Class cabin and introduce its new Flagship Suite, a product similar to the one found on the Boeing 787-9P. Dreamliners equipped with the new suites will operate transatlantic routes this summer from Chicago O’Hare and Philadelphia to destinations like London and Zurich, and will serve transpacific routes in the winter with flights from Dallas/Fort Worth to Brisbane and Auckland.Passengers who have recently flown on American’s Boeing 777-300ERs have reported poor onboard conditions, including broken footrests, malfunctioning seats, and outdated inflight entertainment systems. These issues have gone unresolved due to the persistent delays of Project Olympus.The new layout of the Boeing 777-300ER will accommodate 330 passengers, featuring 70 Flagship Suites, 44 Premium Economy seats, 48 Main Cabin Extra seats, and 138 Main Cabin seats.

American Airlines delays 'Project Olympus' cabin overhaul for 777-300ER fleet

SkyWest, Inc. has placed a firm order for 60 Embraer E175 aircraft, with options for an additional 50, the manufacturer announced during the Paris Air Show. The deal, valued at $3.6 billion at list price, will be included in Embraer's second-quarter backlog, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.With this addition, SkyWest aims to strengthen its long-term fleet strategy and expand its operations in the dual-class regional jet segment. According to Embraer, the E175 is "the cornerstone of regional aviation in North America."Currently, SkyWest operates 263 E175 aircraft, making it the largest owner and operator of the model worldwide. It also has a previous backlog of 16 units. The company's relationship with Embraer began in 1986 with the purchase of five EMB-120 Brasilia aircraft, and by 1997, it was operating more than 40 of that model. In 2013, they renewed the partnership with an order for 100 E175s."As the largest owner and operator of the E175 worldwide, we're pleased to continue expanding our E175 fleet and strengthening our position in the dual-class segment," said Chip Childs, President and CEO of SkyWest. "This order supports our long-term fleet strategy and our commitment to delivering the industry's leading regional product," he added.Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, commented: "We are thrilled to continue our longstanding collaboration with SkyWest Airlines through this major order. The E175 is the cornerstone of regional aviation in North America, and this deal underscores SkyWest’s confidence in the aircraft's performance, reliability, and passenger comfort."SkyWest operates under agreements with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. Its total fleet is around 500 aircraft, and it carried more than 42 million passengers in 2024, serving over 265 destinations across North America.

Brazil Scores Big at the Paris Air Show: SkyWest Orders Up to 110 Embraer E175 Jets

At 6:35 a.m. this Monday, Arajet's inaugural flight to Newark took off from Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport, marking the Dominican carrier’s official entry into the competitive New York market.The Boeing 737 MAX 8 (registration HI-1101) landed in Newark at 10:18 a.m. local time, completing the journey in 3 hours and 43 minutes.Following approvals from aviation authorities in both the United States and the Dominican Republic, Arajet is accelerating its expansion in the U.S.—a strategic market for its broader continental ambitions.“Offering this route has always been our main goal since the beginning of our operations,” said Víctor Pacheco, founder and CEO of Arajet. “New Jersey and New York are home to the largest Dominican diaspora and are also top sources of tourists to our country. Thanks to Arajet, these travelers now have a daily, affordable option to visit the Dominican Republic with first-class service.”<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/vuelo_inaugural_de_arajet_a_newark_1.jpeg" alt="Vuelo inaugural de Arajet a Newark" /><figcaption>Arajet's 1st flight to Newark</figcaption></figure>“Our goal is to boost the country's connectivity,” added David Collado, Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism. “That's why we pursued an open skies agreement—to allow Dominican airlines to operate routes that attract more tourists while also enabling Dominicans abroad to visit home at fair prices.”Round-trip fares start at $262 USD, with one-way tickets available from $127 USD from Newark to Santo Domingo and $135 USD on the return leg.Arajet already operates flights to Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico. It plans to launch service to Orlando on October 26, Chicago on November 15, and Boston on November 20. Additional U.S. destinations, including Washington Dulles and Baltimore, have been requested, though start dates have yet to be confirmed.<h3>Arajet’s Newark Flight Schedule</h3><ul><li>Departs Santo Domingo at 6:18 a.m., arrives in Newark at 10:30 a.m.</li><li>Departs Newark at 12:00 p.m., arrives in Santo Domingo at 4:30 p.m. Operates daily.</li></ul>

Arajet Launches Inaugural Flight to Newark, Entering New York Market

Frontier Airlines has inaugurated six new direct connections from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to destinations in Florida, Missouri, and Ohio, along with its first-ever route to Honduras. The new flights began operating between June 12 and 13, 2025.With this expansion, Frontier becomes the sixth U.S. airline to operate flights to San Pedro Sula, joining American, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, and United. Thanks to these new routes, the low-cost carrier now offers 52 nonstop destinations from Atlanta, with promotional fares starting at $49 one-way.“We’re excited to launch these six additional routes from Atlanta this week, including our first-ever service to Honduras, which marks a major step in our growth at ATL,” said Josh Flyr, Vice President of Network and Operations Design at Frontier Airlines. “Departures from Atlanta are up 40% year-over-year this month, providing more ultra-low fare options for travelers heading across the U.S., Latin America, and beyond.”New Frontier routes from Atlanta:<ul><li>Jacksonville, Florida – two weekly flights</li><li>Fort Myers, Florida – two weekly flights</li><li>San Pedro Sula, Honduras – two weekly flights</li><li>St. Louis, Missouri – three weekly flights</li><li>Columbus, Ohio – two weekly flights</li><li>Palm Beach, Florida – two weekly flights</li></ul>

Frontier Airlines launches six new nonstop routes from Atlanta, including first-ever service to Honduras

A JetBlue Airbus A220 operating flight 312 from Chicago O’Hare to Boston Logan International Airport veered off the paved surface and came to a stop on the grass shortly after landing on Thursday, June 12. The incident occurred during taxiing after touchdown on Runway 33L, without any reported injuries among passengers or crew.According to Massport, the airport operator, the aircraft exited the runway while turning off, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. All passengers were safely transported to the terminal by bus, and the aircraft remained stationary on the grass area adjacent to the taxiway.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUHRq5c-mM0"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dUHRq5c-mM0" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>As a precautionary measure, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily implemented a ground stop for departures from Logan Airport until approximately 2:00 p.m. local time, allowing for inspection and mitigation efforts. The affected runway was closed while crews assessed both the aircraft and surrounding infrastructure.JetBlue stated there were no prior indications of mechanical issues and confirmed its cooperation with authorities during the ongoing investigation. The cause of the runway excursion remains under review.The event took place during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, as the U.S. summer travel season ramps up.Developing story

JetBlue A220 veers onto grass after landing in Boston: What we know

Embraer has confirmed it is in early-stage discussions with Northrop Grumman to form a potential strategic partnership focused on promoting and developing a customized variant of the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft for the U.S. armed forces—a domain long dominated by domestically built platforms.Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense &amp; Security, told FlightGlobal that the talks are “in an initial phase.” The selection of Northrop Grumman is no coincidence; da Costa Junior emphasized the "very good relationship" between the companies and highlighted Northrop’s strengths in systems development, integration, and aerial refueling technology. The move represents a calculated strategy by Embraer to align the C-390 with U.S. military requirements and the domestic defense industrial base.Embraer is targeting the U.S. Air Force (USAF), which operates a large and aging fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft. As part of its U.S. campaign, a KC-390 from the Brazilian Air Force recently toured several American military bases, including stops in Nevada, Florida, and Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, showcasing its capabilities.Although the C-390 Millennium already includes a significant number of U.S.-made components—complying with the Buy American Act—Embraer aims to further entrench its presence in the U.S. market. "We want to become even more of an American solution for the U.S. and create thousands of high-tech jobs," said da Costa Junior. Establishing a final assembly or production line in the U.S. is seen as a key step to leveling the playing field.<blockquote>C-390 USAF Overview • Aircraft: Embraer C-390 Millennium / KC-390 (aerial refueling variant) • Potential Partners: Embraer (OEM), Northrop Grumman (U.S. integration and systems) • Target Market: U.S. Department of Defense, primarily the Air Force (USAF) • Capabilities: Carries up to 26 tons, cruise speed of 470 knots (Mach 0.80), and can operate from unprepared runways</blockquote>The talks with Northrop Grumman come after the dissolution of a previous agreement with L3Harris in 2023, which aimed to adapt the KC-390 into an Agile Tanker variant. Despite that setback, Embraer continues to tailor the platform for the USAF, potentially including the development of a boom refueling system to complement the current hose-and-drogue setup.The C-390 Millennium has gained significant traction internationally, with confirmed orders from Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and South Korea—many of them NATO members. Its growing export success, highlighted at events like the Paris Air Show and ARSAG Conference, strengthens its credibility as a modern, efficient competitor to the long-serving C-130J Super Hercules.The USAF’s interest in new tactical airlift platforms is part of a broader effort to modernize its fleet and explore future capabilities, potentially through programs like the Next Generation Airlift System (NGAS).

Embraer in Talks with Northrop Grumman to Pitch C-390 to U.S. Air Force

With a welcoming message on its official social media, Miami International Airport greeted Boca Juniors on Monday as the Argentine club landed in the city to compete in the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025.The xeneize squad, led by Miguel Ángel Russo, arrived in Florida with the historic challenge of facing the world’s top clubs in a tournament that promises to be unforgettable.Boca touched down after an overnight flight from Ezeiza, bringing a 30-player delegation under Russo’s leadership. The Airbus A330-200, tail number LV-FVI, took off at 11:35 p.m. on Sunday and landed in Miami at 7:16 a.m. Monday.<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From La Bombonera to the 305. 💙💛 We’re proud to welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/BocaJrsOficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BocaJrsOficial</a> to Miami as they gear up for the <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFACWC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIFACWC</a>. ⚽ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeItToTheWorld?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TakeItToTheWorld</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFACWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFACWC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Aerolineas_AR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Aerolineas_AR</a> <a href="https://t.co/6I3FIrZOjB">pic.twitter.com/6I3FIrZOjB</a>— Miami Int'l Airport (@iflymia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iflymia/status/1932090021068087401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Boca will participate in the revamped Club World Cup, now featuring 32 teams, to be held in the United States from June 15 to July 13. The team will base itself at Barry University in Miami Shores, where other elite squads like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich are also preparing.The coaching staff is already planning a warm-up friendly at the training base—likely this week at Barry University against a local or Mexican side—to fine-tune the team’s form ahead of their official debut.

Did you get nervous?: Miami International Airport welcomes Boca Juniors ahead of revamped FIFA Club World Cup 2025

The United States Air Force (USAF) estimates that converting a Boeing 747-8—previously owned by Qatar’s royal family and accepted as a gift for the transport of U.S. President Donald Trump—will require an investment of several hundred million dollars. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink provided a cost estimate during a congressional hearing.Addressing lawmakers, Meink stated that the budget to retrofit the aircraft “is likely under $400 million.” This figure was presented to counter some projections from Democratic lawmakers who estimated the total cost of converting the aircraft could exceed $1 billion.Converting a civilian aircraft—even one as luxuriously outfitted as this 13-year-old 747—into a presidential platform designated as Air Force One involves a highly complex set of modifications. Industry experts explain that the process includes installing secure and encrypted communication systems to prevent espionage, integrating countermeasure suites to defend against missile attacks, and reinforcing the aircraft’s structure and critical systems with armor.Meink clarified that a substantial portion of the estimated costs are expenses the Air Force would incur regardless. “I believe the $1 billion figure was mentioned, but many of the associated costs are expenses we would be facing anyway,” the Secretary explained, noting that this includes acquiring additional platforms for crew training and maintaining an inventory of spare parts.<ul><li>What aircraft is proposed as the new Air Force One? It’s a Boeing 747-8 that was part of the Qatar Amiri Flight, the VIP airline of the Qatari government. It was accepted as a gift by the Trump administration.</li><li>Why is a new Air Force One needed? The current fleet, designated VC-25A, consists of two heavily modified Boeing 747-200s that entered service in the early 1990s. Their age increases maintenance costs and highlights the need for updated technology.</li><li>What modifications are required for an aircraft to serve as Air Force One? It must include secure military communication systems, aerial refueling capabilities, electronic countermeasures (ECM), missile defense systems, and the ability to function as a government command and control center during national emergencies.</li></ul>The original program to replace the presidential fleet, known as VC-25B, is facing chronic delays. Delivery of two new Boeing 747-8 aircraft purchased by the USAF from Boeing is now projected for 2027—three years behind schedule. These delays have opened the door to alternative solutions, such as the Qatari aircraft.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38555" data-title="You might be interested"></section>The gift has sparked intense political and legal debate. Constitutional law experts have raised concerns about whether accepting such a significant gift from a foreign government aligns with U.S. regulations designed to prevent corruption and undue influence on public officials. Democratic lawmakers have introduced measures to block the aircraft transfer.Qatar has dismissed concerns over the arrangement. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, who inspected the Qatari 747 at a Florida airport in February 2025, downplayed the ethical issues, calling it “stupid” not to accept the plane.

US Air Force estimates up to $400 million to convert gifted Qatari 747 into Air Force One

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday night reinstating a travel restriction policy that will suspend entry to the United States for citizens of 12 countries starting next Monday. In addition, tighter controls will be implemented for visitors from seven other nations.The measure, set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025, follows an executive order issued by Trump on January 20. That directive instructed the Departments of State and Homeland Security, along with the Director of National Intelligence, to compile a detailed report on "hostile attitudes" toward the U.S. and assess whether entry from certain countries poses a national security risk.In the proclamation, President Trump stated, “I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people.”The countries facing a total entry ban include: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, the Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.Additionally, travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will be subject to increased scrutiny and restrictions.This new directive echoes the controversial January 2017 executive order from Trump’s first term, which initially suspended entry for citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries: Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. That order triggered confusion and distress at airports worldwide, as students, businesspeople, and tourists were barred from boarding U.S.-bound flights or detained upon arrival.After numerous legal challenges, the policy was revised. A later version, affecting travelers and immigrants from Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, and Yemen—along with North Korea and certain Venezuelan officials and their families—was upheld by the Supreme Court in June 2018.<h3>Frequently Asked Questions about the New U.S. Travel Restrictions:</h3><ul><li>Which countries are subject to a total travel ban? Citizens from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen will not be allowed to enter the United States under the new directive.</li><li>Which countries will face additional restrictions? Travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will undergo stricter screening and enhanced controls.</li><li>When does the measure take effect? The ban and additional restrictions will be enforced beginning Monday, June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time.</li><li>What is the justification for this policy? President Trump stated that the measure is necessary to “protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people,” citing a government report.</li><li>Is this the first time such a policy has been enacted? No. During his first term, President Trump implemented a similar travel ban in 2017, which faced legal challenges and was eventually modified before a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.</li></ul>Supporters of the original ban, including Trump himself, argued national security concerns, denying that the policy was motivated by anti-Muslim sentiment—despite Trump having explicitly proposed a Muslim ban during his 2016 presidential campaign.The impact of this new measure on international air travel and passenger demand from the affected regions will become clearer in the coming days. Airlines operating routes to and from the listed nations are expected to adjust their protocols and proactively communicate with affected travelers.

President Trump reinstates travel restrictions affecting citizens from 12 countries

American Airlines has launched an internal investigation into a group of its flight attendants suspected of illegally selling flight assignments for high-demand international routes, including coveted destinations such as London, Paris, and Rome. The alleged scheme was conducted covertly, with participants using coded language to signal monetary transactions in flight swaps.According to reports from aviation news site PYOK, employees exploited the airline’s seniority-based flight assignment system for financial gain. Innocent-sounding terms like “cookies,” “hugs,” “kisses,” and even “thanks” were used on internal communication platforms to indicate that a payment had been made for a schedule swap.The airline, based in Fort Worth, Texas, explicitly prohibits the sale of assigned schedules, although mutual swaps between colleagues are allowed—as long as no payment is involved. In a memo sent to cabin crew, American Airlines reminded staff that “assigned trips are not personal property and cannot be bought, sold, or brokered.” The memo also warned that offering or accepting money—even through coded language—violates the flight assignment system and corporate code of conduct.The investigation was triggered after a detailed review of the company’s flight swap system revealed patterns suggesting financial transactions. American Airlines considers the practice a threat to the integrity of its seniority-based system, which plays a central role in building monthly rosters for crew members.Under this system, as with many legacy carriers, senior flight attendants receive priority in selecting schedules, destinations, and days off. Newer or lower-seniority crew members typically receive less desirable assignments or remain on reserve status, awaiting available trips. The frequent presence of relatively new staff on high-profile international routes raised suspicions among veteran employees.<h3>Key facts: American Airlines investigation</h3>What are the allegations? Flight attendants are accused of illegally selling desirable international flight assignments using secret code words in internal platforms.How did the scheme allegedly work? Phrases like “cookies,” “hugs,” or “kisses” were used to indicate that an assignment was available for sale, bypassing the seniority system.What penalties could crew members face? Offenders may lose access to the flight selection system and be assigned schedules automatically, similar to newly hired staff.What is the union’s position? The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) has not opposed the investigation. In fact, the most recent collective agreement includes a clause authorizing the use of objective metrics to detect and limit abuse in the assignment system.Cabin crew found to have violated these rules may face the loss of self-selection privileges, meaning they would receive automatic schedule assignments—a condition comparable to that of new hires, stripping them of the ability to choose routes or shifts. The investigation remains ongoing to determine the full scope of the scheme and identify individual responsibilities.

American Airlines investigates cabin crew over alleged black market for flight assignments

Virgin Atlantic is set to expand its seasonal service between Edinburgh and Orlando, offering more travel options for Scottish passengers heading to Florida. The British carrier plans to add twelve additional flights on the route for the summer 2026 season, translating to approximately 5,000 extra seats.Already a popular holiday route, the service will now run from April through the end of October 2026. Frequency will increase to up to three flights per week, a move that not only strengthens Virgin Atlantic’s presence in the Orlando market but also enhances transatlantic connectivity at Edinburgh Airport.Flights will be operated using Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, configured for high-capacity service with 397 seats across three cabins: 16 in Upper Class (Virgin’s business class), 56 in Premium Economy, and 325 in Economy.This route from the Scottish capital complements Virgin Atlantic’s extensive Orlando network, which includes two daily flights from London Heathrow and ten weekly services from Manchester. These additions further solidify the airline’s position as a leading operator between the UK and the popular U.S. vacation destination.<blockquote>Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said, “We know Orlando is a must-see destination, so this is fantastic news for families in Scotland who’ve long wanted to experience everything Florida has to offer. The added frequencies give passengers more choice and make it even easier to leave Edinburgh in the morning and be arguing over car rental in Florida by dinner.”</blockquote><blockquote>Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, added, “Orlando has long been one of Virgin Atlantic’s favorite destinations, with thousands of Brits heading to Florida each year for its warmer weather and thrilling attractions, including the upcoming opening of Epic Universe. I’m thrilled that our Scottish guests will now have even more chances to enjoy the action with our expanded Orlando program this summer.”</blockquote>Virgin Atlantic’s decision to increase capacity on the Edinburgh–Orlando route reflects strong leisure travel demand to key U.S. destinations. The deployment of the Airbus A350-1000, one of the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft in the market, underscores the airline’s commitment to both passenger experience and operational efficiency. Scotland’s growing role as a transatlantic origin point is evident, and Edinburgh Airport stands to benefit as it cements its status as an international gateway. The mention of Epic Universe, Universal’s upcoming theme park in Orlando scheduled to open in 2025, signals renewed interest in the destination—a demand Virgin Atlantic is proactively poised to meet.

Virgin Atlantic Expands Edinburgh–Orlando Route for Summer 2026

Mexican airlines Aerus and Viva Aerobus have jointly filed a request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) seeking authorization to implement a codeshare agreement on routes between Mexico and the United States. The petition, dated May 23, 2025, aims to facilitate passenger connectivity through combined services offered by both carriers.Aerotransportes Rafilher S.A. de C.V., operating as Aerus, and Aeroenlaces Nacionales S.A. de C.V., known as Viva Aerobus, are seeking a general statement of authorization for codeshare operations, as outlined in the filing under Docket OST-2007-29273. Aerus, a Mexican air taxi operator using small aircraft, already holds DOT approval to operate flights between Monterrey, Mexico, and various U.S. destinations. Viva Aerobus, on the other hand, is a well-known Mexican airline operating larger aircraft.The proposed agreement would allow for the marketing of flights “between any point or points in Mexico, via intermediate points, to any point or points in the United States,” thereby expanding connectivity options. The airlines intend to begin codeshare operations on June 9, 2025, pending all necessary government approvals, and have requested expedited processing of their application. Notably, the codeshare agreement has already been approved by the Mexican government.In the initial phase, the codeshare will be implemented on weekly scheduled routes connecting Monterrey to U.S. destinations. Under this model, Viva Aerobus will handle marketing and ticketing, mainly transferring passengers from Mexico City to cities along the Texas border, using Monterrey as a connection hub. Aerus will operate the U.S.-bound segments with its own Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft and crew.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37753" data-title="You might be interested"></section>According to the filing, Viva Aerobus will place its code on flights operated by Aerus for these segments. Both companies affirm their compliance with DOT’s rules and policies regarding codeshare arrangements. The passenger's ticket and contract of carriage will clearly identify the operating carrier, thereby defining responsibility under each airline’s respective terms.The applicants argue that approval of this codeshare agreement would generate greater passenger traffic for their services and significantly improve travel options in what they describe as a “thin market.” The petition was formally submitted by Eugene Smith of Aero Parts, Ltd., acting as Aerus’ U.S. agent.

Aerus and Viva Aerobus Seek Codeshare Authorization for Cross-Border Routes Between Mexico and the U.S.

Dominican airline Arajet continues its strong expansion in the U.S. market, confirming today that it will add Orlando as its sixth destination after Miami, San Juan-PR, New York-Newark, Boston, and Chicago.According to information shared on social media by Orlando-Sanford International Airport, Arajet will begin operating three weekly flights from Punta Cana starting October 26.Flights between Punta Cana and Orlando-Sanford will run on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. There is a special promotion offering up to 30% off tickets using the code HOLAORLANDO.Arajet’s arrival marks a milestone for Sanford Airport (part of Vinci Airports), which has worked intensively in recent years to position itself as a viable alternative to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Currently, Allegiant Air is the only airline with regular operations at Sanford, flying to 57 U.S. cities.Arajet in the United States<ul><li>Miami: One daily flight from Santo Domingo and six weekly flights from Punta Cana</li><li>San Juan-PR: Four weekly flights from Santo Domingo and four from Punta Cana</li><li>New York-Newark: One daily flight from Santo Domingo (starting June 16)</li><li>Boston: Four weekly flights from Santo Domingo (starting November 20)</li><li>Chicago: Three weekly flights from Punta Cana (starting November 15)</li><li>Orlando: Three weekly flights from Punta Cana (starting October 26)</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/arajet_red_de_destinos.jpg" alt="Arajet - Red de destinos" /></figure>Last week, it was reported that Arajet submitted a request to the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board to operate nine additional routes, including Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario in Argentina, as well as Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, Asunción, Belo Horizonte, and Washington.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="39091" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>

Orlando-Sanford Lands New International Route with Arajet's Punta Cana Flights

Fly Level Barcelona LH, S.L., operating commercially as LEVEL, has filed a request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for authorization to implement a codeshare agreement with Alaska Airlines. This move would allow LEVEL to display Alaska Airlines' “AS*” designator on its flights.The Spanish airline, part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), aims to use this agreement for flights originating from any European Union Member State, via any EU state and through intermediate points, to any destination in the United States and beyond. Additionally, LEVEL seeks the same authorization for flights carrying Alaska’s code between the U.S. and any member of the European Common Aviation Area.Initial plans call for the codeshare flights to operate under the existing agreement between Iberia (also part of IAG) and Alaska Airlines, which the DOT has previously approved. In 2021, that agreement was amended to include LEVEL as an Iberia affiliate. The first routes under this arrangement would connect Barcelona (BCN) with Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO).LEVEL’s U.S. operations are currently conducted under a wet lease from Iberia, a setup that will remain in place while aircraft bearing the LEVEL brand transition from Iberia’s Spanish Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to LEVEL’s own Spanish AOC. Once the transition and FAA operations specification updates are complete, LEVEL will operate the flights independently under its own certification.LEVEL has requested expedited approval of this application to enable the early publication of schedules and ticket sales for the proposed codeshare service. The airline also asked for a waiver of the standard 45-day advance filing requirement.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38497,37928" data-title="You might be interested"></section>To support the request, LEVEL stated that its IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is nearly complete, pending minor approvals from the Spanish government on manual and process updates. Alaska Airlines will rely on LEVEL’s IOSA certification, and LEVEL committed to ensuring that any advance ticket sales include the disclaimer “subject to U.S. government approval,” with no Alaska-coded passengers flying on LEVEL-operated flights until DOT confirms the IOSA certification. In case of a gap between codeshare approval and IOSA acceptance, such passengers would be rebooked as Iberia customers.LEVEL argues that the codeshare aligns with the U.S.–EU Open Skies Agreement, which broadly supports cooperative marketing arrangements. The airline believes this expansion will boost competition and enhance consumer choice.In a follow-up communication dated May 23, 2025, LEVEL’s legal representatives informed the DOT that no U.S. carriers objected to the application, and reiterated their request for swift approval.This development supports IAG’s broader strategy to strengthen transatlantic connectivity. LEVEL already holds a DOT exemption to operate U.S. flights and a codeshare agreement with Iberia (approved in February 2025), allowing mutual display of flight codes. The airline has also sought a similar arrangement with American Airlines. Such agreements are key to LEVEL’s growth strategy as a long-haul low-cost carrier, particularly in expanding its North American distribution from its base in Barcelona.

With Its Own AOC, LEVEL Seeks Approval for Codeshare Operations with Alaska Airlines

Miami International Airport (MIA) will add a new concourse as part of its infrastructure modernization plan. The project, approved by the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners, involves the construction of Concourse K, a development valued at $600.6 million aimed at supporting the sustained growth of passenger and cargo traffic.This expansion is part of the Future-Ready Modernization in Action plan, an investment strategy designed to prepare the airport to handle up to 77 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo by 2040. The new concourse will feature six additional boarding gates, an aircraft apron with a fuel hydrant system, a ground support equipment maintenance center, two new baggage carousels, and upgrades to the baggage handling system to integrate the Central and South terminals.The new facility is also designed to meet LEED Silver certification standards, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.“MIA has not had a terminal expansion since 2007, so this project marks a transformational milestone,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “The launch of Concourse K will not only boost capacity and create thousands of new jobs but will also strengthen MIA’s role as a global gateway,” she added.The structure will extend from the South Terminal, running perpendicular to Concourse J.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2021/11/miami-aeropuerto-terminales-mapa.jpg" alt="miami aeropuerto terminales mapa" /><figcaption>Current terminal layout at Miami International Airport</figcaption></figure>In 2024, the airport handled nearly 56 million passengers and over 3 million tons of cargo, underscoring the need to expand existing infrastructure to enhance efficiency and operational flow. Construction on Concourse K is set to begin with a groundbreaking ceremony this summer and is expected to be completed by spring 2029.The Lemartec-NV2A JV, LLC consortium has been selected as the general contractor for the project, while Perez &amp; Perez Architects Planners, Inc. will lead the architectural design. Both firms have expressed their commitment to quality and exceeding MIA’s expectations in delivering this new infrastructure.Video of the new Concourse K at MIA:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/_C76TyPJkTs"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_C76TyPJkTs" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>

Miami International Airport to add new concourse as part of infrastructure modernization

United Airlines continues international expansion in summer 2025 with new destinations and services. The airline is offering customers more travel options and boosting the company’s global connectivity.Washington Dulles consolidates as United’s second transatlantic hub, after Newark. For the summer of 2025, the airline is launching operations in Senegal and introducing new routes in France and Italy.<h3>New connection to the French Riviera</h3>On May 22, United launched the Washington–Nice route with four weekly flights, adding to its daily service from Newark. With this addition, the airline increases its capacity between the United States and Nice Côte d'Azur Airport by 30%. “This reflects the growing appeal of our region to Americans, who travel to the Côte d’Azur in greater numbers each year, and responds to our commitment to better connect our territory with major cities around the world,” said Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of the Board at Aéroports de la Côte d'Azur.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/united_iad_nce.jpg" alt="united iad nce" /></figure><h3>Another link to the City of Canals</h3>United is strengthening its presence in Italy this summer. On May 22, it began a daily direct flight from Washington to Venice, currently the only nonstop connection between the two cities. A few weeks earlier, the airline also launched a new Denver–Rome service. The seasonal Newark–Venice service was moved up three weeks ahead of schedule and will now run through December 18, extending seven weeks beyond the end of the peak season.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/united_iad_vce.jpg" alt="united iad vce" /></figure><h3>Landing in Senegal</h3>On May 23, United launched nonstop flights between Washington Dulles and Dakar, with three weekly frequencies. With this new route, the airline enters the West African market, enhancing both tourism and business ties.In addition, United’s African network includes services to Marrakech (Morocco), Lagos (Nigeria), Accra (Ghana), Johannesburg, and Cape Town (South Africa).<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/united_dss_iad.jpeg" alt="united dss iad" /></figure><h3>United at Washington Dulles</h3>Currently, United operates more than 250 daily flights from Washington Dulles to over 115 destinations in the U.S. and worldwide. This hub plays a key role in providing direct access to the U.S. capital, with flights to 21 world capitals and 30 countries in 2025.United’s transatlantic routes from Washington Dulles include: Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Brussels, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Dublin, Edinburgh, Rome-Fiumicino, Frankfurt, Geneva, London-Heathrow, Lisbon, Madrid, Munich, Nice, Venice, Accra, Cape Town, Dakar, and Lagos.

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