Airlines Threads

2026 is a year of major anniversaries in the airline industry, with one such milestone being celebrated by Scandinavian Airlines. Indeed, SAS turns 80 this year, with the carrier having recently revealed a special livery on one of its Airbus A330-300s to mark the occasion. As pictured here, the blue design features the colors of its countries' flags on the fuselage, and a nice big '80' on the tail. Do you like it? Personally, I'm a huge fan of this design. I always like it when airlines go for non-white fuselages, like Lufthansa's centenary livery, and the main blue color is offset very nicely by the flag stripes near the wings. My only hope is that more aircraft can be painted like this! What do you think? Is this a fitting 80th anniversary livery for SAS? Have you ever flown with the carrier? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

Based in Montreal, Air Transat is an iconic leisure-focused carrier that operates many short-haul and long-haul international routes across North America, South America, and Europe. The airline focuses most international flights from Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto Pearson. According to ch-aviation, the fleet at Air Transat is made up of more than 40 aircraft, including the A321-200, A321LR, A330-200 and A330-300. The airline also has an order for four A321XLR with deliveries expected to commence from 2027. This February, Air Transat commenced its newest long-haul route, connecting Toronto and Montreal with Rio de Janeiro with multiple weekly flights. This got me thinking, what is your favorite long-haul route offered by Air Transat? For me, it would have to be Montreal to Prague. I flew this back in 2018 during a round-the-world trip I was doing. However, if I had the chance to fly them again this year it would have to be the carriers new service to Brazil. Where would you go?

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has unveiled one of the more eye-catching special liveries seen so far this year: an Airbus A330-300 painted in an all-blue 80th anniversary color scheme. The aircraft marks the start of SAS’ 80th year of operations and is designed to celebrate eight decades of linking Scandinavia with the wider world. The design uses SAS' trademark blue across the full fuselage for the first time, giving the aircraft a much bolder presence. It incorporates the flags of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden wrapped around the fuselage, underlining the three-nation foundation of the airline, with a nod to the airline’s classic 1980s styling. The design also incorporates an anniversary emblem on the tail, inspired by the aircraft’s engines and fuselage. The result is one of those rare special liveries that is instantly recognizable from a distance. As special liveries go, what do you think of this one? Is it a winner, or could it use improvement?

Hawaiian Airlines is the largest and busiest airline at Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). While its recent acquisition by Alaska Air Group has ruffled some feathers, this hasn't stopped the airline being the pride of the Island state. In recent years, new aircraft deliveries have enabled the carrier to expand its international operations. With the Airbus A330 having been the backbone for its operations, the introduction of the Boeing 787 and Airbus A321neo has enabled the carrier to expand its reach.  This got me thinking, what is your favorite international route offered by HA? Mine would have to be Honolulu to Rarotonga. This service is offered with the carrier's A321neo narrowbody, and is operated just once a week. The flight takes around six hours gate to gate, and the plane rests on the apron overnight in RAR, to enable the same crew to rest, and operate the return journey home.

United Airlines understands that competing in 2026 with major rivals involves having competitive premium products that can attract high-yield customers like consistent corporate travelers who book business-class seats and leisure travelers with deep pockets. It is with this in mind that the airline elected to deploy its "Elevated" interior, a new signature product that will bring a lot to the table. These new cabins include roomier seats and privacy doors (which do remain under certification scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)). However, there is an interesting question to be raised here. That, specifically, is whether the Boeing 787-9, the jet the airline will be rolling this product out on, is the best choice. The airline's fleet includes many other models, some of which could potentially have been better choices for a new flagship product rollout. What do you think?

On April 1 every year, companies in the aviation industry like to share light-hearted announcements that match the sentiments of the day. Last year, for example, Flightradar24 made headlines when its tracking services appeared to show Concorde aircraft from both Air France and British Airways in flight, well over two decades after the type's retirement. With this in mind, what have been your favorite jokes of this sort? My personal favorite came a few years back, when Simple Flying reported on April 1, 2021, that Airbus had added a flying saucer known as the A360 to its product line. A particular highlight of our coverage was the note that the supposed aircraft's "last part must be driven from Hamburg to Toulouse strapped to the roof of an intern's car" on account of there being too many to fit inside the Beluga freighter! What's been your favorite aviation April Fools' joke over the years? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Cathay Pacific ended last month on a high note, with March 30 seeing it operate its inaugural nonstop flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to Seattle (SEA). These services will operate five times a week using the Airbus A350-900, with Seattle being the airline's seventh US passenger destination (alongside Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco). But where else in the country should it fly? Given its oneworld partnership with American Airlines, I think serving other AA hubs would be a good move as far as connecting traffic is concerned, and a notable exception from its current roster on this front is Phoenix. Further to the east, Charlotte, Miami, and Philadelphia could also be good options, but would perhaps run the risk of cannibalization due to their proximity to Cathay Pacific's existing US destinations. What do you think? Where else in the US should it fly? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments! 

Traveling to the South Pacific is on many people's bucket lists. Fortunately for those who live in Australia and New Zealand, we are treated to a number of non-stop flights from major centres. Fiji Airways and Air New Zealand operate the majority of all international flights in the region, with Auckland International Airport (AKL) and Nadi International Airport (NAN) the perfect gateway for your next trip to the region. Keep in mind, the South Pacific region is that of those located south of the equator, and between Australia, Hawaii, and South America. My favorite airport in the region would have to be Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) - It has the smallest Air New Zealand International Lounge I have ever seen! And its runway proximity to the beach and a road - make it the perfect spot for planespotting for arriving and departing flights. What is your favorite airport in the South Pacific? And how many international airports can you name?  

JetBlue has been in the news of late after hiking its checked bag fees due to "rising operating costs." As a result, the first checked bag that passengers add to their bookings on the airline's shortest off-peak flights will now cost $39 as opposed to the previous rate of $35, with longer flights and those at peak times also seeing similar increases. Meanwhile, in Europe, the cost of a checked bag on LCCs such as easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air can sometimes exceed the base fare itself, so have things gone too far? While I personally understand why airlines charge for checked bags, I think the way this is done could be improved, namely by offering lower incentivized rates for passengers checking a bag but not bringing a large carry-on onboard. This is something already done by Ryanair, which allows guests to check in smaller bags for a lower rate without having to commit to a larger fare bundle, and ensures quicker turnarounds due to overhead bins not being beyond capacity. What do you

Earlier today, Simple Flying took a look at the five airlines with the largest Boeing 737 fleets in the world. The 737 has been a hugely popular narrowbody twinjet for many decades, and, during this time, it has worn a diverse number of airline and special liveries. With this in mind, which have been your favorites? Personally, I can't look beyond TUI's series of Haribo-liveried 737s, which acted as colorful flying billboards for the sweet treats, as seen here. In terms of regular airline liveries, I used to like how British Airways' color scheme looked on the 737, before the UK flag carrier switched to an all-Airbus narrowbody fleet. What do you think? How many specially liveried 737s have you flown on? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

Next month, Alaska Airlines will make history by operating its first-ever nonstop direct flights to Europe. These will come in the form of its new route from Seattle (SEA) to Rome (FCO), with flights to the UK's London Heathrow (LHR) and Iceland's Reykjavík-Keflavík (KEF) in May, but which of these three routes are you most excited about? As a Brit, I can't wait to see a new long-haul airline touch down in London, and am excited about the increased opportunities for travel to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest that Alaska Airlines' presence at Heathrow will enable. It will face strong competition, but such rivalries can only be good for the consumer. What do you think? Which of these routes excites you the most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Simple Flying recently reported that, with the addition of its new daily service from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) at the end of the year, Singapore Airlines will have a daily total of 23 flights on its routes from Australia. This begs the question as to where else in the country it might look to serve in the near future. I personally think restoring its previous route to Canberra (CBR) would be the next logical step, or, if any of its aircraft had the necessary combination of range and shorter runway capabilities, Hobart (HBA) in Tasmania could be an interesting addition. What do you think? Have you ever flown with Singapore Airlines to or from Australia? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

US-based legacy carrier Delta Air Lines made the headlines earlier this year when the carrier decided to order the Boeing 787-10, one of the most capable long-haul jets ever developed. This impressive model not only has long-range capabilities, but it also certainly fits at the upper end of the airline's overall capacity spectrum, highlighting that the airline certainly sees growth on the horizon in a number of high-importance markets. The airline has also continued to push towards a premium-first network strategy, emphasizing routes that offer the best premium demand profiles first. However, the jet is very expensive, and some analysts have questioned whether the airline might have been better off ordering a different model. The 787-10's capacity-and-range profile is relatively unique, but there are a few other models the airline could have ordered. What do you think? Could a different aircraft have made a better choice for the carrier?

New York-based JetBlue Airways has been working with advisers to explore the viability of being sold to rival airlines. As reported by Semafor, the airline has a scenario-based plan on how it could work with United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Southwest Airlines. This proposal would also look to understand how it would fare with support from Washington. JetBlue was blocked from acquiring Florida-based ultra-low-cost-carrier Spirit Airlines in 2024, and since then, the airline has seen its share price drop around 40%. Having not turned a profit since 2019, and with an ever-larger pile of debt, finding a merger partner might be JetBlue's cleanest option.  But what do you think? Should JetBlue merge, and who would be the right partner?

Simple Flying recently reported that JetBlue had expanded its presence in Fort Lauderdale (FLL) by adding a new route to Cleveland (CLE) and boosting its frequencies on nine more existing corridors. With the airport on the rise, this begs the question as to whether it could serve as a future hub for commercial aviation in Florida. Personally, I think the facility's proximity to the larger Miami International Airport (MIA) will prevent Fort Lauderdale from ever being number one in the Sunshine State. However, I can certainly see it gaining more domestic and short-haul significance: JetBlue's latest move is certainly a vote of confidence on this front. What do you think? Will Fort Lauderdale eventually become a major hub in Florida, or will its proximity to Miami limit these efforts? Have you ever flown there? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

British leisure airline Jet2 has been growing exponentially in the past few years, as evidenced by the viral "nothing beats a Jet2 holiday" memes. It has gone from being a small low-cost carrier operating out of Leeds/Bradford to the UK's third-largest airline overall, and has just opened a brand-new large base at London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Jet2 has also recently announced new destinations such as Sharm-el-Sheikh, Kavala, Palermo, and Strasbourg. With this in mind, what should be the airline's next steps? Personally, I think that the airline could look at ordering widebody aircraft and start operating long-haul routes. Low-cost long-haul airlines have historically struggled to stay profitable, but a fleet of 787s or A330-900s could allow flights to popular destinations for British tourists, such as Cancún and Orlando. Jet2 has previously operated long-haul flights when it had its 757-200s, so it would have some prior experience on this front. What do you think Jet2 should do next?

Delta Air Lines is an incredibly unique kind of carrier. The long-haul legacy carrier operates flights to dozens of destinations across the world and has some of the highest-rated cabins and passenger experience of any US airline. The carrier also, intriguingly, charges some of the highest prices of any US carrier. The airline's price premium is driven by a number of factors, including its strength in securing corporate contracts as well as its presence in multiple other kinds of long-haul markets. Delta also has a lucrative contract with American Express, which also helps it improve its overall pricing power. Few operators are as capable as Delta in this regard. Therefore, the important question needs to be asked. Would you pay more to fly with Delta Air Lines? Do you believe the carrier's service is strong enough to justify this visible price premium?

Despite rapid technological advancements, air travel in 2026 continues to feel surprisingly stressful for many passengers. Airports are more crowded than ever as global demand surges beyond pre-pandemic levels, often leading to long queues and congested terminals. While innovations such as biometric boarding and digital check-ins were expected to streamline the travel experience, delays and inefficiencies remain common. Even with modern aircraft produced by manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, operational challenges continue to disrupt schedules worldwide. At the same time, the overall travel experience has become more complex. Additional costs for baggage, seat selection, and other services have made flying feel less straightforward, particularly on low-cost carriers. Although premium airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways offer enhanced comfort, they are not immune to congestion and delays. All over the world, carriers continue to adapt and improve their services, but passeng

Delta Air Lines has said that it is suspending its special services suite for members of Congress, citing a lack of resources amid the ongoing partial government shutdown. Lawmakers flying with Delta will no longer receive VIP perks, such as expedited screening, airport escorts and priority customer service, as the airline's resources are stretched to their limit. According to Delta, while this suspension is in place, members of Congress will be treated as regular customers according to their SkyMiles status. Of course, Delta is not the only airline used by lawmakers, and in fact, American Airlines is often cited as the favored airline for members of Congress, given that it operates a hub at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). So with that in mind, do you think this was the right move by Delta, and should the other large US airlines do the same and also strip members of Congress of VIP perks?

Low-cost carriers transformed air travel by making flying affordable for millions. However, in 2026, the question is becoming harder to ignore: are they still as 'low-cost' as they claim? Airlines like Ryanair and AirAsia continue to offer attractive base fares, but passengers are increasingly paying extra for essentials like baggage, seat selection, and even cabin luggage. As such, what once felt like a budget-friendly option can quickly add up to the price of a full-service ticket. At the same time, full-service airlines are fighting back by introducing competitive economy fares, better onboard comfort, and added value. This shift is blurring the line between low-cost and traditional carriers, leaving passengers to question what they are really paying for. So, is the low-cost model still delivering value, or has it simply changed the way airlines charge passengers? What's your favorite budget airline and why? Share your thoughts in the comments! This is user-generated content. The