The Latest Breaking News from Helane Becker

Pilot shortage puts pressure on airline operations

A shortage of pilots is limiting the number of flights that airlines can operate, which can cause problems during peak travel periods

The Independent UK · Feb 9, 2023

Delta's free WiFi, Sync platform point to more connected future

DETROIT and LAS VEGAS — Delta Air Lines Inc. on Wednesday launched free WiFi on 75% of its domestic mainline aircraft, an early step toward its overhaul of in-flight entertainment in favor of personalization and free services like Paramount+ streaming, New York Times puzzles and more.

Tribune News Service · Feb 1, 2023

Southwest Airlines leaders defend tech, schedules and staffing after holiday meltdown

Southwest Airlines’ top executives say the company’s technology, staffing and scheduling plans didn’t fail in late December, even after a holiday meltdown in which 16,700 flights were canceled and the carrier forced the shutdown of two-thirds of its operations.

Tribune News Service · Jan 27, 2023

Are Further Airline Mergers At The Gate?

Recent multi-billion dollar mergers and upbeat earnings reports in the airline industry have revived optimism in the sector and on airline stocks as investors turn bullish on the sector’s potential after being paralyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the past two years. 

Benzinga · Aug 3, 2022

Canceled flights over Memorial Day weekend offer travelers a peek of the summer

U.S. airlines canceled more than 2,800 flights from Thursday through Monday, or about 2% of their schedules, according to tracking service FlightAware.

WEKU · Jun 1, 2022