US airline industry

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, joined by airline industry leaders, is calling on the US Congress to quickly approve $30 billion in funding for aviation reforms. The money would go toward modernising air traffic control systems and other infrastructure upgrades. Airlines are backing the push, warning that delays risk worsening congestion and reliability problems across the US air travel system.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, together with major US airlines, is pressing Congress to quickly approve roughly $30 billion in funding for aviation reforms. The money would support modernisation of the country's air traffic control system and other industry improvements. The push comes amid ongoing concerns about aging infrastructure, flight delays and safety gaps in the US aviation system.

The Department of Transportation, joined by aviation industry groups, is asking Congress for $30 billion to modernize the US air traffic control system and national airspace. The request covers upgrades to aging infrastructure, including radar, communications and technology systems. It comes amid heightened attention to airline safety following recent incidents and delays tied to outdated equipment, with lawmakers now weighing how to fund the overhaul.

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have increased their checked baggage fees, joining several other US carriers. The airlines cite rising fuel costs, which have climbed amid the conflict involving Iran, as pressure on operating expenses. Travellers now face higher costs for checked luggage on domestic flights, and industry watchers expect other carriers to follow with similar fee increases in the coming weeks.

American Airlines and Taiwan-based carrier Starlux Airlines have entered into a codeshare agreement, linking the US carrier's network with the fast-growing Taiwanese airline. The partnership will allow travelers to book connecting itineraries across both airlines on a single ticket. Details on routes and start dates have not yet been announced, but the deal signals growing demand for travel between North America and Taiwan.

American Airlines and Taiwan's Starlux Airlines have formally launched a new partnership, opening up easier connections between the United States and destinations across Asia. Travelers can expect coordinated itineraries and smoother transfers between the two carriers' networks, giving American passengers access to Starlux's routes and vice versa.

Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are moving toward a revenue-sharing partnership, according to a Bloomberg report. The arrangement would deepen cooperation between the two carriers, allowing them to coordinate more closely on sales and connectivity across their route networks. Travelers and industry watchers are discussing what the deal could mean for competition and fares in the US airline market.

A new report finds general aviation contributes $339 billion to the US economy, underscoring the sector's role in jobs, manufacturing, and local airfield activity beyond the airlines. Aviation outlets are highlighting the figure as evidence of the industry's outsized economic footprint, a point likely to feature in debates over airport funding, airspace access, and regulation.

Alaska Airlines is adding a premium economy cabin and expanding business class seating as it works to narrow the gap with American, Delta and United. The move, reported by Skift, signals the carrier's ambition to compete more directly with the largest US airlines for higher-paying travelers. Industry observers are weighing whether the premium push can help Alaska close the experience and revenue gap with the Big 3.