Stories

Investigators Trace 737 Windshield Impact to Lost Weather Balloon

The NTSB outlines the sequence of events at 36,000 feet.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

United 737 MAX 8
A United 737 MAX 8 (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)

The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report on an incident involving a United Boeing 737 MAX 8 that diverted to Salt Lake City after its windshield was struck during cruise near Moab, Utah, on Oct. 16. The aircraft was operating as United 1093 from Denver to Los Angeles.

According to the report, the captain saw an object ahead shortly before a significant impact struck the first officer’s forward windshield at 36,000 feet. Glass entered the cockpit, and the captain received minor injuries to his right arm. 

Pressurization remained stable, and the first officer took control while the crew completed checklists and communicated with dispatch. A window overheat alert on the first officer’s side later illuminated, and the crew addressed it using the required procedures.

Damage to windshield on United 737 MAX 8 (Photo: NTSB)

The captain briefed passengers, flight attendants prepared the cabin, and the aircraft began a descent into the airport. The landing on runway 16L was uneventful, and the airplane taxied to the gate under its own power. The captain received medical treatment at the gate. No other injuries were reported.

During the initial review, investigators contacted operators and agencies regarding nearby aircraft, reentry objects, or balloon activity. WindBorne Systems reported that it had lost communication with one of its Global Sounding Balloons in the same vicinity and timeframe. The balloon, launched the previous day from Spokane, last transmitted at approximately 35,936 feet as it passed through Utah.

WindBorne described the system as a lightweight, unmanned free balloon. It consists of a thin-film envelope, avionics, and a low-density ballast system designed to minimize potential impact forces. 

The report also outlines the multilayer construction of the 737’s windshield, which is certified to withstand a four-pound bird strike and maintain structural integrity even with the failure of an outer pane. The damaged windshield was removed and sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory for examination.

Preliminary flight data showed the aircraft traveling southwest at a groundspeed of about 395 knots at the time of the impact, nearly opposite the balloon’s last reported track.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Frontier Adds Two New Routes, Resumes More

The carrier’s latest network expansion connects seven airports.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A Frontier A321 in Las Vegas (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Frontier will expand its domestic network early next year with four routes launching across seven U.S. airports, the carrier announced Thursday. The additions will begin in January and February 2026.

The first route will launch on Jan. 21, when Frontier starts three-times-weekly service between Newark, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida. The ultra-low-cost carrier last served this market in 2022. 

On Jan. 22, the airline will add twice-weekly flights linking Salt Lake City and Tucson, Arizona. 

Two additional routes will begin on Feb. 13. Frontier will start three-times-weekly service between Miami and Chicago, along with twice-weekly service connecting Orlando and Pensacola, Florida.

Frontier last linked Chicago and Miami in 2022, according to Cirium Diio schedule data.

“These new routes will offer consumers more affordable connections across the United States beginning in early 2026,” said Josh Flyr, vice president of network and operations design at Frontier, in a news release.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Air Canada Plans Cross-Brand Fleet Upgrade

The airline is installing new seats, entertainment systems, and wireless internet service.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Air Canada 737 MAX
An Air Canada Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Canada’s largest airline announced Thursday that it will reshuffle aircraft across its brands and install refreshed cabins with new seats, improved entertainment systems, and upgraded wireless internet.

Air Canada plans to transition all of its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to subsidiary Air Canada Rouge, while moving Rouge’s Airbus A320s and A321s into the mainline fleet.

Mainline aircraft will be fitted with new reclining seats, personal screens, and Wi-Fi service. Air Canada officials said the new design scheme for mainline cabins – which will be adopted across the company’s brands – is meant to be “modern, accessible, and warm,” while also distinctly Canadian.

The upgrade work is already underway, the carrier noted, and 15 A321s are currently operating with the refurbished cabins.

Air Canada's new 737 MAX interior
Air Canada’s new 737 MAX interior. (Photo: Air Canada)

Rouge’s 737 MAX 8 jets will be reconfigured to accommodate 12 Business Class seats, 18 Preferred extra-legroom Economy seats, and 147 Standard Economy seats. Like the mainline fleet, the aircraft will get new seats and entertainment systems. Wireless internet will be made available for free for Aeroplan members.

Air Canada Express’ Embraer E175s and Mitsubishi CRJ-900s, operated by Jazz Aviation, will also get new cabins starting in 2026. The Express subsidiary’s 25 De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft have already been set aside for a full cabin redesign, which includes new seating, new interiors, and Wi-Fi.

Air Canada also plans to offer complimentary beer, wine, and premium snacks on all flights in its North American network.

Air Canada's new 737 MAX interior
Air Canada’s new 737 MAX interior. (Photo: Air Canada)

Growing A220 Fleet

Airline officials added Thursday that they will continue to invest in the A220, which has become increasingly central to Air Canada’s domestic and transborder operations. The carrier has an additional 26 A220-300s on order and will introduce its new design standard on future deliveries starting in March 2026.

As part of the cross-fleet reorganization, Air Canada Rouge will open a new crew base in Vancouver, “providing more choices for leisure travelers from Western Canada,” the airline said. It did not provide an opening date for the facility.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

United Plans Exit From Two Long-Haul Markets

The carrier confirmed upcoming service cuts in Africa and Europe, including a 20-year-old route.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A United 757-200
A United 757-200 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

United will discontinue service in two long-haul markets next year, the carrier confirmed on Wednesday, citing routine schedule adjustments driven by aircraft availability, market dynamics, and other operational factors.

Service between Washington Dulles and Dakar, Senegal, will end on March 5. United began flying the route three times weekly on May 23, 2025. A spokesperson said customers booked to travel after the final date “may reach out to United to be reaccommodated on a partner airline or to request a refund.”

Ishrion Aviation first reported the network changes.

European Cut

In Europe, United will also withdraw from Stockholm, Sweden, after roughly two decades. The airline said seasonal service between its Newark, New Jersey, hub and the Swedish capital will not return for the Summer 2026 season. 

United 767-300
A United Boeing 767-300 lands in Dakar (Photo: United)

The route traces its origins to Continental, which launched the service in June 2005. Customers ticketed on or after June 4 may similarly contact the airline to arrange alternative travel or request a refund, United said.

“We regularly make changes to our schedule due to aircraft availability, market dynamics and other factors,” the spokesperson said.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

New Capital Plan Calls for Terminal Rebuilds at LaGuardia, Newark

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is looking to spend $45 billion on infrastructure improvements through 2035.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

United and JetBlue aircraft
United and JetBlue aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)

Big changes could be in store for two major airports in the New York metro area.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently proposed a 10-year, $45 billion capital plan that would launch ambitious reconstruction and renovation projects at LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

According to an overview released last week, the plan envisions replacing LaGuardia’s 85-year-old Terminal A “to meet demand and continued passenger growth.” Officials said they would build a new terminal while protecting the facility’s historic two-story rotunda.

Funds would also be allocated to a new bus service at the airport and a new taxi hold lot at Terminal B.

At Newark, the Port Authority proposed a public-private partnership to oversee construction of a “new, world-class, light-filled, and inspiring” Terminal B.

The port district set aside about $55 million in 2024 to study its options for the existing Terminal B, which is 52 years old and increasingly outmoded.

Officials would also expand Newark’s Terminal A with new gates, fund the new AirTrain Newark people mover system, and add a third major taxiway to reduce flight delays and simplify the airport’s roadway network.

The capital plan also sets aside funds to complete ongoing work at John F. Kennedy International Airport, build a new bus terminal in Midtown Manhattan, improve the PATH rail system, and rehabilitate bridges and tunnels.

The first gates at JFK’s new Terminal One and Terminal 6 are expected to open in 2026. Funding for those projects was allocated under the prior 2017-2025 capital strategy.

The Port Authority has scheduled six public hearings next month to gather feedback on its new plan.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

Air Canada, Emirates Extend Partnership Through 2032

The carriers plan to add more codeshare routes and strengthen cooperation on cargo.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Emirates 777-200
An Emirates 777-200LR (Photo: Shutterstock | JetKat)

Air Canada and Emirates are extending their codeshare, interline, and loyalty agreements through at least 2032, the two carriers announced Wednesday.

In a joint statement, officials with both airlines said they will expand cooperation on cargo operations, add new perks for customers, and grow the number of available codeshare routes.

Air Canada and Emirates launched their strategic partnership in 2022.

“This agreement strengthens our international strategy by supporting our daily, year-round service between Toronto and Dubai and providing customers and shippers seamless connections to destinations across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia,” Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice president, chief commercial officer, and president of cargo, said in a news release. “Renewing this partnership is great news, not just for our customers – many of whom have family, cultural, or business ties to these regions – but also for Canada, as it enhances our ability to connect the country to the world amid evolving trade and travel patterns.”

The Air Canada-Emirates codeshare network currently includes 56 routes and 37 destinations in Canada and the U.S. Over the summer, three new Air Canada-operated routes were added: Toronto-Minneapolis, Montreal-Calgary, and Vancouver-Los Angeles.

Air Canada 737 MAX 8
An Air Canada 737 MAX 8. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Air Canada also places its code on 19 routes operated by Emirates to the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Air Canada’s Aeroplan members and Emirates’ Skywards members can earn and redeem points on each others’ networks. Eligible Aeroplan customers also have access to Emirates’ lounges at Dubai International Airport.

Air Canada operates from Dubai International’s Terminal 3.

The carriers said Wednesday that they plan to extend reciprocity in redemptions to each others’ premium economy cabins. A start date for the new benefit was not announced.

Emirates said increased cooperation with Air Canada and its other partners will help set the stage for a smooth move from Dubai International Airport, its current operations hub, to Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central. The transition will take place after 2032.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

Spirit Pilots Set for 8% Pay Cuts

The carrier is looking to slash around $100 million in costs associated with its pilot contract.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A Spirit Airbus aircraft
A Spirit Airbus aircraft (Photo: Shutterstock | Carlos Yudica)

Spirit will slash the salaries for its roughly 2,400 pilots in another cost-cutting move for the beleaguered carrier. These cuts come after the airline furloughed over 500 pilots this year, with more planned in 2026.

The ultra-low-cost carrier – which filed for bankruptcy for the second time in August – will dock hourly pilot wages by 8%. Union leaders approved a tentative agreement this week that is still pending final sign-off from Spirit’s pilots.

This deal comes after months of “difficult bargaining,” said Captain Ryan Muller, chair of the Spirit Airlines Master Executive Council at ALPA, in a statement to AirlineGeeks. 

Negotiations between the union and airline were done “under the shadow of a potential Section 1113 filing, a bankruptcy process that would have carried an uncertain and worse outcome than a consensual agreement,” Muller added. “By reaching an agreement, we have preserved the ability for pilots, not the court, to decide the terms of any agreement.”

Spirit did not respond to a request for comment. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) confirmed the tentative agreement, which also requires bankruptcy court approval.

$100 Million in Cuts

In September, Spirit’s chief operating officer, John Bendoraitis, said it needs to save $100 million a year on its pilot contract, according to Business Insider. 

These savings, Bendoraitis added, are to help “secure the company’s future.” For the third quarter, Spirit reported a net loss of $317.5 million.

Spirit aircraft
Spirit Airbus jets (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Also part of the deal with its pilots, Spirit will decrease 401(k) defined contributions from 16% to 8%, effective Jan. 1. Pay restoration is slated for Aug. 1, 2028, with a 4% increase, followed by another 4% on Jan. 1, 2029. The 401(k) contribution will be restored to 16% by July 1, 2029, union officials told pilots.

The airline’s flight attendants are also in the process of negotiating changes to their contract.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Mesa Shareholders OK Republic Merger

The deal is expected to close later this week.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Republic Airways Embraer aircraft
A Republic Airways Embraer jet (Photo: Shutterstock | Trevor Howard Jones)

Mesa Airlines shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favor of a planned merger with Republic Airways on Tuesday, setting the stage for the deal to close in a matter of days.

Mesa said over 29.6 million votes were cast in support of the merger proposal, while about 185,600 votes were cast against it. There were about 37,270 abstentions.

“We appreciate the strong and clear support our shareholders have provided,” Mesa Chairman and CEO Jonathan Ornstein said in a statement. “This vote confirms the strategic value of combining Mesa and Republic and positions the combined company for enhanced scale and long-term stability.”

The merger is expected to close later this week. Together, Republic and Mesa will form one of the largest regional airlines in the U.S.

The two carriers announced plans to combine in April. At the time, officials said the post-merger company will operate a single fleet of approximately 310 Embraer 170/175 aircraft, with over 1,250 daily departures within the airlines’ existing flying networks.

Republic Airways Embraer jet
A Republic Airways aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The post-merger business will continue operating flights for Republic and Mesa’s current partners. Republic has service agreements with United, Delta, and American, while Mesa works only with United, flying as United Express.

According to documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Mesa will be the surviving corporate entity, though it will take the Republic Airways name. Pre-merger Republic shareholders will own 88% of outstanding shares, while pre-merger Mesa shareholders will hold 6% of the outstanding shares. The remaining 6% will be held in an escrow account for delivery to Mesa investors.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

JetBlue Plans New Transatlantic Routes

Two new European links will debut next spring.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A JetBlue A321LR in Amsterdam
A JetBlue A321LR in Amsterdam (Photo: Shutterstock | Minh K Tran)

JetBlue is preparing to launch additional transatlantic service from Boston in 2026, the airline announced Tuesday, adding two brand-new destinations to its summer schedule. 

The carrier will introduce daily seasonal service from Boston to Barcelona on April 16, 2026, followed by the start of daily flights from Boston to Milan on May 11. Both routes will operate with Airbus A321 aircraft featuring the airline’s Mint premium cabin. 

Onboard JetBlue’s A321LR featuring the new Mint suite. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Mateen Kontoravdis)

“As we expand our New England footprint with new service from Boston to Barcelona and Milan, we’re bringing more travelers the elevated service that has redefined transatlantic air travel, including our award-winning Mint premium experience,” said Joanna Geraghty, chief executive officer of JetBlue, in a news release. “Customers flying to Europe with JetBlue enjoy the kind of thoughtful design, privacy, and hospitality they simply won’t find with legacy carriers, and we’re proud to continue delivering incredible value and style on both sides of the Atlantic.”

JetBlue said the additions will expand its European presence from Boston to nine destinations next summer. The airline also plans to operate five daily transatlantic routes from New York-JFK during the summer months. 

Tickets for both routes will go on sale Nov. 20. 

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

United Adds Three Routes, Drops Another

The carrier will add more seasonal service.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

United 737 MAX 8
A United 737 MAX 8 (Photo: Shutterstock | lorenzatx)

United is preparing to add three seasonal Saturday-only routes next year while ending one domestic service as part of its latest schedule updates, a spokesperson confirmed this week.

The carrier will introduce new seasonal service between its Newark, New Jersey, hub and Kalispell, Montana, beginning June 13. The flight will operate once weekly on Saturdays and will be flown with a Boeing 737 MAX 8.

These changes were first flagged in a Cirium Diio schedule update last week before being confirmed by the airline. 

United will also launch two additional seasonal Saturday-only routes on May 23, 2026. The first will link Houston and Rapid City, South Dakota, using an Embraer E175. This route was last flown in August 2024. 

United Express E175
A United Express Embraer E175 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The second will connect Los Angeles and Montrose, Colorado, also operated with an E175. This service was initially slated to end in April, but has now been extended through the summer. 

Route Cut

In addition to the new routes, United said it will suspend service between Greensboro, North Carolina, and Denver. The final day of operation for that route is scheduled for Jan. 6.

“We make regular adjustments to our flight schedule based on seasonality, demand and other market factors,” the spokesperson added. 

The airline has connected Denver and Greensboro since 2023. 

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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