American Airlines to resume flights to Venezuela, awaits government clearance

American Airlines has announced plans to become the first U.S. carrier to reinstate nonstop service between the United States and Venezuela, marking a potential milestone in restoring transatlantic connectivity. The airline emphasized that the move is contingent on securing government approvals and completing security assessments, which are underway in collaboration with federal authorities.

The decision follows American’s historical role as a key bridge between the two nations. The airline began operating in Venezuela in 1987 and, before suspending flights in 2019, held the title of the largest U.S. airline in the country.

“American has a more than 30-year history connecting Venezuelans to the U.S., and we are ready to renew that incredible relationship,” stated Nat Pieper, American’s chief commercial officer, in a company press release. He highlighted the potential for the renewed service to facilitate family reunification, business ventures, and tourism, underscoring the airline’s commitment to fostering economic and cultural ties.

American’s extensive network in Latin America and the Caribbean positions it as a strategic choice for the route. The carrier currently operates more nonstop destinations to the U.S. from the region than any other airline.

Details about the timeline, frequencies, and specific cities served remain pending, as the airline works through regulatory processes.

Man arrested in California for suspected unregistered aircraft operation, plane theft

A 38-year-old man from Pomona, Calif., was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of attempting to operate an unregistered aircraft and steal a plane, according to a federal criminal complaint filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.

The suspect, Christian Estoque, faces federal charges following an investigation by the FBI’s Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force. 

Authorities allege that a single-engine aircraft was reported stolen on Jan. 3 from Auburn Municipal Airport in Washington state. The plane was recovered three days later at Corona Municipal Airport in Southern California.

According to the complaint, the aircraft’s transponder—used to identify its location—had been manipulated during the flight, making it difficult to track the plane’s movements. However, surveillance records and eyewitness accounts placed the aircraft at an airport in Kelso, Washington, on Jan. 4. At that time, a couple seen arriving in a rental vehicle were suspected of being aboard the stolen aircraft.

Investigators later linked the couple to a second aircraft at the same Corona airport on Jan. 27. This second plane had not been registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) since 2017. FBI agents conducting surveillance observed Estoque enter the unregistered aircraft and start its engine. Agents intervened, arresting him on suspicion of attempting to steal the plane.

Estoque is not a licensed pilot and is not listed on the registration for the aircraft, authorities confirmed. In statements to investigators, Estoque reportedly admitted to operating the aircraft while under the influence of methamphetamine.

Estoque made his initial appearance before a federal magistrate on Jan. 29 and was released on bond. The charges against him remain pending as the investigation continues.

Stringer cracks found in replacement E-4C Doomsday Planes

Sierra Nevada Company LLC has received a $26.3 million modification to a major U.S. Air Force contract to address structural repairs on a future Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) aircraft.

The SAOC program aims to replace the Air Force’s aging E-4B “Nightwatch” aircraft with a next-generation E-4C model. These aircraft serve as airborne command centers, ensuring uninterrupted command, control, and communication for U.S. national security leaders, including the president, during emergencies. The current E-4Bs are known as National Airborne Operations Centers, nicknamed “Doomsday Planes.”

In April 2024, Sierra Nevada Company LLC was awarded a $13 billion contract to integrate the replacement E-4C aircraft. The contract modification announced on Friday raises the total contract value to $13,107,266,157 from $13,080,890,647. The funding will cover repairs to stringer cracks on SAOC’s Engineering and Manufacturing Development 1 aircraft. The repairs are a critical step in ensuring the airframe’s structural integrity.

Per the contract announcement, all work will be performed at Sierra Nevada’s facilities in Englewood, Colo., and is projected to conclude by Dec. 31, 2027. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Mass., is overseeing the contract.

The new E-4C SAOC will be a highly modified Boeing 747-8i, to replace the older 747-200-based E-4B fleet. The Air Force flies four E-4Bs today, and SNC has purchased five 747-8is from Korean Airlines for the new SAOC program.

In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received reports about cracks that were forming on Boeing 747-8 stringers. As a result, the FAA issued a new directive, requiring operators of all Boeing 747-8i and Boeing 747-8F aircraft to complete detailed inspections for cracks.

P.F. Chang’s restaurants: senior management shuffle continues

After appointing two new CEOs in one year, P.F. Chang’s restaurants continue to shuffle management positions for improvements.

A global leader in Pan-Asian inspired dining, P.F. Chang’s announced the appointment of Holly Smith as its new chief marketing officer on Friday. Smith will oversee the brand’s strategic direction, focusing on “deepening guest connections” and enhancing market relevance amid a competitive industry landscape, the company said in a press release.

Reporting directly to CEO and President Jim Mazany, Smith will lead the development of P.F. Chang’s marketing strategy, with an emphasis on engaging diverse audiences and elevating the customer experience. Her role follows Mazany’s appointment as CEO in November, succeeding Brad Hill, who was promoted to CEO in April.

A veteran in restaurant and hospitality marketing, Smith brings over two decades of experience driving brand growth. She has previously led high-impact initiatives for chains such as Rosa Mexicano, Yardbird, Macaroni Grill, and Joe’s Crab Shack. Her expertise spans menu innovation, pricing strategies, and consumer engagement, positioning her to guide P.F. Chang’s evolving brand identity.

“Holly’s proven ability to build dynamic, consumer-centric brand strategies makes her an outstanding addition to our team,” Mazany said in a statement. “Her vision will be invaluable as we continue to shape memorable experiences and expand our reach globally.”

Smith expressed enthusiasm for joining P.F. Chang’s during a period of growth, noting the brand’s “special place in the hearts of diners worldwide.” She aims to collaborate with internal teams to strengthen emotional connections with guests while driving long-term expansion.

Founded in 1993, P.F. Chang’s operates over 300 locations across 23 countries, including U.S. airport outlets.

NASA calls for innovative Parabolic Flight Services to boost access to reduced‑gravity research

NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California has issued a market‑research Request for Information (RFI) aimed at expanding the agency’s Flight Opportunities program. The RFI seeks input from commercial and academic entities capable of providing Parabolic Flight Services that deliver microgravity and reduced‑gravity environments for technology testing and scientific experiments.

The RFI, released Thursday, is not a formal contract offer; rather, it is a fact-finding exercise designed to map the current and emerging capabilities of the aerospace industry. Respondents are asked to submit capability statements that outline how they would meet NASA’s technical and operational requirements, with a particular emphasis on “novel or non-traditional flight platforms.”

NASA’s Flight Opportunities program traditionally relies on a fleet of modified agency aircraft that fly a series of steep climbs and dives—known as “parabolas”—to create short bursts of weightlessness lasting up to 25 seconds or more. While these flights have supported a range of research, from fluid dynamics to human physiology, the agency is now looking to diversify its options.

Interested parties are encouraged to provide technical documentation, literature, brochures, and reference projects that demonstrate relevant experience. All submissions must be received no later than March 2.

US Air Force contract for MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters expands

The Boeing Company has secured a new contract to produce four additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters and provide related sustainment for the U.S. Air Force, marking its second production agreement for the aircraft in five months. The contract brings the total award to over $262 million following a $173 million agreement for eight helicopters in September 2023.

The U.S. Air Force has now ordered a total of 38 MH-139A units under contract, with 21 aircraft delivered to date. Of these, 12 were produced under a low-rate initial production contract awarded in 2023. The latest order underscores the Air Force’s accelerated adoption of the MH-139A to bolster security and operational capabilities.

“The quick succession of contracts demonstrates that the U.S. Air Force is all in on bringing the MH-139A capability to the warfighter as quickly as possible,” said Azeem Khan, director, MH-139 program. “Our team is dedicated to delivering and maintaining these aircraft, driven by a commitment to excellence, where safety and quality are our top priorities.”

Designed for multi-mission operations—including patrol, search and rescue, and troop and cargo transport—the MH-139A is based on the Leonardo Helicopters AW139, a civilian utility helicopter adapted with custom military systems by Boeing. The aircraft will be deployed to patrol nuclear missile silos across the U.S. Midwest, a critical security mission for the Air Force.

The collaboration between Boeing and Leonardo Helicopters supports over 1,000 jobs across the United States, particularly in the Philadelphia region, where key assembly and integration work is conducted. Leonardo, an Italian aerospace company, supplies the baseline airframe, while Boeing handles military modifications, sustainment, and logistics.

Delta Air Lines strengthens widebody fleet with order for 31 Airbus aircraft

Delta Air Lines has finalized a firm order for 31 Airbus aircraft, marking a significant step in modernizing and expanding its widebody fleet. The order includes 16 Airbus A330-900s and 15 A350-900s, bringing Delta’s total widebody fleet to 55 A330neos and 79 A350s upon delivery. The move underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability while bolstering its long-haul capabilities.

Currently, Delta operates over 500 Airbus aircraft, spanning the A220 to the A350-900. The carrier already holds a backlog of approximately 200 Airbus aircraft, which includes the new A350-1000 model.

The A330neo and A350-900s ordered by Delta feature cutting-edge technology designed to reduce costs and environmental impact. The A330neo, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, offers a 25% reduction in fuel burn, CO₂ emissions, and operating costs compared to earlier-generation competitors. With a range of 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 kilometers), it supports nonstop long-haul routes, expanding Delta’s connectivity options.

The A350-900, meanwhile, remains the industry’s most advanced widebody jet, capable of flying 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers). Its aerodynamic design, lightweight materials, and next-generation engines deliver similar efficiency gains while setting benchmarks for passenger comfort and intercontinental travel.

Both aircraft models ordered can operate using up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a critical component in the aviation industry’s transition to greener practices. Airbus has pledged to make its aircraft compatible with 100% SAF by 2030, aligning with global efforts to achieve net-zero emissions.

The new order also highlights the growing demand for Airbus’s widebody aircraft. As of December, the A350 family had secured over 1,500 orders from 67 customers, while the A330 family surpassed 1,900 global orders.

Florida aviation firm fined for violation in Coast Guard aircraft repairs

Sherwood Avionics and Accessories, Inc., a Florida-based aviation maintenance and manufacturing company, has agreed to pay $109,618 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to adhere to contractual requirements for repairing U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) aircraft. The U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Florida, announced the settlement in a press statement on Tuesday.

The company, which provides in-house aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, entered a contract with the USCG in September 2016 to perform repair and overhaul work on landing gear components of C-130H and C-130J aircraft. These aircraft are critical to the USCG’s operations, supporting missions such as search and rescue, law enforcement, and disaster response.

Between September 2017 and September 2021, Sherwood allegedly failed to obtain and use the most current U.S. Air Force Technical Orders (TOs) required under the contract. Technical Orders are official guidelines that outline mandatory procedures for safe and proper aircraft repairs. By not following updated TOs, the company potentially compromised the safety and compliance of the maintenance work performed on the USCG’s landing gear systems.

The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, Southeast Region, investigated the matter, with assistance from the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The probe determined that Sherwood’s actions constituted a breach of contract terms and subjected the government to potential risks by using outdated repair protocols.

United Airlines expands Chicago O’Hare operations with record 750 daily flights this summer

United announced on Tuesday that it will reach 750 flights per day this summer from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), 200 more than its next largest competitor and the largest schedule ever flown by any airline operating in the city.

Throughout 2026, Chicago's hometown airline will offer nonstop service to 222 destinations – more than any other airline at ORD, and 38 more than its next largest competitor – including 47 international cities across Europe, Asia, and South America, as well as 175 U.S. destinations. Starting as early as April, and on sale starting Jan. 29, the airline is strengthening connectivity across the Midwest with five new routes from ORD to cities including:

• Champaign/Urbana, Ill. (CMI) operated 4 times daily beginning April 30
• Kalamazoo, Mich. (AZO) operated 4 times daily beginning April 30
• Lansing, Mich. (LAN) operated 4 times daily beginning May 7
• La Crosse, Wis. (LSE) operated 4 times daily beginning May 7
• Bloomington/Normal, Ill. (BMI) operated 4 times daily beginning May 7

In late 2025, the airline also announced it would add flights to cities such as Santa Barbara, Calif. (SBA); Monterey, Calif. (MRY); Eugene, Ore. (EUG); Bristol/Tri-Cities, Tenn. (TRI), Erie, Penn. (ERI); Rochester, Minn. (RST); Wausau, Wis. (CWA); Marquette, Mich. (MQT), and more as part of its 2026 summer schedule.

In addition to enhancing connections between ORD and small and midsized communities, more than 80 cities will receive additional flights to give customers even more options from Chicago, including popular travel destinations like Boston (BOS), Nashville (BNA), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Dallas (DFW).

United's Chicago hub is expected to become the third-largest hub among U.S. airlines.

United will also operate from ORD to Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL), daily from June 8 to June 27, providing service for large international soccer games. With this add, United will have non-stop service from Chicago to all 16 cities hosting large international soccer games in 2026.

Operational Excellence at ORD

United averaged 541 daily departures from ORD in 2025, 31% more than the next largest competitor, and flew more seats from Chicago than at any point in the last two decades. 

To support the airline's continued focus on operational excellence, United plans to hire approximately 2,500 people at ORD before the end of the year. The airline plans to fly more than 370 daily mainline departures during its summer schedule – a 20% increase from summer 2025.

Air Lease delivers first of five Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Air Canada

Air Lease Corp. announced Sunday the delivery of a new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Air Canada, marking the first of five such aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2026 under a long-term lease agreement established in 2023. The delivery underscores the ongoing partnership between the global aircraft leasing company and Canada’s largest carrier.

The newly delivered 737-8 joins Air Canada’s fleet of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, supporting the airline’s strategy to enhance operational efficiency and expand its route network.

“Air Lease is pleased to deliver from our orderbook this first of five Boeing 737-8 aircraft on lease to our long-time customer, Air Canada,” said John Plueger, chief executive officer and president of Air Lease. “This 737-8 joins Air Canada’s diverse and expanding fleet of the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.”

Air Lease, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is a leading global aircraft leasing company serving airline customers across six continents. The firm specializes in acquiring new commercial jets and offering customized leasing and financing solutions tailored to airline needs.

Air Canada, based in Montréal, operates an extensive international network, providing scheduled passenger service to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States, and abroad.

Australia receives first MC-55A Peregrine surveillance aircraft

Australia has taken a significant step in enhancing its national defense capabilities with the arrival of the first MC-55A Peregrine aircraft at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. The delivery marks the launch of the nation’s first dedicated airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) platform.

Developed by L3Harris Technologies and based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet airframe, the MC-55A is designed to conduct long-range missions capable of collecting and analyzing a range of intelligence data. The aircraft features advanced sensors, signal-detection systems, and electronic-warfare suites that enable it to operate across a wide range of military and surveillance missions.

The Australian government confirmed the arrival as a milestone in the modernization of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The first of four MC-55A aircraft will be operated by Number 10 Squadron and based at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The platform is expected to become fully operational in the coming years as integration, training, and mission testing proceed.

The MC-55A strengthens Australia’s broader Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) enterprise. It will operate alongside key assets such as the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle, enhancing maritime domain awareness, electronic surveillance, and real-time data sharing across defense networks.