It’s been a whirlwind past few weeks in the aviation industry — for good and bad. From exciting new routes and product launches to increased fees and other changes in response to global conflicts and accidents, the world of flight underwent a great deal recently.

Delta Air Lines, Amazon Leo Sign Agreement
On March 31, Delta Air Lines and Amazon Leo entered an agreement to bring Amazon Leo on hundreds of Delta aircraft, starting with an initial installation on 500 aircraft beginning in 2028. The partnership will see Amazon expand its popular Delta Sync WiFi and seatback experiences, growing the existing collaboration between AWS and Delta.

ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance
ITA Airways marked its entry into Star Alliance March 31 at a ceremony at Rome Fiumicino Airport. Starting today, ITA Airways will be fully connected to Star Alliance’s global network, linking its Rome hub and Milan Linate Airport (served by 17 Star Alliance members collectively). Customers traveling across the network can now benefit from reciprocal frequent-flyer recognition and access to Star Alliance lounges.

Aer Lingus to Roll Out Starlink Across Fleet
Aer Lingus recently equipped its first aircraft in its fleet with Starlink, delivering ultra-fast, reliable WiFi to customers. Customers traveling from Dublin (DUB) to New York (JFK) can now enjoy the new service. Aer Lingus will equip all aircraft with Starlink in a phased rollout, beginning with aircraft flying to North America, followed by those serving European destinations. The WiFi is expected to be available across the airline’s entire long-haul fleet by early 2027.

Avelo Airlines Adds New Destinations to Network
Avelo Airlines announced Indianapolis (IND) and Cleveland (CLE) as the newest destinations to its network, with non-stop routes to New Haven, Connecticut (HVN), and Charlotte/Concord (USA), North Carolina. Avelo Airlines will operate these routes via Boeing 737 aircraft. Service to New Haven and Charlotte/Concord from Indianapolis begins June 18 with twice-weekly service. Service to New Haven and Charlotte/Concord from Cleveland begins June 19, with twice-weekly service.

JetBlue Raises Checked Bag Fees
As fuel prices climb due to global conflict, JetBlue announced an increase in checked bag fees by at least $4 and up to $9. Now, JetBlue travelers will be charged $39 for pre-purchasing the first checked bag during “Off Peak” times. For peak periods, the fee will go from $40 to $49.

Air Canada CEO Retires
On March 30, Air Canada announced Michael Rousseau, president and CEO, will retire by the end of the third quarter this year. The airline made the announcement just a week after the fatal Air Canada Jazz crash from Montréal (YUL) to LaGuardia Airport. Rousseau spent nearly 20 years with Air Canada, and the airline is currently working internally to find Rousseau’s successor.

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