Quantcast

US aviation sees major changes since COVID-19 pandemic

Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
Qatar Airways places record $96 billion Boeing order amid Trump visit
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
US aviation sees major changes since COVID-19 pandemic
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

In the early months of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread globally, the aviation industry faced an unprecedented shutdown. Passenger numbers plummeted, airline stocks dropped, and carriers struggled to survive with almost no travelers. Over four years later, while the industry has recovered, it remains fundamentally altered by the pandemic's impact.

COVID-19 reshaped route networks and business models, forcing some airlines out of the market while others expanded. The pandemic permanently changed passenger expectations and how they choose airlines.

"Budget airlines today are experiencing financial difficulties," highlighting a shift from their previous profitability. Before the pandemic, low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines boasted high profit margins but now face increased operational costs and competition from legacy airlines targeting budget-conscious travelers. Issues with aircraft like the A320neo and 737 MAX have further hindered fleet growth for these carriers.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Legacy airlines have adapted by operating more point-to-point routes instead of strictly following hub-and-spoke strategies. This flexibility is evident in new routes bypassing traditional hubs, connecting leisure travelers directly to destinations such as Tampa to Amsterdam or Boston to London.

Premium economy cabins have become standard on long-haul flights for US carriers post-pandemic. These cabins offer passengers an upgrade without paying for business class seats. United, American, and Delta have incorporated premium economy across most of their long-haul fleets.

Airlines are also serving smaller destinations in Europe and Asia more than ever before. The introduction of aircraft like the Boeing 787 has made these routes feasible. United Airlines plans to serve cities like Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia as part of this trend towards seasonal services targeting leisure travelers.

Loyalty programs have gained importance due to economic conditions such as high fuel prices and inflation. "Cobranded credit card partnerships are especially vital," allowing airlines like United, Delta, and American to offer rewards that encourage passengers' loyalty despite competitors' lower fares.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) anticipates that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production will reach 2 million tonnes, equivalent to 0.7% of total airline fuel consumption by 2025.

Jun 1, 2025

Emirates Airline has entered into a partnership with Al Ain Football Club, which will see the airline become the Official Airline Partner for the club during the 2025/26 season.

Jun 1, 2025

IATA has called on governments to eliminate barriers preventing airlines from repatriating revenues from ticket sales and other activities.

Jun 1, 2025

IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic have announced a strategic partnership aimed at connecting India with Europe and North America.

Jun 1, 2025

As the aviation industry recovers in 2025, airlines face critical decisions when expanding their fleets.

Jun 1, 2025

In the United States, five airlines are currently operating Boeing 737 MAX aircraft: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

Jun 1, 2025