Quantcast

US aviation sees major changes since COVID-19 pandemic

Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
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

Delta Air Lines is expanding its flight offerings for the 2025 pro football season, introducing new routes and increasing capacity to accommodate fans traveling to major games.

Jun 6, 2025

Last month, over 130 volunteers from Delta Air Lines and several partner organizations collaborated to construct a new playground in College Park, Georgia.

Jun 6, 2025

Walking together on Omaha Beach, 19-year-old college student Caleb Walker and 101-year-old WWII veteran Jack Myers reflected on the sacrifices made during the D-Day invasion.

Jun 6, 2025

British Airways is the leading foreign long-haul airline serving the United States.

Jun 5, 2025

United Airlines has completed a deal with the Chicago Department of Aviation to acquire five additional gates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

Boeing has reached a production milestone, achieving a monthly output of 38 737 MAX aircraft for the first time since 2020.

Jun 5, 2025