The broader transpacific partnership is particularly crucial for Virgin Australia since it is no longer offering its own flights to the U.S after restructuring in 2020.
The Denver-based startup is reportedly in final negotiations to develop a production facility for its Overture supersonic airliner at Piedmont Triad International Airport near Greensboro, North Carolina.
Passenger numbers in the U.S. reached their highest levels since Spring 2020, but new concerns about the omicron coronavirus variant could threaten momentum during the winter travel season.
One of the farthest routes in United Airlines’ network will return in January with the restart of flights between San Francisco (SFO) and Singapore Changi (SIN).
The airline says the alliance with American Airlines enables it to grow in the capacity-constrained New York market well beyond what it otherwise could.
The carrier is preparing to operate a robust international schedule next year and believes many major international airlines will face a shortage of widebody capacity as demand returns.
With cargo demand projected to exceed 2019 levels both in 2021 and 2022, it’s not surprising that passenger airlines will continue to lean on their cargo operations to supplement their revenue for the foreseeable future.
United Airlines plans to operate its largest domestic schedule since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic this December, part of an effort to accommodate an expected surge in holiday travel.
The agreement, which is subject to government approval, will be in addition to United Airlines’ existing tie-up with struggling Star Alliance member South African Airways.
