September Supplier Solutions Updates
Air Traffic Control Modernization Project Has Begun
For decades, America’s National Airspace System has relied on outdated technology. But change is finally coming. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA are executing a sweeping $12.5 billion modernization of the national air traffic control system to be completed by the end of 2028. The $12.5 billion approved is the initial funding, with additional funding needed for phase two of the project. The project includes facility upgrades, including the replacement of eight aging control towers and updates at 41 airports across 24 states. Over 10,000 specific technological upgrades will be completed by the end of 2028. Outdated copper-wire telecommunications will be replaced with high-speed fiber-optic cables, 5G wireless, and low Earth orbit satellite capabilities. Control towers will be transitioned to electronic flight strips, and Internet Protocol digital voice switches will be installed. For even more information, please view the video here and read more.
United Adds Ten International Cities for 2027
United just announced the largest international route expansion in history, adding 10 new routes in 2027. New nonstop flights will touch the following markets: Okinawa, Japan; Toulouse, France; Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; Marseille, France; Ibiza, Spain; Valencia, Spain; Terceira, Portugal; Ljubljana, Slovenia; Sardinia, Italy; and Sicily, Italy. In addition, UA will debut its newest international aircraft, the “Born to Explore” A321XLR, which will fly to some of these new cities and feature lie-flat seats in UA Polaris and Economy Plus seats with extra elbow room across an open middle seat. UA has added nearly 60 new international destinations in the past decade.
American Announces Fleetwide Upgrades
AA will install seatback screens at every seat and increase the number of premium seats across the narrowbody fleet. Today, Premium seats account for 25% of AA’s narrow-body fleet, but that number will grow to 40% in a few years. Customers can also expect:
- More First Class seats: Adding more opportunities to stretch out, dine, and unwind. American is currently retrofitting its Airbus A319 and A320 fleets to add an additional row of First Class. The airline’s upcoming deliveries of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft will have 24 First Class seats, and the A321neo fleet will also be reconfigured to feature additional First Class seats.
- More Main Cabin Extra: Retrofitting the majority of the narrowbody fleet to expand the number of MCE seats, providing even more access to extra legroom, earlier boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, and a complimentary beverage.
- Refreshed interiors: More storage, redesigned seats, and enhanced lighting will have customers flying in comfort and style.
Source: American Airlines News
Southwest Unveils Plans for its First-Ever Lounge Network
Southwest is partnering with Chase to bring together Southwest’s signature Hospitality and the success of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network℠ to create a premium and welcoming airport experience. Each lounge will combine the warmth and friendliness Customers expect from Southwest with sophisticated design, locally inspired dining, high-quality amenities, and valuable travel benefits offered today in the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network.
“Southwest Airlines has built one of the most trusted brands in travel by delivering authentic Hospitality that Customers value. Our lounges will be a natural extension of that experience, offering Customers a place to relax and experience the Southwest brand in a new way,” said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines. “The introduction of a lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and deepens our 30-year partnership with Chase.”
Construction has begun on the first four Southwest lounges, and the first guests are expected to be welcomed in late 2027. These locations include:
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
- Daniel K. Inouye (Honolulu) International Airport
- Nashville International Airport
This is just the beginning of a broader footprint across the Southwest system, with at least seven more lounges planned to open over the next several years across high-demand business and leisure markets.
Delta to Launch First Ever Service Between Austin, TX and Paris, France
Daily summer-season service will operate between AUS and CDG starting March 27, 2027, on DL’s Airbus A330-900. Austin continues to grow with a major influx of tech companies. This service will also provide connections from CDG to over 70 other destinations across Europe, India, and Africa through DL’s joint venture with Air France-KLM.
Palm Beach Airport Name Changed to President Donald J. Trump International Airport
The IATA airport code for President Donald J. Trump International Airport (Formerly Palm Beach Airport) officially changed from PBI to DJT on August 18.
Source: Donald J. Trump International Airport
