Supplier Solutions: December 2025 Updates

Delta Air Lines Prepares for Its Largest-Ever Transatlantic Schedule for Summer 2026

Delta Air Lines is gearing up for its most expansive transatlantic flight schedule in company history for Summer 2026. The airline has spent months expanding major U.S. gateway hubs and adding new nonstop Europe flights designed for travelers seeking culture, history, sunshine, and coastal escapes.

New Transatlantic Routes Launching May/June 2026

• Boston to Madrid – Explore world-renowned art, architecture, and late-night tapas

• Seattle to Rome – Experience iconic ancient ruins and historic landmarks

• Seattle to Barcelona – Enjoy buzzing beaches and rich Catalan culture

• Boston to Nice – Discover the glamour of the French Riviera and turquoise waters

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Olbia, Sardinia – Rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and brilliant blue coastlines

• JFK to Porto – Old-world charm along the Douro River and famous Port wine estates

• JFK to Malta – Ancient fortresses and Mediterranean culture shaped by European and North African influences

These additions strengthen Delta’s position in the transatlantic travel market and provide more nonstop flight choices for U.S. travelers heading to top European destinations.

Source: Delta Air Lines Newsroom

Southwest Airlines Introduces New Gate Experience and Assigned Seating for 2026

Southwest Airlines will officially transition from its long-standing open seating model to an assigned seating system beginning January 27, 2026, leading to major updates in both the airport gate experience and the boarding process. This is one of the most significant operational changes in the airline’s history.

Updated Gate Experience: New Boarding Lanes

Starting January 27, Southwest Airlines will discontinue the use of numbered metal stanchions previously used to organize boarding groups. Instead:

• Two alternating digital boarding lanes will display active boarding groups

• A dedicated Preboarding and Priority Boarding area will serve active-duty military members, travelers who purchase the new Priority Boarding product, and customers requiring preboarding accommodations

• Removal of all legacy stanchions is expected to take approximately 60 days, though numbering will be removed or covered by launch day

New Boarding Process: Groups 1–8

The airline will shift from A/B/C boarding groups to Groups 1–8, offering a more efficient and structured approach. Key updates include:

• Priority Boarding available for purchase beginning 24 hours before departure

• Newly redesigned boarding passes showing assigned seat and boarding group

• Passengers needing special accommodations may self-identify digitally ahead of travel

• Travelers on the same reservation (up to nine passengers) will be assigned the same boarding group

• Boarding group assignment will depend on seat location, fare type, elite status, and Rapid Rewards® Credit Card membership

Group Details:

• Groups 1–2: A-List Preferred members, Choice Extra fare, Extra Legroom seat purchases or upgrades (including complimentary upgrades for A-List members when available)

• Groups 3–5: A-List members and Choice Preferred fare; Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers board in Group 5 if not placed earlier

• Groups 6–8: Choice fare and Basic fare customers who do not qualify for earlier groups

These changes modernize Southwest’s customer experience and align the airline more closely with industry-standard boarding structures. Watch a boarding process animation.

Source: Southwest Airlines Newsroom

Boeing Expands 787 Dreamliner Production with New South Carolina Facility

Boeing is accelerating production of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the most in-demand widebody aircraft in the global aviation market. After securing 321 Dreamliner orders in 2025—its second-highest total in program history—the manufacturer has announced a new production facility to support demand.

The new assembly line, located in South Carolina, will become the primary manufacturing hub for the 787 Dreamliner and will allow Boeing to scale production to 10 aircraft per month. This expansion underscores strong commercial aviation growth and sustained interest in fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft.

United Airlines and Travelport Sign Long-Term Strategic Agreement to Advance Airline Retailing

United Airlines and Travelport, a leading global distribution system (GDS) and travel technology company, have entered a long-term strategic partnership aimed at modernizing the airline retailing experience for travel agencies, corporate travel buyers, and travel management companies.

Key features of the agreement include:

• Travelport gaining early access to United Airlines’ New Distribution Capability (NDC) roadmap

• Co-development of next-generation merchandising and retailing tools

• Enhanced capabilities for travel counselors using Travelport’s platforms

• Improved access to United Airlines’ best fares, ancillary products, and retail features

This multi-year collaboration reflects a shared commitment to modern airline retailing, improved traveler servicing, and expanded digital commerce capabilities within the travel industry.

Source: United Newsroom

American Airlines Expands Inflight Entertainment With More Learning and Family-Friendly Content

American Airlines is elevating its inflight entertainment experience with more than 1,500 hours of curated movies, television, audio, and educational content designed for travelers of all ages.

New and expanded inflight entertainment options include:

• “Hey Bear Sensory” videos for relaxation and family entertainment

• The first five chapters of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”

• Meditation guides, children’s stories, and self-improvement audio programs

• Popular reality television shows and culinary competitions

The goal is to provide a more engaging, diverse, and enjoyable entertainment experience across the American Airlines network.

Source: American Airlines Newsroom