summary
- United Airlines had a successful year, opening unique routes and expanding aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus.
- American Airlines solidified its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, opening a new crew hotel and reaching new contract agreements with pilots.
- Delta Air Lines has made good on its promise to provide free Wi-Fi to SkyMiles members and expanded its global footprint through partnerships, but faced criticism over high ticket prices on certain routes.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that 2023 was a big year for the American aviation industry. As the industry moves toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines have increased orders for aircraft, added routes and returned routes to full capacity, and airports have significantly outpaced passenger numbers. This article covers just some of the biggest news from the “big three” airlines: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines.
united airlines
Depending on how you look at it, United had their best year of the last three years. In 2023, the airline launched several routes not served by other American airlines, including Christchurch, Tenerife, Ponta Delgada and Brisbane.
Photo: Lucas Souza | Simple Flight
In October, United added Boeing and Airbus aircraft, expanding its already huge order book. The Chicago-based airline has exercised an option for 50 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, adding to a bulk order it placed in December 2022. The order announcement, which includes an additional 60 Airbus A321neos, comes just days before United Airlines is set to receive its first aircraft of the type. This is the first delivery of an Airbus aircraft in more than 20 years.
american airlines
American Airlines also had a big year, solidifying its dominance in Latin America and the Caribbean and announcing expansion in Europe in 2024. On January 30th, American Airlines opened a brand new hotel for its crew, pilots and flight attendants in training. The 550,000-square-foot hotel features more than 600 guest rooms and a 73,000-square-foot fitness center. The new hotel is called Skyview 6 and is part of the huge AA headquarters campus.
Photo: Lucas Souza | Simple Flight
American Airlines pilots agreed to a new contract this year that includes an immediate 21% pay increase totaling $9.6 billion over the next four years. The deal was agreed in principle earlier this year, but AA pilots returned to the negotiating table after United Airlines offered pilots better terms. The Fort Worth-based airline also faced some bad news this year, including a U.S. District Court judge ordering an end to its Northeast Alliance with JetBlue. JetBlue appealed the ruling to keep the door open for similar partnerships in the future.
delta airlines
Delta Air Lines is kicking off 2023 with a bang, announcing it will offer free Wi-Fi to SkyMiles members on 80% of its fleet by February 1st. The company previously promised customers it would provide free Wi-Fi on all its aircraft, including regional jets, and that plan was solidified in January. Delta Air Lines confirmed later this year that it is working with Hughes Network Systems to install new equipment on its regional jets and Boeing 717s.
Photo: Lucas Souza | Simple Flight
Delta’s global footprint has expanded significantly with a joint venture agreement with South America’s LATAM Airlines Group and a new codeshare with Israel’s EL AL. A fight over vacant slots at Tokyo Haneda began after Delta Air Lines stopped flying from Portland International Airport to Haneda and asked airlines to transfer the slots to another airport. United Airlines accused Delta Air Lines of price gouging after it listed a competition for its PDX-HND route, which costs more than $14,000 round trip in economy.