United Gets Transparent About Flight Delays and 9 Other Aviation Trends This Week

Throughout the week we post dozens of original stories, connecting the dots across the travel industry, and every weekend we sum it all up. This weekend roundup examines aviation.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>Few travelers would say they admire airlines. But among business executives and analysts, the sentiment is different. They see a few airlines as being well-run businesses worthy of admiration: Southwest, Delta and Singapore Air Are Among Most-Admired Companies

>>If these new promotions are any indication, airline loyalty programs may be once more warming up to frequent flyers — for varied reasons, but out of necessity: American and Alaska Are Giving Away Elite Status — Business of Loyalty

>>It’s difficult to tell much from the first quarter results, but EasyJet seems on track to have a decent year. Acquiring some of Air Berlin’s operations will also enable it to grow in the lucrative German market: EasyJet Is Making More Money From Bag Fees but Lags Competitors

>>United Airlines plans to grow capacity by four percent to six percent for each of the next three years. That may not sound like a lot, but the U.S. is a mature air market, so this is a big deal. But United President Scott Kirby said the airline shrunk too much under previous management and must get its mojo back: United Covets Competitors’ Profit Margins in Smaller U.S. Cities

>>American and Delta once again will take care of each other’s customers when flights are delayed or canceled. For travelers, that’s good news. The two giant airlines stopped cooperating in 2015, and passengers have been hurt: American and Delta Will Collaborate Again in Rebooking Passengers During Flight Disruptions

>>We keep waiting for conclusive proof that accelerators aren’t just kindergartens for entrepreneurs. But the early word from EasyJet and Founders Factory is upbeat: EasyJet Tightens Its Relationship With Travel Startups

>>Travelers often think their airlines lie to them about flight delays. While that could be true sometimes, it’s almost certainly not the norm: United May Finally Be Frank About Why Flights Are Delayed

>>Southwest has posted record earnings and believes that tax reform will be a major benefit in 2018. But the airline’s overall strategy going forward will remain consistent, at least for the time being: Southwest Expects a Tax Reform Windfall Will Keep Its Momentum Going in 2018

>>JetBlue is the latest airline to fall behind on a cabin retrofit program. It happens sometimes, as it’s not so easy to update airplane interiors. But the first plane is in the shop. Considering JetBlue has some planes that haven’t been touched since the early 2000s, this is welcome news: JetBlue Has Started Shrinking Legroom and Upgrading Interiors on Its Older Aircraft

>>In a lengthy soliloquy on American’s first quarter earnings call, CEO Doug Parker indirectly told investors to relax. Yes, U.S. airlines are increasing capacity this year. But they’re being prudent by solidifying their hubs, he said, and not repeating past mistakes: American Airlines CEO Insists Growth Plans Won’t Start a Fare War