This article summarizes reporting by NBC DFW.

American Airlines Eliminates Mileage Earning on Basic Economy Fares

American Airlines has quietly updated its loyalty program terms to remove all mileage and status earning capabilities from its lowest-priced tickets. As of this week, travelers purchasing Basic Economy fares will no longer accrue AAdvantage® miles or Loyalty Points, marking a significant shift in the carrier’s approach to budget-conscious flyers.

According to reporting by NBC DFW, the policy change took effect for tickets purchased on or after December 17, 2025. The move aligns American Airlines more closely with Delta Air Lines, which also restricts earnings on its most restrictive fares, effectively creating a “pay-to-play” environment for travelers seeking elite status.

The update was not accompanied by a formal press release but appeared as a revision to the “Basic Economy” section of the airline’s official website. This “stealth” implementation has drawn attention from frequent flyers and industry analysts who view it as a strategy to further segment customers based on their willingness to pay for premium attributes.

Details of the New Earning Policy

Under the previous structure, Basic Economy passengers earned 2 miles and Loyalty Points per dollar spent, a rate that was already reduced by 60% compared to standard Main Cabin fares. The new policy eliminates this earning potential entirely.

Key Changes and Effective Dates

The revised terms apply specifically to the date of purchase rather than the date of travel. According to the updated terms on AA.com:

• New Tickets: Basic Economy tickets purchased on or after December 17, 2025, earn 0 miles and 0 Loyalty Points.
• Grandfather Clause: Tickets purchased before December 17, 2025, will continue to earn at the previous rate (2 miles/points per dollar), regardless of when the travel actually takes place.

Remaining Benefits

While the ability to earn status has been removed, American Airlines has retained certain amenities that distinguish its Basic Economy product from ultra-low-cost carriers. Passengers traveling on these fares are still permitted one free carry-on bag and one personal item. Additionally, standard in-flight perks such as complimentary snacks, soft drinks, and entertainment remain included.

Travelers who already hold elite status will continue to receive their applicable benefits, such as priority boarding and upgrades, when flying Basic Economy, even though the flight itself will not contribute to retaining that status for the following year.

Industry Context: The Race to the Bottom?

This policy update places American Airlines in direct alignment with Delta Air Lines regarding loyalty earnings on basic fares, while widening the gap with other competitors.

Delta Air Lines currently awards zero miles or status credit for Basic Economy tickets. By matching this restriction, American has effectively standardized the “no-earn” model among two of the “Big Three” legacy carriers.

United Airlines takes a different approach. United allows Basic Economy passengers to earn Premier Qualifying Points (revenue-based credit) but does not award Premier Qualifying Flights (segment counts). However, United is significantly more restrictive regarding baggage, prohibiting full-sized carry-on bags for non-elite Basic Economy passengers on domestic routes.

In contrast, carriers like Southwest, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue continue to offer loyalty incentives on their lowest fares, though often at reduced rates compared to standard tickets.

AirPro News Analysis

We view this move as a calculated effort by American Airlines to force a clearer choice upon the consumer: pay a premium for the possibility of status, or accept a purely transactional relationship with the airline.

By removing the trickle of Loyalty Points previously available on Basic Economy, American is signaling that its elite ecosystem is reserved exclusively for higher-yield customers. For a traveler spending $100 on a ticket, the loss of ~200 redeemable miles is negligible in terms of redemption value. However, the inability to earn Loyalty Points is a major blow to “status chasers” who rely on segment volume and cheap fares to reach tiers like AAdvantage Gold or Platinum.

Furthermore, the retention of the free carry-on bag suggests that American is wary of ceding too much ground to Spirit and Frontier. While they are willing to cut loyalty costs, they appear unwilling to adopt United’s strict baggage ban, likely to avoid alienating the general leisure traveler who prioritizes luggage space over frequent flyer miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I bought my ticket last week but fly next month, do I earn miles?
Yes. If your ticket was purchased before December 17, 2025, you will earn miles and points under the old policy (2 per dollar).

Does this affect Main Cabin tickets?
No. Standard Main Cabin fares and higher continue to earn miles and Loyalty Points at the standard rates (starting at 5 per dollar for general members).

Can I still bring a carry-on bag?
Yes. American Airlines has not changed its baggage policy for Basic Economy. You are allowed one free carry-on bag and one personal item.

Sources

• NBC DFW
• American Airlines

This article summarizes reporting by NBC Philadelphia and Tim Furlong.

ChristianaCare Unveils Region’s First Airbus H145 D3 for Critical Care Transport

ChristianaCare has officially upgraded its air medical transport capabilities with the introduction of a new Airbus H145 D3 helicopter. According to reporting by NBC Philadelphia, officials gathered at a hangar in Delaware to cut the ribbon on the new aircraft, marking a significant technological leap for the LifeNet program.

The event highlighted the partnership between ChristianaCare, the operator Air Methods, and manufacturer Airbus. This specific helicopter is the first of its kind to be deployed for medical transport in the Northeast region, bringing advanced avionics and safety features designed to improve patient outcomes during critical inter-facility transfers and emergency scene responses.

Advanced Aviation Technology

The Airbus H145 D3 distinguishes itself from previous models primarily through its five-bladed rotor system. While earlier iterations utilized a four-blade design, the new configuration offers a smoother flight experience. According to technical specifications released by Airbus and cited in program materials, this stability is vital for medical crews performing delicate life-saving procedures in transit.

In addition to the rotor upgrade, the aircraft features the Helionix avionics suite. This digital cockpit system includes a 4-axis autopilot designed to reduce pilot workload and enhance situational awareness. The helicopter also retains the signature “Fenestron” enclosed tail rotor, a safety feature that protects ground crews and patients during loading and unloading operations.

Operational Capabilities

The new aircraft is expected to serve a broad region covering Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Program officials note that the increased useful load of the D3 model allows for longer range and the ability to carry heavier medical equipment or specialized staff when necessary.

“The H145’s Helionix avionics suite and advanced autopilot reduce pilot workload and enhance safety, while the new five-blade rotor delivers a smoother, quieter flight, benefiting both crew and patients.”

— Bart Reijnen, President of Airbus Helicopters in the U.S., via official press materials.

Impact on Patient Care

ChristianaCare LifeNet, which has operated for nearly 25 years, views this acquisition as a modernization of its “flying intensive care unit.” The program operates around the clock from bases at Christiana Hospital in Newark and the Delaware Coastal Airport in Georgetown.

John Roussis, Program Director at ChristianaCare LifeNet, emphasized the clinical benefits of the new technology in a statement regarding the launch:

“This aircraft represents a transformative step in our commitment to delivering critical care when seconds count. With advanced capabilities that improve safety, reliability, and performance, the H145 D3 enables us to better serve patients and communities across the region.”

Rob Hamilton, CEO of Air Methods, also highlighted the collaborative nature of the upgrade, stating that the partnership aims to advance innovation and elevate safety standards for every patient.

AirPro News Analysis

The transition to the five-bladed H145 D3 reflects a broader trend in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) industry toward minimizing in-flight vibration. For air medical operators, vibration is not merely a comfort issue; it can interfere with sensitive medical monitoring equipment and fatigue the clinical crew.

By adopting the D3 model, ChristianaCare is aligning with top-tier safety and operational standards. The removal of the traditional rotor head in favor of the bearingless five-blade design also simplifies maintenance, potentially increasing aircraft availability rates, a critical metric for emergency response programs.

Sources

Sources: NBC Philadelphia, Airbus Helicopters, ChristianaCare

This article is based on an official press release from Aergo Capital.

Aergo Capital Acquires WestJet-Leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 from Aircastle

Dublin-based aircraft leasing and asset management platform Aergo Capital has announced the acquisition of one Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from Aircastle. The transaction, announced on December 16, 2025, involves an aircraft bearing Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 60513, which is currently on lease to Canadian carrier WestJet.

This acquisition marks a continuation of Aergo Capital’s strategy to invest in modern, fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft. According to the company’s official statement, the deal underscores the active secondary market for the 737 MAX and strengthens the trading relationship between the two major lessors. The aircraft remains in operation with WestJet, ensuring continuity for the airline while transferring asset ownership to Aergo.

The deal highlights the growing collaboration between Aergo Capital and WestJet, following significant transactions earlier in the operational year. By acquiring this asset, Aergo expands its portfolio of liquid, in-demand aviation assets while Aircastle executes its strategy of active portfolio management.

Transaction Overview and Executive Commentary

The specific asset involved in the transaction is a Boeing 737 MAX 8, identified by MSN 60513. Fleet data indicates this aircraft operates under the registration C-GRAX. Originally delivered during the initial rollout phase of the MAX program, the aircraft is approximately eight years old and represents the current generation of Boeing’s narrowbody technology.

Fred Browne, Chief Executive Officer of Aergo Capital, emphasized the importance of the acquisition in strengthening ties with both the seller and the lessee. In a statement regarding the deal, Browne noted:

“We are pleased to complete the acquisition of this Boeing 737 MAX 8 from Aircastle… I also extend my thanks to WestJet for their continued partnership and support.”

On the seller’s side, Aircastle, a Stamford-based lessor owned by Marubeni Corporation and Mizuho Leasing, viewed the sale as a testament to their strong commercial network. Michael Inglese, CEO of Aircastle, commented on the relationship between the firms:

“We value the long-standing trading relationship we have built with Aergo… The acquisition underscores the strong commercial relationship between Aergo and Aircastle.”

Strategic Context and WestJet Partnership

Deepening Ties with WestJet

This transaction is not an isolated event but rather part of a deepening relationship between Aergo Capital and WestJet. In August 2024, Aergo completed a significant sale-and-leaseback transaction involving eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft with the Canadian airline. That deal marked the first major collaboration between the two entities. The addition of this 737 MAX 8 further cements Aergo’s position as a key partner in WestJet’s fleet financing structure.

Asset Liquidity and Market Demand

For Aircastle, the sale aligns with a strategy of capital recycling and portfolio optimization. Trading assets with leases attached is a common practice in the aircraft leasing industry, allowing lessors to manage age profiles and risk exposure. For WestJet, the transaction represents a “backend” change of lessor; the airline retains physical possession and operational control of the aircraft, merely redirecting lease payments to the new owner, Aergo Capital.

AirPro News Analysis

The Secondary Market for the MAX 8

The transfer of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 between two major lessors highlights the intense demand for this asset class in the secondary market. With new aircraft production facing documented delays across the industry, “on-lease” assets, aircraft that are already built, certified, and generating revenue, have become premium commodities.

While an eight-year-old airframe might typically be considered approaching mid-life, the 737 MAX 8 remains a current-generation asset offering approximately 14% better fuel efficiency than its predecessors. For lessors like Aergo Capital, acquiring such an asset avoids the long wait times associated with factory order books. For the industry at large, this trade signals that liquidity for the MAX platform remains robust, despite, or perhaps because of, supply chain constraints limiting the delivery of new metal.

Sources:

• Aergo Capital Official Press Release
• Airfleets.net (Fleet Data)
• AviTrader