This article is based on an official press release from JetBlue.

JetBlue and United Airlines Launch Sales Integration in “Blue Sky” Partnership

On February 10, 2026, JetBlue and United Airlines officially activated the sales integration phase of their strategic “Blue Sky” partnership. According to a joint announcement from the carriers, customers can now book flights operated by either airline directly through the other’s website or mobile app. This development marks a significant milestone in the agreement first announced in May 2025, designed to enhance connectivity in the Northeast and offer reciprocal loyalty benefits.

The launch allows travelers to utilize cash, JetBlue TrueBlue points, or United MileagePlus miles to book eligible flights across both networks. While the partnership deepens the commercial ties between the two major U.S. carriers, the airlines emphasized that this is a strategic interline agreement rather than a merger or a traditional codeshare, allowing both entities to maintain independent pricing and marketing operations.

A New Standard for Interline Booking

The core feature of this rollout is the ability to access United’s global network via JetBlue’s digital storefronts and vice versa. For example, a customer can now log into JetBlue.com to book a United Airlines flight to an international destination using TrueBlue points. Similarly, United customers can book JetBlue’s domestic flights through United.com.

In a statement regarding the launch, JetBlue President Marty St. George highlighted the value for loyalty members:

“This move gives our members even more ability to earn and redeem points to exciting destinations around the world, while United customers gain access to JetBlue’s network across the Americas and Europe.”

Andrew Nocella, Chief Commercial Officer at United, echoed these sentiments, noting that the milestone provides customers with “more choice, flexibility and a better overall booking experience.”

Current Functionality and Limitations

While the integration significantly streamlines the booking process, the airlines clarified that the current system functions as a reciprocal storefront. As of the February 10 launch, customers cannot yet book a “mixed itinerary”, such as an outbound flight on United and a return flight on JetBlue, on a single ticket. The carriers have indicated that single-ticket mixed itineraries are planned for a future update.

Strategic Roadmap and Future Phases

The “Blue Sky” partnership is being rolled out in distinct phases. Following the activation of loyalty reciprocity in October 2025 and the current sales integration, the airlines have outlined the following upcoming milestones:

• Spring 2026: Reciprocal benefits for elite members (Mosaic and Premier status holders), including priority boarding, preferred seating, and extra legroom.
• Later in 2026: United will integrate Paisly, JetBlue’s travel technology platform, to handle non-air travel bookings such as hotels and car rentals.
• 2027: JetBlue is scheduled to transfer slots to United at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), enabling United to operate up to seven daily roundtrips from Terminal 6.

AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Pivot

This partnership represents a critical strategic pivot for both airlines in the wake of recent regulatory shifts. For JetBlue, the “Blue Sky” agreement offers a lifeline for global connectivity following the dissolution of the Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines and the blocked merger with Spirit Airlines. By partnering with United, JetBlue gains virtual access to a massive long-haul international network without the capital expenditure required for widebody fleet expansion.

For United Airlines, the deal signifies a calculated return to JFK, a key market the carrier exited in 2015. This re-entry allows United to compete more aggressively with Delta Air Lines in the New York City area without the heavy cost of acquiring new infrastructure from scratch. By structuring the deal as an interline agreement, where flight numbers remain distinct and pricing remains independent, the carriers appear to be navigating the regulatory landscape carefully to avoid the antitrust hurdles that dismantled previous alliances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the “Blue Sky” partnership a merger?

No. This is a strategic interline agreement. Both JetBlue and United remain independent companies with separate operations, crews, and pricing structures.

Can I use my United miles to book a JetBlue flight?

Yes. As of February 10, 2026, you can use United MileagePlus miles to book eligible JetBlue flights via United’s website or app. Conversely, you can use JetBlue TrueBlue points to book United flights.

Do I get elite benefits like free bags or upgrades yet?

Not yet. Reciprocal elite benefits for Mosaic and Premier members, such as priority boarding and preferred seating, are scheduled to launch in Spring 2026.

Why can’t I book a flight that connects from United to JetBlue?

Currently, the system allows you to book a pure United itinerary on JetBlue’s site or vice versa. “Mixed itineraries” involving connections between the two airlines on a single ticket are planned for a future update.

Sources: JetBlue Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Sabre Corporation.

Sabre and WestJet Renew Technology Partnership to Drive Retail Modernization

Sabre Corporation and WestJet Airlines have officially announced a multi-year renewal of their long-standing technology partnership. The agreement ensures WestJet’s continued use of the SabreSonic Passenger Service System (PSS) while laying the groundwork for a transition to modern “Offer and Order” retailing through Sabre’s AI-driven SabreMosaic platform.

According to the press release issued today, this renewal extends a relationship that has spanned more than 25 years. The deal is critical for WestJet as it seeks to maintain operational stability through the SabreSonic system,which manages reservations, ticketing, and check-in,while simultaneously upgrading its IT infrastructure to support personalized, e-commerce-style selling.

For Sabre, the agreement represents a significant vote of confidence in its strategic pivot toward modular, cloud-native technology. As the airline industry moves away from legacy ticketing standards, technology providers are racing to offer solutions that allow carriers to bundle flights, ancillaries, and third-party services into single, dynamic offers.

Bridging Legacy Operations and Future Retailing

The core of the renewed agreement focuses on two distinct but complementary technology tracks: maintaining current operations and preparing for future retail models.

The SabreSonic Foundation

WestJet will continue to rely on the SabreSonic PSS as the backbone of its daily operations. This system handles the essential logistics of airline management, including inventory control, passenger reservations, and departure control. By renewing this component, WestJet ensures continuity for its fleet of nearly 200 aircraft and its expanding network focused on Western Canada and leisure destinations.

Transitioning to SabreMosaic

A key highlight of the announcement is WestJet’s commitment to utilizing SabreMosaic. This platform is designed to facilitate the industry-wide shift toward “Offer and Order” retailing. Unlike traditional systems that rely on static pricing and fragmented records (such as separate tickets and miscellaneous documents for baggage), SabreMosaic utilizes artificial intelligence to create personalized bundles for travelers.

In the company statement, WestJet Chief Information Officer Tanya Foster emphasized the forward-looking nature of the deal:

“We’re delighted to extend our collaboration with Sabre, our trusted technology partner for more than 25 years. With this latest agreement, we’re thinking about the needs of our business and our customers both today and tomorrow.”

Industry Context: The Shift to Offer and Order

The partnership renewal comes at a time when the global aviation industry is undergoing a massive digital transformation. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set a goal for the industry to transition to “Offer and Order” systems by 2030. This shift aims to replace decades-old EDIFACT standards with modern digital retailing similar to Amazon or other e-commerce giants.

Under the new model, the concept of a “Passenger Name Record” (PNR) and an “Electronic Ticket” is replaced by a single “Order.” This unification allows airlines to:

• Dynamic Bundling: Create personalized packages (e.g., seat + Wi-Fi + lounge access) with a single price.
• Single Source of Truth: Manage a booking through a single record, simplifying changes and customer service.
• Revenue Growth: Industry estimates suggest this transition could generate significant additional value per passenger by unlocking new revenue streams.

Darren Rickey, SVP of Airline IT Sales and Services at Sabre, noted the strategic importance of this shift for WestJet:

“As WestJet advances its expansion and growth plans, the airline will require increasingly sophisticated retailing capabilities… This multi-year renewal reflects a strong vote of confidence in Sabre’s vision for the future of airline retailing.”

Financial and Strategic Implications

This renewal reinforces the financial stability of Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR) as it executes its turnaround strategy. According to Sabre’s Q3 2025 financial results, the company reported revenue of $715 million and an Adjusted EBITDA of $141 million, signaling improved operational efficiency. The company has been aggressively paying down debt and investing in SabreMosaic to compete with rivals like Amadeus in the next-generation technology space.

For WestJet, the deal supports its strategic refocus on affordability and efficiency. As a private company owned by Onex Corporation, WestJet has concentrated its efforts on dominating the Western Canadian market and expanding its leisure offerings. The efficiency gains promised by Sabre’s technology are essential for maintaining the low cost base required for this business model.

AirPro News Analysis

The renewal between Sabre and WestJet is more than a standard contract extension; it serves as a bellwether for the adoption of “Offer and Order” technology among mid-sized carriers. While global giants like Lufthansa have led early experimentation with modern retailing, WestJet’s commitment indicates that the technology is maturing enough for broader market adoption.

Furthermore, this deal validates Sabre’s heavy R&D investment in the SabreMosaic platform. Securing a long-term commitment from a major North-American carrier helps Sabre demonstrate market viability to other potential customers who may be hesitant to migrate away from legacy systems. It suggests that a “hybrid” approach,keeping the lights on with legacy PSS while experimenting with modular retailing tools,is the likely path forward for most airlines over the next five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Passenger Service System (PSS)?
A PSS is the central IT system for an airline, managing critical functions such as flight schedules, ticket reservations, and passenger check-in.

What is “Offer and Order”?
It is a modern retailing standard where airlines dynamically create offers (bundles of flights and services) and manage them as a single order record, replacing the complex web of legacy tickets and reservation codes.

How long have Sabre and WestJet been partners?
The companies have partnered since 1998, a relationship spanning over 25 years.

Sources

• Sabre Corporation Press Release
• Sabre Q3 2025 Financial Results

This article is based on an official press release from Edelweiss Air.

Edelweiss Unveils New A350 Cabin: Business Suites, Hard-Shell Premium Economy, and Free Starlink Wi-Fi

Edelweiss Air has officially presented the future cabin interiors for its Airbus A350-900 fleet, marking a significant upgrade in passenger comfort and onboard technology. Announced on January 20, 2026, the Swiss leisure airline revealed a completely new configuration that prioritizes personal space and connectivity.

The new cabin, designed under the motto “More room to feel good,” will feature 319 seats across three classes, a reduction from the temporary 339-seat layout currently in use. According to the airline, the retrofit program is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with the first aircraft featuring the new interior entering commercial service in December 2026.

Business Class: Suites and Direct Aisle Access

The most substantial upgrade is found in the Business Class cabin, which will accommodate 32 passengers in a 1-2-1 configuration using the Thompson Vantage XL+ platform. This layout ensures that every passenger has direct access to the aisle, eliminating the need to step over a neighbor.

The Business Suites

Edelweiss is introducing an exclusive “Business Suite” product in the first row of the cabin. These four seats offer enhanced privacy and space compared to the standard business class offering.

“The first row consists of four exclusive Business Suites… featuring 1.2-meter high closable doors, larger footwells, and a wider seat area.”

Passengers in these suites will view entertainment on massive 32-inch 4K screens. Additionally, the middle suites feature adjustable dividers, allowing couples to dine or relax together comfortably.

Standard Business Features

Rows 2 through 9 feature standard business class seats that convert into fully flat beds measuring two meters in length. The airline notes that these seats include high-quality acoustic insulation and privacy wings to ensure a restful journey. Entertainment is provided via 17-to-19-inch 4K screens.

Premium Economy and Economy Upgrades

Edelweiss is expanding its premium offerings with a dedicated Premium Economy cabin and significant enhancements to the standard Economy experience.

Hard-Shell Premium Economy

The new Premium Economy cabin will consist of 28 seats in a 2-3-2 layout. A key feature of this cabin is the use of hard-shell seats. Unlike traditional reclining seats, these recline within their own fixed shell, ensuring that a passenger’s personal space is never intruded upon by the person seated in front of them.

According to the press release, these seats offer approximately one meter (39 inches) of legroom. Service upgrades for this class include welcome drinks, meals served on china tableware, and the provision of noise-canceling headphones identical to those used in Business Class.

Economy Class Enhancements

The Economy cabin will hold 259 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. While maintaining high density, Edelweiss has introduced specific comfort improvements:

• Increased Legroom: Pitch has been increased by 3 cm compared to previous cabins.
• Better Sleep: A greater seat tilt angle and 6-way adjustable headrests are designed to improve rest on long-haul flights.
• Design: The cabin features blue woven fabrics and fine stitching to evoke a “calm, timeless ambiance.”

Connectivity and Technology

In a move that sets a high standard for leisure carriers, Edelweiss announced that the entire A350 fleet will be equipped with high-speed satellite internet.

Free Starlink Wi-Fi

The airline confirmed that high-speed internet via Starlink will be available to all guests in all classes, free of charge. This allows for streaming and high-bandwidth activities that were previously difficult to manage on traditional inflight networks.

Power and Entertainment

To support the use of personal devices, every seat in the aircraft, including Economy, will feature USB-A and USB-C ports with 60W power delivery, which is sufficient to charge most laptops. The inflight entertainment system features 4K anti-glare screens with Bluetooth audio connectivity, allowing passengers to pair their own wireless headphones.

Fleet Rollout and Timeline

Edelweiss is currently in a transition phase, replacing its aging Airbus A340-300s with six Airbus A350-900s. The A350s that joined the fleet in 2025 are currently operating with a temporary interior inherited from the previous operator, LATAM.

The timeline for the new cabin rollout is as follows:

• Summer 2026: Bookings open for flights featuring the new cabin.
• December 2026: The first aircraft with the new interior enters service.
• July 2027: The retrofit of all six aircraft is expected to be complete.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to reduce the total seat count from 339 (in the temporary configuration) to 319 signals a strategic shift for Edelweiss. While leisure airlines typically prioritize density to lower unit costs, Edelweiss is aligning closer to the premium standards of its parent company, Lufthansa Group.

The inclusion of “Business Suites” with doors and hard-shell Premium Economy seats places Edelweiss competitively against full-service legacy carriers rather than just low-cost holiday airlines. Furthermore, the adoption of free Starlink Wi-Fi across all classes is a significant differentiator that addresses one of the most common passenger complaints on long-haul flights: poor connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new Edelweiss A350 cabin be available?
The first aircraft featuring the new cabin is scheduled to enter service in December 2026. The full fleet retrofit will be finished by July 2027.

Is Wi-Fi free on Edelweiss A350 flights?
Yes. Once the new cabin is installed, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi will be free for all passengers in all classes.

What is the difference between the current and new A350 interiors?
The current A350s fly with a temporary ex-LATAM interior (339 seats). The new custom Edelweiss interior will have 319 seats, including a new Business Class with doors, a dedicated Premium Economy with hard-shell seats, and updated technology throughout.

Sources: Edelweiss Air Press Release