This article is based on an official press release from United Airlines.

United Airlines Overhauls MileagePlus: Major Boost for Cardholders, Cuts for Everyone Else

United Airlines has announced a comprehensive restructuring of its MileagePlus loyalty program, marking a significant shift in how the airline rewards travelers. Effective for tickets purchased on or after April 2, 2026, the changes create a distinct “two-tier” system that heavily favors co-branded credit cardholders while reducing benefits for those who do not hold a United Chase card.

According to the airline’s announcement, the new structure is designed to give travelers “three new reasons” to acquire and use a United MileagePlus credit or debit card. These incentives include increased mileage earning rates, exclusive discounts on award travel, and expanded access to premium cabin inventory.

However, these enhancements come at a cost for general members. Travelers without a co-branded card will see their mileage earning rates decrease significantly, and earning miles on Basic Economy fares will be eliminated entirely for non-cardholders without Premier status.

A New “Two-Tier” Earning Structure

The most immediate change is the bifurcation of mileage earning rates based on credit card ownership. United is moving away from a uniform earning chart to one that rewards cardholders with higher multipliers on flight spend.

Increased Rates for Cardholders

Under the new system, primary cardholders will earn miles at an accelerated rate compared to the previous standard. The new base earn rates for cardholders flying on United are:

• General Members: 6 miles per dollar (previously 5)
• Premier Silver: 8 miles per dollar (previously 7)
• Premier Gold: 9 miles per dollar (previously 8)
• Premier Platinum: 10 miles per dollar (previously 9)
• Premier 1K: 12 miles per dollar (previously 11)

In addition to these base rates, cardholders earn a “payment bonus” when using their specific card to book the ticket. For example, the United Club Card now earns an extra 5 miles per dollar on United purchases, meaning a Premier 1K member could earn up to 17 miles per dollar total.

Devaluation for Non-Cardholders

To balance the increased rewards for cardholders, United is reducing the earn rates for members who do not hold a qualifying card. The new rates represent a reduction of up to 40% for some tiers:

• General Members: 3 miles per dollar (down from 5)
• Premier Silver: 5 miles per dollar (down from 7)
• Premier Gold: 6 miles per dollar (down from 8)
• Premier Platinum: 7 miles per dollar (down from 9)
• Premier 1K: 9 miles per dollar (down from 11)

Exclusive Award Discounts and Inventory

Beyond earning mechanics, United is introducing new redemption benefits exclusive to cardholders. According to the press release, these changes are intended to make miles more valuable for those invested in the co-branded ecosystem.

Automatic Redemptions Discounts

Cardholders will now receive an automatic discount on United and United Express award tickets. This discount applies to the mileage portion of the fare:

• Standard Cardholders: 10% discount.
• Premier Status Cardholders: 15% discount.

Expanded Saver Award Access

Perhaps the most significant upgrade for frequent flyers is the expansion of Saver Award availability. United stated that cardholders will now have access to Saver Award inventory in United Polaris Business Class. Previously, this expanded availability was a perk reserved strictly for high-tier Premier Platinum and 1K elites. This change allows cardholders to combine better availability with the 10-15% discount, potentially lowering the cost of a business class seat from 80,000 miles to approximately 68,000 miles.

The Basic Economy Restriction

United is also tightening restrictions on its lowest fare class. For tickets purchased on or after April 2, 2026, non-cardholders who do not possess Premier status will earn zero miles on Basic Economy tickets. While cardholders will continue to earn miles on these fares, the rate will be reduced compared to standard economy tickets.

This move aligns United with competitors like Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, both of which have previously removed mileage earning from their most restrictive fare classes.

The “No-Fee” Card Caveat

While premium cards like the United Explorer, Quest, and Club cards receive these benefits automatically, the entry-level United Gateway Card has a specific stipulation. According to the terms detailed in the announcement, Gateway cardholders must spend $10,000 in a calendar year on the card to unlock the higher earn rates and the 10% award discount. Failing to meet this threshold results in the cardholder being treated as a non-cardholder for these specific benefits.

AirPro News Analysis

This overhaul represents a definitive pivot in United’s loyalty strategy, explicitly positioning the MileagePlus program as a credit card rewards ecosystem first and a frequent flyer program second. By slashing earn rates for non-cardholders, particularly international travelers who cannot easily access US-issued Chase cards, United is signaling that flying alone is no longer sufficient to earn meaningful rewards.

The strategy mirrors broader industry trends where airlines generate substantial profit from selling miles to banks rather than flying passengers. While the devaluation for the casual traveler is steep, the value proposition for the “United Loyalist”, someone who holds a premium card and flies regularly, has arguably improved. The ability to access Polaris Saver inventory without top-tier status is a powerful incentive that may drive significant card acquisitions.

Furthermore, United is technically “late” to the Basic Economy restriction. Delta removed earnings on these fares years ago, and American Airlines followed suit effective December 2025. United’s unique twist is using the credit card as a “key” to restore those earnings, creating a direct financial incentive to hold the card even for budget travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do these changes take effect?
The new rules apply to tickets purchased on or after April 2, 2026.

Do I lose miles I have already earned?
No. Your existing mileage balance remains safe. The changes only affect how you earn miles on future flights and how many miles are required for future redemptions (via the new discounts).

What if I have a United card but don’t use it to pay for the flight?
You will still earn the “Cardholder Base Rate” (e.g., 6 miles/$ for a General Member) just for holding the card and linking it to your account. However, you will miss out on the additional “payment bonus” (3-5 miles/$) awarded for charging the ticket to the card.

Does this affect international members?
Yes. International members who cannot apply for US-based United credit cards will be subject to the lower non-cardholder earn rates (3-9 miles/$), effectively devaluing the program for them by roughly 40%.

Sources: United Airlines Press Release, Chase.com

This article is based on an official press release from American Airlines.

American Airlines Selects CFM LEAP-1A Engines for Future Airbus Fleet

American Airlines has officially announced a definitive agreement with CFM International to power its future deliveries of Airbus A321neo aircraft with CFM LEAP-1A engines. The announcement, made on February 19, 2026, solidifies a long-standing partnership between the Fort Worth-based carrier and the engine manufacturer, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.

According to the airline’s statement, this agreement covers the aircraft ordered in March 2024 and extends to a significant backlog of narrowbody jets. In addition to the engine acquisition, American Airlines has signed a long-term maintenance agreement with CFM International, ensuring continued support for the fleet’s operational lifespan.

Scope of the Agreement and Fleet Details

The newly announced deal encompasses a substantial portion of American’s future narrowbody fleet. The airline confirmed that the CFM LEAP-1A engines will power the Airbus A321neos ordered two years ago. Furthermore, the agreement covers the remaining order backlog through 2032.

Aircraft Numbers and Orders

Based on data provided in the announcement, American Airlines currently operates the youngest fleet among U.S. legacy carriers. The specific fleet breakdown and future orders covered by this engine selection include:

• Current Fleet: 84 A321neos and five A321XLRs currently in service.
• Firm Orders: An additional 120 A321neos and 35 A321XLRs on order through 2032.
• Future Options: Options to purchase 116 additional A320 family aircraft, which, if exercised, will also be outfitted with the CFM LEAP-1A engine.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom highlighted the scale of this partnership in the company’s press release:

“American is proud to operate more CFM/GE Aerospace-powered mainline and regional aircraft than any other airline in the world, and American’s aircraft have flown with GE Aerospace technology for almost a century. We are excited that CFM LEAP engines will power our next phase of A321neo deliveries, maximizing the power of our fleet investments to deliver the best network to our customers utilizing the best-performing engine in the business.”

Technical Specifications and Efficiency

The selection of the LEAP-1A engine aligns with American’s goals for operational efficiency and sustainability. According to the manufacturer’s specifications cited in the release, the CFM LEAP engine family utilizes advanced technologies, including composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites.

These technical advancements reportedly deliver a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency and a 15% reduction in carbon emissions compared to prior-generation CFM56 engines. The airline noted that the engines are backed by advanced health monitoring systems and an open MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) ecosystem, which supports high asset utilization.

AirPro News Analysis

Strategic Implications of Engine Commonality

From an editorial perspective, American’s decision to stick with CFM for its Airbus fleet reinforces a strategy of risk aversion and fleet commonality. Industry reports indicate that the choice of the LEAP-1A over the competing Pratt & Whitney GTF engine signals a preference for “mature reliability.” The GTF engine has faced well-documented supply chain and durability challenges in recent years. By utilizing CFM engines across both its Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX fleets (which use the LEAP-1B), American minimizes the complexity of its supply chain, pilot training, and maintenance operations.

Executive Perspectives

The leadership at GE Aerospace expressed strong support for the continued collaboration. H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO at GE Aerospace, emphasized the importance of the relationship in the official statement:

“We are proud to be under wing powering American’s modernized fleet, and appreciate their continued trust. We are committed to delivering best-in-class LEAP engines to support the growth of American’s network as they serve more destinations for their customers.”

While the operational details were shared, American Airlines noted that the specific financial terms and conditions of the purchase and maintenance agreement have not been disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which aircraft will receive the new engines?

The CFM LEAP-1A engines will power future deliveries of Airbus A321neos, including the 85 jets ordered in March 2024, as well as the A321XLR fleet.

Does this affect American’s Boeing fleet?

No. American’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet is already powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines. This announcement ensures engine manufacturer commonality across both the Boeing and Airbus narrowbody fleets.

What are the benefits of the LEAP-1A engine?

The engines offer a reported 15% improvement in fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions compared to previous generation engines, along with advanced health monitoring capabilities.

Sources

• American Airlines Press Release

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

TrueNoord Delivers Two ATR 42-600s to JSX as Carrier Diversifies Fleet

Specialist regional aircraft lessor TrueNoord has successfully delivered two ATR 42-600 turboprop aircraft to JSX, the U.S.-based air carrier known for its “hop-on” semi-private service. The delivery marks a significant fleet diversification for JSX, which has historically operated an all-jet fleet of Embraer aircraft.

According to the announcement from TrueNoord, the first aircraft was delivered in November 2025, followed by the second in January 2026. Both aircraft are now fully operational within the JSX network. The transaction underscores a strategic shift for the carrier as it seeks to serve markets where regional jets may be operationally restricted or less economical.

Expanding Access with Turboprops

The introduction of the ATR 42-600 allows JSX to operate into Airports with shorter runways or stricter noise restrictions, expanding the carrier’s footprint beyond the capabilities of its existing Embraer ERJ-135 and ERJ-145 jets. TrueNoord highlighted the aircraft’s ability to deliver a “modern, cost-efficient solution” for these unique routes.

Maarten Grift, TrueNoord’s Sales Director for the Americas, noted the broader significance of the deal for the U.S. regional market:

JSX’s adoption of the type demonstrates its confidence in turboprop operations and the aircraft’s ability to deliver convenience, comfort, and a distinctive travel experience for premium passengers.

JSX CEO Alex Wilcox emphasized that the new aircraft type aligns with the company’s mission to simplify regional travel.

We’re pleased to partner with TrueNoord as we introduce the ATR into the JSX fleet. The ATR 42-600’s versatility helps us expand access to joyful, simple air travel for more communities across the U.S., and will open meaningful new opportunities in regional mobility.

Strategic Partnership and Future Growth

TrueNoord, which specializes in leasing regional aircraft in the 50- to 150-seat sector, views the transaction as a validation of the ATR’s relevance in the North-America market. Paul Murphy, TrueNoord CFO, stated that the investment reflects a focus on “high quality assets that contribute to a stable, sustainable financial platform.”

Industry data indicates that JSX has plans for further expansion into turboprop operations. Reports from late 2025 suggest the carrier signed a Letter of Intent for up to 25 ATR aircraft, signaling a long-term commitment to the platform. The 30-seat configuration of these aircraft is critical, as it allows JSX to operate under FAA Part 135 regulations, which govern its public charter model and enable the use of private terminals.

AirPro News analysis

The decision by JSX to integrate turboprops into a brand built on “jet” service is a calculated risk that appears to be paying off. While turboprops are sometimes viewed by passengers as older technology, the ATR 42-600 is a modern, quiet, and highly efficient machine. For JSX, the operational math is compelling: the ATR burns significantly less fuel than a regional jet on short sectors and can access airfields like Santa Monica (SMO) that are hostile or off-limits to many jets.

By partnering with a specialist lessor like TrueNoord, JSX minimizes the capital risk of this fleet transition. This move suggests that the future of “semi-private” flying isn’t just about speed, it’s about access to convenient, secondary airports that major Airlines and larger jets simply cannot serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TrueNoord?
TrueNoord is a specialist aircraft lessor headquartered in Amsterdam, with offices in Dublin, London, and Singapore. They focus exclusively on regional aircraft (turboprops and regional jets) and lease to operators worldwide.

Why is JSX switching to turboprops?
JSX is not switching entirely but diversifying. The ATR 42-600 allows the carrier to serve airports with short runways and strict noise limits, such as Santa Monica, while reducing fuel costs on short-haul routes.

How many seats are on the JSX ATR 42-600?
These aircraft are configured with 30 seats to comply with FAA Part 135 regulations, which allows JSX to operate from private terminals and bypass traditional TSA security lines.

Sources

• TrueNoord