Delta Air Lines chief executive since 2016
Airlines are intensifying fights for high-spending travelers by expanding loyalty-status matches and faster in‑flight Wi‑Fi. United, American and Delta are rolling out deals to attract elites from rival carriers, touting 90‑day status matches, spending thresholds and Starlink/Leo Wi‑Fi as key differentiators.
President Donald Trump has suggested at a Nebraska rally that higher fuel costs from the US‑Israel war with Iran are "a small price to pay" and said "they can take out a city — let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego." California officials have condemned the remarks as dangerous; the White House has dismissed the backlash as a "media freakout."
Attacks by Yemen's Houthis have targeted Saudi airports, including Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, causing flight cancellations, injured travelers, and heightened caution from U.S. and international authorities. Delta has postponed its Atlanta–Riyadh nonstop to March 2027 amid safety concerns and regulatory warnings.
United Airlines has accelerated its Starlink installation across its fleet, with real-time tracking showing progress and hubs varying in coverage. The company plans full fleet outfitting by end-2027 and is offering loyalty-status matches to boost sign-ups amid a competitive WiFi market.