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Date: February 11, 2026
By: Dean Seal and Allison Pohle, Wall Street Journal
Summary:
American Airlines is facing a deepening internal crisis as unions turn publicly against CEO Robert Isom amid the carrier's continued financial and operational underperformance. The airline posted just $111 million in net income for 2025 — a fraction of Delta's $5 billion and United's $3.3 billion — while ranking 8th in on-time performance. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, representing approximately 28,000 crew members, issued a historic unanimous vote of no confidence in Isom — the first such action against a sitting American Airlines CEO — and called for his resignation. Flight attendants held public pickets outside airports in February. Frustrations center on operational failures including crew stranding during winter storms, declining service standards, and falling cabin morale. Pilots' unions have also expressed dissatisfaction. Isom issued a video response to employees but critics say it failed to address the core concerns. The airline is pursuing a cabin upgrade strategy in hopes of commanding higher fares, but the path to a turnaround remains uncertain.
One-Sentence Summary: American Airlines CEO Robert Isom faces a historic union revolt and growing calls for his resignation as the carrier lags far behind Delta and United in both profits and on-time performance.
Attribution: For more information, please refer to the Wall Street Journal
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Date: January 27, 2026
By: Drew FitzGerald, Wall Street Journal
Summary:
Boeing closed out 2025 on a high note, delivering 600 commercial aircraft for the year — its highest total in seven years and a meaningful milestone following years of manufacturing crises. The company's Q4 2025 revenue reached $23.95 billion, buoyed by increased jet deliveries and fighter jet sales. Boeing received FAA approval to raise 737 MAX monthly production, and momentum carried into the new year with 46 deliveries in January 2026 alone — one of the best January figures in company history — along with 103 net new orders. CEO Kelly Ortberg said customers and investors "are going to expect more from us this year," signaling confidence in continued recovery. Free cash flow of $375 million in Q4 beat analyst expectations. The company also completed its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, bringing key fuselage manufacturing in-house. While rival Airbus still leads in total deliveries, Boeing's gap is narrowing.
One-Sentence Summary: Boeing delivered its most aircraft in seven years in 2025, signaling a meaningful production recovery under new CEO Kelly Ortberg after years of quality and safety setbacks.
Attribution: For more information, please refer to the Wall Street Journal
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Date: February 19, 2026
By: Benjamin Katz and Mauro Orru
Summary:
Airbus has announced it will deliver fewer aircraft than expected in 2026, blaming a significant shortage of engines from U.S. supplier Pratt & Whitney. The European plane maker, the world's largest, said the shortage has forced it to slow production of its bestselling A320 jets. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury publicly rebuked Pratt, saying the supplier is "not respecting their contractual obligations," and confirmed Airbus has triggered a formal dispute clause. The company now forecasts approximately 870 commercial deliveries in 2026 — up from 793 in 2025 but below analyst expectations of 907. Production rate targets for the A320 have also been trimmed. The conflict arises from Pratt's decision to prioritize engine repairs for existing aircraft over supplying new ones. Airbus also reported solid Q4 2025 earnings, with revenue growing 5% to €25.98 billion and net profit rising 6% to €2.58 billion. Meanwhile, rival Boeing has been regaining momentum after years of manufacturing setbacks.
One-Sentence Summary: Airbus cuts its 2026 delivery forecast and launches a formal contract dispute with engine supplier Pratt & Whitney over production shortfalls affecting its popular A320 jet family.
Attribution: For more information, please refer to the Wall Street Journal
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Date: February 13, 2026
By: WSJ Staff
Summary:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' January 2026 Consumer Price Index report revealed that airline ticket prices surged 6.5% in a single month — the largest jump in nearly four years — adding to passenger cost pressures even as overall inflation continued to moderate. Year-over-year, airfares were up 2.2%, reversing a 3.4% decline seen in December. The sharp rise in fares comes amid strong travel demand, constrained aircraft supply due to manufacturer production challenges, and higher operational costs for airlines. The broader CPI rose a modest 2.4% year-over-year — an eight-month low — aided by falling gasoline prices and slowing housing costs. However, core inflation (excluding food and energy) rose 0.3% month-over-month, keeping pressure on the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady, with a March rate cut now considered unlikely.
One-Sentence Summary: Airfares jumped 6.5% in January 2026 — the biggest monthly surge since 2022 — even as overall U.S. inflation cooled to its lowest level in eight months.
Attribution: For more information, please refer to the Wall Street Journal
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