In January, deliveries of the 787 jets were expected to finally resume in April, but now the timestamp has been pushed back to May, and likely longer, according to the sources.
The decision marks the first relaxation of major COVID-19 restrictions for travel in the US after almost two years of upholding the federal mandate, and many airlines have welcomed the decision.
The news coincides with New Zealand’s borders finally lifting to Australians for the first time on Tuesday since the trans-Tasman bubble was paused last July.
The Southwest Airlines Pilot Association (SWAPA), which represents over 10,000 Southwest pilots, said fatigue has become the Dallas-based carrier’s “number one safety threat”, and its leaders are yet to address the issue.
JetBlue has offered an “unsolicited” proposal to buy Spirit Airlines for US$3.6 billion, now derailing the merger with Frontier Airlines to become the fifth largest United States carrier.
Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary on Tuesday said lower capacity and rising passenger demand is driving the increased prices over the coming months.
