Delta’s Austin Lounge Plans, Tiny All-Biz Class Plane, New Routes, and More Airline News

From tiny all business class ATRs in the South Pacific to grounded planes in Riyadh, we’ve got hot topics from all around the world. Closer to home, we’ll take a look at new menus for Alaska and Hawaiian, Delta One Lounge plans for Austin, and more.

Delta’s Potential Temporary Delta One Lounge at Austin

In the last year or so, Delta has made it pretty clear that Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) will play an important part in both its domestic and international growth plans. The passenger ground experience is also set for an upgrade, eventually including a brand-new Delta One Lounge — the airline’s most premium offering.

In the meantime, it appears that Delta could open a temporary Delta One Lounge at AUS once American Airlines moves into its new Admirals Club, leaving its current location unoccupied. While I wouldn’t expect the same level of luxury as we’re used to in Delta’s swanky permanent Delta One locations, a temporary space should still be a step up for Delta’s most premium passengers.

Breeze Adds Yet More Routes From Fort Lauderdale

After last week’s international route announcements from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Florida, Breeze this week confirmed 3 new domestic routes from its Florida focus city. The routes to Burlington (BTV), Vermont; Charleston (CRW), West Virginia, and Stewart-Newburgh (SWF), New York, will start in May next year. They’ll be part of the airline’s BreezeThru network, which includes a short stop en route during which passengers can remain aboard.

Air Canada, United And More Transborder Routes for Summer 2027

Having cut back on its transborder routes, in part due to political tensions, Air Canada is reinstating some of its U.S. connectivity for summer 2027 with 3 new routes. As part of the Air Canada and United‘s Transborder Joint Business Agreement, United will also add 3 new routes.

Alaska and Hawaiian Chef-Curated Meals

As of next week, passengers flying business-class Suites on Alaska and Hawaiian’s flights to Asia, Europe, and Oceania will have all-new food and drink menus to peruse.

Ahi au poivre, huli-huli Chicken, loco moco, and miso-glazed black cod are just some of the taste sensations passengers can expect on board from October 21. A new wine selection, including Paul Hobbs West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, has been carefully curated to pair with the new dishes.

Hawaiian-born chefs Dell Valdez and Keaka Lee and award-winning chefs Brady Ishiwata Williams and Renee Erickson played key roles in bringing the new menus to life.

Riyadh Air Grounds All Planes as Riyadh Airport Shuttered

Ambitious startup Riyadh Air has had to evacuate its state-of-the-art new Boeing 787 Dreamliners from its hub at Riyadh (RUH), Saudi Arabia. The drastic measures come after several people were killed and injured at the airport in Houthi rocket attacks.

The airport, which was temporarily closed after the attacks, is due to reopen today, October 17. It’s unclear when Riyadh Air’s flights will resume.

How To Fly The World’s Tiniest All-Business-Class Plane

With just 26 seats, Air Tahiti’s newly delivered ATR 72-600 is the smallest all-business-class plane of any commercial airline. The superpremium 1-1 configuration affords direct aisle access and no neighbor for every passenger on the tiny aircraft.

The only way to try it out for yourself is by hopping on a flight down to French Polynesia. The only 2 routes currently scheduled for the aircraft are from Papeete (PPT), Tahiti, to Bora Bora (BOB) and Raiatea (RFP).

Final Thoughts

It’s been another busy week in the world of airlines and aviation. The coolest thing has to be Air Tahiti’s unique new ATRs. As for Riyadh Airport, here’s to hoping the worst is over and that operations can return to normal. As always, we’ll be back next week with more news you might have missed.