JetBlue, Spirit end $3.8B merger plan after federal judge blocks deal
Spirit CEO Ted Christie said he was disappointed that the airlines could not combine and create a new challenger to the nation’s four biggest airlines.
Transportation
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After years of inflation, Americans finally seeing price slowdown on vehicles
Though inventories of new autos are still well below the roughly 4 million level that prevailed before the pandemic, analysts and dealers say the rising availability suggests that 2024 will be the most affordable year of the past five in which to buy a new car or truck.
Sideways landing cuts moon mission short
A private lunar lander is expected to cease operations Tuesday, its mission shortened after it tumbled over near the south pole of the moon.
Lawmakers likely to study state takeover of Washington, Meridian streets in Indianapolis
The discussion comes amid a debate over plans by IndyGo—the city’s public transportation agency—to create bus-only lanes on Washington Street (previously U.S. 40) as part of its planned Blue Line rapid-transit service.
IRS to go after executives who use business jets for personal travel in new round of audits
The audits will focus on aircraft used by large corporations and high-income taxpayers and whether the tax purpose of the jet use is being properly allocated, the IRS says.
American Airlines raising bag fees, changing frequent-flyer program
American easily led the industry by bringing in $1.4 billion in bag fees in 2022, the last year for which U.S. Transportation Department figures are available.
Indianapolis International Airport expects more than 100 private jets as part of All-Star rush
The Indianapols Airport Authority said it anticipates a busy weekend and is working closely with the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration and others to accommodate the increased traffic.
Indianapolis airport saw record-setting traffic in 2023
In addition to overall record numbers, the airport saw nine of its 10 busiest days on record in 2023. The exception was Monday, Feb. 6, 2012—the day after Indianapolis hosted Super Bowl XLVI.
UPS to cut 12,000 jobs as revenue outlook for year disappoints
CEO Carol Tome said Tuesday that by reducing the company’s headcount UPS will realize $1 billion in cost savings. The job eliminations are anticipated to be among management roles and contractors, the company said.
Delta was most punctual airline in 2023; Minneapolis-St. Paul had best record for airports
Most U.S. airlines were more punctual last year than in 2022, despite major challenges over the year with weather and technical glitches.
Indiana lawmakers pump brakes on proposal to raise speed limit
A House roads committee on Tuesday did move long-sought legislation allowing jurors to know when someone in a car crash wasn’t wearing a seat belt.
Pilots at Southwest ratify contract that will boost pay by nearly 50%
Southwest Airlines said the five-year deal gives its pilots “industry-leading compensation” and has a new process for assigning pilots to flights during unusual events.
JetBlue’s $3.8B buyout of Spirit Airlines blocked by judge citing threat to competition
The Justice Department said if JetBlue were allowed to buy Spirit, it would especially hurt travelers who depend on Spirit’s low fares.
Moving ahead too quickly with Blue Line ‘would be a mistake,’ House speaker says
House Speaker Todd Huston says legislation that would bar IndyGo from using dedicated bus lanes for the Blue Line merits consideration.
Alaska Airlines cancels flights on certain Boeing planes through Saturday for mandatory inspections
The development came as signs indicate some travelers might try to avoid flying on Max 9 jetliners—at least temporarily.
Suspended license? Indiana lawmakers commit to ‘fix’ BMV insurance verification notices
Hundreds of Hoosiers each year unknowingly have their licenses suspended after auto accidents—specifically for failing to respond to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ mailed requests for insurance verification.
Boeing CEO pledges to own up to ‘mistake’ after midair incident
Boeing’s chief executive told employees during a company meeting Tuesday that the aerospace giant will be transparent as it attempts to move forward after the grounding of dozens of its 737 Max 9 aircraft over safety concerns.
United, Alaska find loose hardware on Boeing jets grounded after blowout incident
The situation will no doubt compound the woes at Boeing, which has struggled to rebuild its reputation since an earlier model of the Max was grounded after two crashes killed 346 people several years ago.
IPhone survives 16,000-foot fall from Alaska Air flight
Unlocked and with hours of battery life, the screen showed an email from Alaska Airlines about a baggage claim for the flight, based on the rescuer’s photos.
Boeing jetliner that suffered inflight blowout was restricted because of concern over warning light
Alaska Airlines decided to restrict the aircraft from long flights over water so the plane “could return very quickly to an airport” if the warning light reappeared, according to a federal offoicial.