On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Spirit pulls its vote after JetBlue sweetens its offer. More airlines are proactively canceling flights to avoid disruptions this summer. And could SAS be the new Alitalia?

Spirit delays merger vote after fresh JetBlue offer

Spirit Airlines delayed the planned vote on Frontier’s offer to buy the airline after JetBlue returned with a fresh offer. We discuss what’s changed — and what hasn’t.

Airlines increase preemptive flight cancellations

Lufthansa became the latest airline to preemptively cancel flights this week as airlines try to navigate the busy summer season.

The US wants to seize Abramovich’s planes

The US Department of Justice has moved to seize two aircraft owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. Abramovich’s 787-8 is currently in Dubai and his Gulfstream G650ER is in Moscow.

Impounded Aerflot A330 flies back to Russia

An Aeroflot A330 that had been impounded in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was allowed to return to Russia after being parked for a week. Lessor AerCap tried to repossess the aircraft, but was unsuccessful after Sri Lankan authorities intervened.

Could SAS become the new Alitalia?

SAS received a bit of good news from the Swedish government this week, but it didn’t get a commitment for fresh cash. The airline has been struggling financially and needs near $1 billion in capital for its turn-around plan.

Man wrongly imprisoned sues American Airlines

A man who says he was wrongly imprisoned in New Mexico for 17 days is suing American Airlines, saying it was the airline’s negligence that led to a warrant being issued for his arrest.

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The post AvTalk Episode 167: Could SAS be the new Alitalia? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.