US carriers have surpassed the rate of the global rise in CO2 emitted during commercial airline passenger operations in the first quarter of this year compared with the first quarter of 2019. During the first quarter of 2025, the 10 US carriers with the most scheduled capacity in that period emitted 6% more CO2 than in the same period in pre-pandemic 2019, increasing from 33 million metric tonnes to 34.9 million, as fuel burn rose from 10.5 million metric tonnes to 11 million, data shows. CO2 emissions from commercial airline passenger operations globally during the first quarter of 2025 were 1% higher than in the same period in 2019. For the 10 US carriers – United, American, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Hawaiian and Allegiant – the number of aircraft in commercial passenger service that are tracked for emissions and fuel burn was up 14% in the first quarter of 2025 versus the first quarter of 2019, rising from 4,248 to 4,842 aircraft.

BOC Aviation has confirmed that it has signed to lease five new Airbus A321neos from its orderbook to Thai Airways International. The Singapore-based lessor states that the aircraft will be powered by CFM International Leap-1A engines. Fleet's data shows that the aircraft are tentatively planned for delivery in 2027 and 2028. "We are pleased to be working once more with long-time customer, Thai Airways," says BOC Aviation chief executive and managing director Steven Townend "The delivery of these technologically advanced aircraft is an important transaction in the development of our portfolio and will support Thai Airways as it expands its fleet and regional network." Thai currently leases seven Boeing 777-300ERs from BOC Aviation, fleets data shows.

EVTOL-maker Archer Aviation has released plans for a proposed New York City air taxi network with United Airlines, an investor in Archer that has also placed an order with the company. The announcement adds to proposed air taxi networks in San Francisco and Los Angeles. "Archer's goal is to enable passengers to travel from Manhattan to nearby airports in just 5-15 minutes using Midnight, dramatically reducing travel times compared to traditional ground transportation and helping avoid the city's notorious traffic," Archer said in a 17 April press release. Midnight is Archer's piloted electric air taxi designed to carry up to four passengers while producing less noise and emissions than a traditional helicopter, Archer says. Midnight is built with redundant systems across the aircraft – including 12 total engines and propellers – allowing Archer to target similar levels of safety as commercial airliners, it adds. Archer is building Midnight in the USA at manufacturing facilities in San Jose, California and Covington, Georgia. Archer notes it is continuing to work with the FAA to seek type certification of Midnight. "Once type certification is received, Archer and its operating partners plan to safely and seamlessly integrate Midnight into service, beginning with major airports like those in the New York City area," Archer says. Archer received its FAA Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certificate in June 2024. "At United, our focus is on driving innovation, reimagining the future of air travel and enhancing the customer experience every step of the journey," states Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures. "Our strategic collaboration with Archer will be key to our efforts to build and optimise the infrastructure – such as real estate development, air space management, and safety and security protocols – necessary to bring advanced air mobility to our customers."