Lufthansa could face strike action after pilot union Vereinigung Cockpit announced that a majority of its members had voted in favour of industrial action over a pension dispute. In a ballot launched on 12 September, 96% of Lufthansa pilots voted for industrial action, on a turnout of 90%, says VC. No strike date has been set, but the union sees the vote as representing a "strong signal" that members are willing to pursue their demands, having "clearly" backed their collective bargaining committee. Lufthansa chief legal officer Michael Niggemann states that the airline group has taken note of the vote, adding that the union has expressed a desire to resume negotiations. "We welcome this, as viable solutions can only be found at the negotiating table," he adds. "The ballot has not increased the scope for manoeuvre, so the focus must remain on finding answers that are compatible with the economic performance of Lufthansa Classic." VC launched the ballot when talks with Lufthansa failed after seven negotiation rounds. The union cites massive differences regarding the company pension plan. "We now expect Lufthansa to take the signals from its workforce seriously and finally present a negotiable offer for company pension provision," states Arne Karstens on behalf of VC's bargaining committee. The threat of strike action adds to a series of labour and cost challenges for Lufthansa, which recently unveiled plans to cut 4,000 administrative roles by 2030 and set new profitability targets.

British Airways is set to launch a new transatlantic route from London Heathrow to St Louis, which becomes its 27th destination in the USA. The service, to be operated four times a week from 19 April 2026, will be the UK's only direct link to St Louis. IAG-owned BA adds that the route will be part of its transatlantic joint venture with American Airlines, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus and Level. In August, BA said it was expanding its long-haul flight schedule to the USA next summer, increasing capacity to Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, San Diego and Austin. This includes reintroduction of double-daily flights to Miami and daily service to Dallas/Fort Worth, while frequencies will rise to 13 times weekly for Las Vegas and 14 for San Diego and Austin.

Braathens International Airways, which operates Airbus aircraft for tour operators and other airlines, has filed for bankruptcy, citing a lack of liquidity and unsuccessful efforts to secure financing for its operations. The move will result in the immediate cessation of all Airbus flights and affect around 200 employees, it says. The bankruptcy does not affect other entities within the Sweden-based Braathens group. Braathens Regional Airlines AB, Braathens Regional Airways AB, Braathens People AB and Braathens Support AB will continue operations, including ACMI services using ATR 72-600 aircraft. The decision follows a strategic shift announced in late August, when the Braathens board opted to focus on growing its fleet of ATR 72-600 turboprop fleet as a pure ACMI play while phasing out its Airbus aircraft. Despite efforts to secure funding for a controlled phase-out, the company says financing initiatives "have not been successful", leaving no alternative but to file for bankruptcy for the companies linked to its Airbus operations, Braathens International Airways AB and Braathens Crew AB. "Unfortunately, the funding that we have tried to get in place for a controlled phase-out has not been achieved and I understand that those affected are sad, shocked and disappointed," says Per Braathen, chairman and majority owner of Braathens. "Now we have no choice but to focus on the part of the business that can achieve long-term profitability." Braathens International Airways AB was launched in 2022 to operate Airbus flights for tour operators. Braathens says the establishment was "more complex than expected" with delayed aircraft deliveries and high start-up and operating costs resulting in "financial challenges." The company underwent a restructuring in 2023, but it was hit by weakening consumer demand which led to a decision to suspend Airbus operations on 27 August of this year through a gradual phase-out. However, funding required to do this did not appear. Braathens notes that since the pandemic, its owners have invested over SKr300 million ($32 million) "without succeeding in achieving profitability in the Airbus business. The Board of Directors and management deeply regret the situation, but given the acute financial situation, there are no alternatives left." Union negotiations and administrative redundancies are expected to follow, as the company moves to safeguard the parts of the business that have long-term viability. Cirium’s data shows that Braathens International operates six Airbus A320-family aircraft, comprising three A319s and three A320s. The A319s are from lessors Carlyle Aviation Partners, Deucalion Aviation and Aero Capital Solutions, with two of the A320s from Macquarie AirFinance and the remainder DAE Capital. The carrier also operates a fleet of ATR 72-600s which it uses for ACMI services on behalf of SAS and Austrian alongside scheduled operations.