American Airlines CEO Doug Parker appeared on CNBC to address the carrier's outlook as they continue facing "the most challenging planning environment in the history of commercial aviation." Parker explained that the carrier is seeing "huge pent-up demand" for air travel, particularly for trips a month or two away. "People have gotten to the point where they believe this is going to be behind us before too long and they are having confidence in making travel plans, certainly in the future," he added.

As a result of the White House's agreement with AT&T and Verizon, widespread disruption of air service was averted. In an interview with WABC-TV in New York, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg thanked stakeholders for reaching an agreement. "The FAA's bottom line has to be safety and obviously one catastrophic accident out of a million is unacceptable as you can imagine there is a lot of complex analysis rigor that goes into this," Buttigieg said.

United Airlines enjoyed $2.4 billion in cargo revenue in 2021, twice as much as in 2019 as shipping demand continues to surge and sea ports remain clogged. In recent months, United managers say, the airline has moved urgent cargoes of black soap, dog food, mayonnaise and rum on charters and in passenger aircraft.

Hawaiian Airlines expanded its West Coast schedule in 2021, worked to educate travelers about the islands and furthered its charitable initiatives. "You connected people with aloha when they needed it most, and you triumphed over many difficulties with creativity and enthusiasm," CEO Peter Ingram said to employees in his end-of-year message.
"Our progressive recovery is the result."

Cruise passengers who hold future cruise credit vouchers are being frustrated by repeated cancellations of cruises. Attorney Mark Pestronk writes that although the vouchers have no financial value, a passenger could argue for a refund under the "frustration of purpose" doctrine.

Universities are beginning to resume planning travel for both faculty and students, in part because of pressure to complete grant-funded research. Travel agencies note that universities have some new priorities, including the health and safety of their travelers and offsetting their carbon footprint.

United CEO Scott Kirby, appearing on CNBC, heralded strong demand heading into the spring and summer travel season despite setbacks during the ongoing pandemic. "There continue to be short-term ups and downs as waves happen and new variants come out from COVID," Kirby said. "But the long term is secure. We feel confident as ever in what the long-term future looks like."

Delta Air Lines unveiled an aircraft decorated in honor of Team USA to celebrate its partnership with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The carrier will transport Olympic athletes and support staff on charter flights to the upcoming Beijing winter games as well as future Olympic events in 2024, 2026 and 2028.

Airbus SE plans to hire 6,000 employees in coming months, reflecting the aircraft manufacturer's optimism about aviation. The new hires will restore cuts the European company made in 2020.

Airport lounges have reopened in most locations, but many of them have adopted new procedures, such as contactless check-in, capacity limits and more rigorous cleaning procedures. Dining options have also changed, with a greater emphasis on self-service options and pre-portioned foods.