Spirit Airlines' sale to JetBlue was blocked on the premise of preserving competition but it should have been obvious that Spirit, in serious financial trouble, was no longer able to compete effectively in the U.S. market.

Narrow-body jets are becoming the primary way for airlines to access thinner traffic streams and increase passenger flows, says a senior Embraer executive.

The region’s network carriers highlighted cost pressures and aircraft delays, although some saw strong profits.

The latest airline route news, featuring network changes, schedule alterations, codeshares and interline agreements.

Lessor Falko Regional Aircraft has acquired 11 Embraer E-Jets from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), as part of a sale and purchase agreement signed in March.