Southwest Airlines Is Launching a New Nonstop Flight From Nashville to St. Thomas in March

House Energy and Commerce ranking member Frank Pallone sent inquiry letters to eight US airlines (American, Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, Hawaiian) asking by Aug. 25 how AI and consumer data affect individualized fares. The probe cites FTC surveillance pricing findings and follows JetBlue class actions alleging data-harvesting and algorithmic price targeting.

Zacks Investment Ideas highlights Archer Aviation (Zacks Rank #2), citing an Aug. 10 strategic partnership with Boeing. Archer will acquire Wisk Aero, Insitu and SkyGrid from Boeing for a 19.75% stake in ACHR, and Insitu is expected to add $200 million in annual revenue. Zacks also notes FAA phase 3 progress and a United Airlines order up to $1 billion.

The FAA certified Boeing’s 737 MAX 7 on Monday, nearly nine years after Boeing’s initial expected approval. Boeing shares rose up to about 8%. Southwest Airlines, the launch customer, said it will not begin revenue service until 2027, pending seat retrofits. Boeing has 30 to 40 MAX 7/MAX 10 aircraft built, and analysts cited 282 MAX 7 orders.

According to Worldoil, closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused global jet fuel shortages, with Europe seeking supplies from the U.S. and Asia. Energy Aspects forecast a Europe jet fuel deficit of nearly 600,000 bpd in Q3. Jet fuel prices swung from $215.32/bbl (end March) to just over $130. Ryanair reported higher costs; Southwest said Q2 fuel expenses rose about $900 million YoY; United expects about $6 billion extra fuel expense in 2026.

The Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted for months, reducing oil flows and contributing to global jet fuel shortages, according to Energy Aspects and the IEA. European airlines warned in July they may run out of jet fuel. Jet fuel prices swung from $215.32/bbl end-March to just over $130. Ryanair said fuel costs rose 11% and Southwest reported Q2 fuel expenses about $900m higher; United expects ~$6bn extra fuel expense in 2026.

Southwest Airlines said Flight 1243 at Chicago Midway stopped after both nose-gear tires lost air pressure on touchdown, causing a 46-minute delay. No injuries were reported and no evacuation was ordered. The same day, the FAA certified the Boeing 737 MAX 7, but Southwest’s schedule through March 2027 shows no MAX 7 flights and it expects about six months after first delivery to integrate.