United Airlines said it’s not in talks with another carrier over a potential acquisition or other transaction, dismissing rumors that had been circulating online in recent days. “The company is not in negotiations or discussions with any other airline regarding a merger, acquisition or similar strategic transaction and has not been in any recent discussions with any airlines regarding the same,” the airline said Friday in a regulatory filing. The unusual statement came in response to social media posts claiming that the carrier was working on a deal to merge with JetBlue Airways Corp. or acquire some of its assets. The claims also were spreading among its investors, United said. JetBlue declined to comment Friday. The company pointed to remarks earlier this week by CEO Joanna Geraghty, who said that the airline was “having conversations with a number of carriers” about potential operating partnerships. She didn’t identify specific airlines. JetBlue has struggled to chart a new path as a smaller, independent carrier after two aborted partnerships derailed its growth plans. The company has slashed unprofitable routes, deferred billions of dollars in new aircraft purchases and cut costs. The company hasn’t had an annual profit since 2019. A previous alliance between JetBlue and American Airlines Group Inc. was ordered dismantled by a federal judge for violating US antitrust laws. A separate deal to acquire Spirit Airlines Inc. was also blocked on antitrust grounds.<br/>
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Passengers and the crew of a United Airlines flight from Houston to New York City were evacuated after an engine issue was reported Sunday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The crew of United Airlines Flight 1382 "safely aborted its takeoff" from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston due to a "reported engine issue" at around 8:35 a.m. local time Sunday, according to the FAA. Passengers on the flight were deplaned on the runway and bused to the terminal. "During takeoff, United flight 1382 received an indication about one engine and halted the takeoff while still on the runway," a United Airlines spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement. The Houston Fire Department said airport rescue firefighters assisted with the evacuation and that no injuries were reported. A video taken by a passenger and circulated on social media showed smoke and flames coming from a wing of the plane. "HFD did not put out a fire on this incident," the fire department said on social media. "Yes, we are aware of the video. When our units arrived, there was no fire to put out."<br/>
A suspected engine fire on an Air New Zealand plane has seen fire crew rush to Queenstown Airport, but no fire was found. Fire and Emergency was called to the airport at 10.50am on Monday. FENZ South shift manager Lyn Crosson told Stuff Travel on arrival there was no fire and it was likely a faulty sensor switch. The crew checked the engine before being stood down. A spokesperson for Queenstown Airport said the aircraft experienced an engineering issue as it was preparing for departure. “Airport emergency services were called as a precaution and have now been stood down. The plane is returning to the gate and will be disembarked. The airfield is open. However, there have been some minor delays to operations as a result.” As a result, a Jetstar flight from Sydney had to circle in their air twice before it could come into land. Air New Zealand has confirmed there was no fire or flames on the plane. Chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan told Stuff Travel flight NZ612 was scheduled to depart Queenstown at 10.35am but returned to the gate for an engineering inspection.<br/>