Alaska Airlines has been named as founding partner and the official airline of NHL Seattle. The airline also will sponsor the "Alaska Airlines Atrium" at the team's hockey arena, creating a gathering place featuring stories and images of the Pacific Northwest. "'Meet me in the Alaska Airlines Atrium' is the vernacular that we're hoping to create within the community," marketing executive Natalie Bowman.

FedEx volunteers will work with Rise Against Hunger to pack over 170,000 meals in 10 cities in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the company's ongoing partnership with the organization. The company is also sponsoring free admission at civil rights museums in Birmingham and Montgomery, Ala.; Jackson, Miss.; Memphis, Tenn., and Atlanta.

Delta Air Lines has unveiled virtual queuing to its app, which alerts travelers when their seat is boarding. Delta says passengers can relax nearby instead of crowding at the gate while waiting.

Michigan's Flint Bishop International Airport is accepting applications for a program allowing non-ticketed individuals to visit travelers beyond security screening. Anyone participating in the FNT Visitors Pass Program is subject to the same security screening as passengers.

A Department of Transportation panel is recommending that aircraft manufacturers develop safety management systems and make provisions for variations in pilot performance. Overall, the panel came out in support of the Federal Aviation Administration and its certification system.

China is expected to have a fleet of 420 ships by 2035, and experts say the US must look beyond the threat of nuclear weapons from China. "Militarily, the resurgence of great power competition requires the United States to reimagine how we deter and, if necessary, fight and prevail in a future conflict with China. America's military advantage is rapidly eroding in light of China's modernization efforts," Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy told lawmakers.

The US Air Force Research Laboratory has recently completed a successful test firing of the X-60A hypersonic rocket. The weapon is being developed under a Small Business Innovation Research contract with Generation Orbit Launch Services.

The Army is hitting the reset button on its program to replace the Bradley vehicle, cancelling its current solicitation due to a lack of responses. "Based on feedback and proposals received from industry we have determined it is necessary to revisit the requirements, acquisition strategy and schedule before moving forward," said Bruce Jette, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics, and technology.

Southwest Airlines is evaluating how drones may help bring efficiencies to aircraft maintenance, and the carrier has moved forward with issuing mini-iPads to technicians. "Our philosophy is to provide mechanics with the information they need, when they need it and where they need it," according to the airline.

Bombardier says it is reviewing its joint venture with Airbus, as the A220 program requires additional investment from Bombardier. Bombardier has spent $6 billion on the program dating back to 2008, and agreed to a JV with Airbus in 2017.