Thai Airways International is planning a new order for 30 wide-body long-range aircraft as Thailand tourism recovers from COVID-19 according to Bloomberg.
It is also planning an order for Airbus A321neos..
The company has sent out proposals for bids to both Airbus and Boeing.
From Fortune:
https://fortune.com/2023/06/03/qatar-airways-ceo-says-first-class-pointless-on-next-gen-aircraft/
Icelandair and Turkish Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement offering passengers seamless connections between their growing networks. Icelandair customers will now be able to connect eastbound to destinations in the Middle East and Asia via Istanbul (IST) while Turkish Airlines passengers can connect westbound to North America and Canada through Keflavik, Iceland (KEF).
This agreement was signed at IATA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Istanbul, Turkey earlier today and will greatly increase offerings from both airlines with convenient connecting flights throughout the world. Passengers traveling with the two airlines will now be offered the ability to travel between North America, the Middle East and Asia, on one ticket, while checking their luggage to their final destination.
Icelandair issued this statement:
Icelandair and Turkish Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement. With this agreement, the two airlines will be providing seamless connections to their customers and expand the number of destinations on both carriers’ networks.
Icelandair passengers in North America and Iceland can connect eastbound via Turkish Airlines’ network to Istanbul; and Turkish Airlines worldwide passengers such as Asia or the Middle East will be able to connect westbound via Icelandair’s network to Iceland and Canada.
The agreement was signed at IATA’s AGM in Istanbul earlier today. It greatly increases both Airlines’ offerings for convenient connections where customers can travel with a single ticket and their luggage checked through all the way to the final destination.
Riyadh Air is a planned second flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, based in Riyadh, its capital.[3] The airline’s main operational base will be at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The flag carrier will operate domestic and international scheduled flights to over 100 different destinations.
Video:
The new airline describes itself:
Riyadh Air is a new national airline established in March 2023. With headquarters in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh Air is the cutting edge of digital aviation. It will adopt the best international sustainability and safety practices to deliver an exceptional travel experience by bringing together the brightest minds from across the aviation industry, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world to make this vision a reality.
Boeing released this video of the first painted 787:
American Airlines’ pilot union APA-ALPA Merger Exploratory Committee rejected efforts to merge with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).
The Allied Pilots Association (APA) board fell short of the two-thirds vote necessary to commence merger talks with ALPA, the world’s largest pilots’ union.
APA issued this report to its members in an open letter:
DCA Pilots,
The APA-ALPA Merger Exploratory Committee presented their findings this past Thursday and Friday. There was a significant amount of effort made to bring a comprehensive report to the Board. All 2,441 pages are available here. We wanted to explain why the motion, which required a 2/3rds vote (14 Members) to approve and continue the process, was voted down on a ten / ten split BOD vote.
We will only be able to speak to what your DCA reps perceptions were, and we can further say that as many are aware, various people can be presented with all kinds of information and come to very different conclusions. While there are pros and cons to pursuing a merger with ALPA, many of which the committee outlined in the various areas examined all of which we carefully considered. We found that there are several overwhelming cons that made a “No” vote, at this time, for further merger exploration, our final decision.
Your Right of Self Determination
First and foremost, the autonomy to chart our own path, forge our own direction, and represent our membership on ONLY the issues deemed important to our members and in the manner we determine to be best, is far too valuable to give up. That autonomy would be lost at ALPA, as the larger and overarching power structure of the ALPA Board of Directors would always retain final say on the actions of the individual airline MECs. What is best for ALPA, and the 39 other airlines it represents, would likely take precedence over what might be best for an individual airline’s pilots. We have already experienced situations in which APA and ALPA national have taken conflicting positions on issues relating to our industry and our profession. While that does not occur frequently, if we are being candid, there would inevitably be a loss of some level of control and self-determination once you become part of the ALPA structure. Certainly some will belabor this point, but it is a fact that, based on the briefing given and the realities of how ALPA is structured, there is less control of an individual pilot group’s own destiny once you join ALPA. That is one of the reasons APA was founded in the first instance and something that we value too much to agree to give up.
Your Benefits
The Merger Exploration Committee concluded that our APA Benefits were far superior to ALPAs. While many statements were made about what “might happen,” or “could happen,” or “would be expected to happen,” with our benefit plans in a proposed merger, this was another valuable aspect of APA we were not comfortable with putting at risk for any possible negative change at this time.
Your Money
Additionally, the Committee also informed the Board that, under ALPA’s current dues structure, we would each be paying 1.85% dues, compared to the 1% we pay in non-Section 6 times and the 1.5% we pay during Section 6. In the last 23 years, APA pilots have paid an average of 1.32% dues. Using very rough math, with a constant 1.85% dues rate, in 2023 we would generate over $60.8M in revenue for ALPA, yet an AA MEC would only get back 38.5% of those funds, approximately $21.8M, according to the Committee. While it was reported that some of our APA Staff might be paid by ALPA A&S Funds in the event of a merger, that still would leave a shortfall in funding of over $7M from our current operating budget.
Effectively, the larger airlines in ALPA are subsidizing all of the smaller ones. APA, if it merged with ALPA, would take over as one of the largest subsidizers. Another con is that local domiciles in ALPA are unable to give union time off for domicile volunteers doing important union work. This is a matter of policy, which APA would be subjected to and possibly, unable to change due to ALPA policy, if it were part of ALPA at that time. There are certainly other policies inconsistent with the way we are currently doing business, which goes back to the primary reason why we felt a “no” vote was necessary—preserving APA’s autonomy. Finally, further exploration of a merger would cost north of $200,000.
Merger Ahead?
One of the more interesting briefing points we received from the committee, which was recorded in open session, was the following;
The Delta MEC and the Endeavor MEC have an Arrangement. It has been Initiated by the DAL MEC and mutually agreed on between the respective MECs.
• “WHEREAS the best way to ensure proper staffing for Delta’s regional flying is to bring those aircraft, and pilots, to the mainline”
• “WHEREAS the adage “a rising tide lifts all boats” certainly applies in the relationship between our two pilot groups interests, and goals…”
• The resolutions authorizing pursuit of the arrangement expressly provide that the working group established by the resolutions “will neither consider nor recommend any action that would result in any Endeavor pilot being placed on the seniority list ahead of Delta pilots …”
So, in the opinion of this writer, it certainly appears that based on the report given that the Endeavor Pilots have agreed to what some arguably could call a staple. We should exercise extreme caution in the timing of any efforts to pursue any ALPA or other union merger until we see the results of the Delta/Endeavor MEC negotiations and the final seniority list for them – particularly with the possibility that AA could attempt to merge the wholly owned with mainline.
In Closing
The bottom line is, we found the report useful in many ways, in that it showed us some important steps we might take to improve APA. Some structural, process, and governing document improvements are most definitely in order to improve our efficiency and effectiveness, and the Board has already taken steps to commit to consider those changes in upcoming months. The National Officers and Board together are currently forming a Governance Reform Caucus to address these shortfalls, and we encourage those with great ideas to submit them via Soundoff so we can improve the effectiveness of our organization…so that ultimately we will be able to serve YOU, the membership, in the most optimum, efficient, and effective way.
The grass may look greener on the other side, but the truth is that every organization has challenges. APA has its challenges, but ALPA is no different. Those members of the Board of Directors who voted against pursuing a merger found that the costs of possibly merging with ALPA simply outweigh the benefits in this equation, and we did not believe that becoming part of ALPA would be the panacea that some make it out to be.
However, if you want to make a difference, we encourage you to get involved as a volunteer with APA and you can help make our organization a better place. We need your help, and if you feel passionately about the things we can do and change to make our organization better, then we encourage you to step up and volunteer.
Thank you for your patience as we continue to wait for the Negotiating Committee’s language and as we continue to work to make this a better place for all pilots.
In Unity,
Joe and Tim
United Airlines’ pilots, represented by ALPA, have voted to authorize a strike vote if contract talks fail with the company.
No strike date has been set.
From Forbes:
From Reuters:
Here is a brief report on worldwide airline news for today based on the web search results:
Delta Air Lines and Los Angeles World Airports have finished the second-to-last major phase of the Delta Sky Way at LAX project, with Terminal 3 now offering another entry point via the west headhouse as well as a dedicated check-in area for its Delta One customers.
The west headhouse, which features self-service kiosks to drop bags and/or print boarding passes, gives customers another entry point to easily check in and get to security. Later this summer, Delta expects to implement digital ID technology at bag drop and security checkpoints, allowing eligible customers to use their biometric data to more seamlessly move through the airport.
An exclusive Delta One check-in area, located on the lower arrivals level of Terminal 3, offers a private TSA screening lane and direct access to the Delta Sky Club. Delta One customers will be greeted by a team of Elite Service agents dedicated to providing white-glove service, and the space will offer refreshing towels as well as light food and beverage offerings. The Delta One check-in area will also feature one-of-a-kind artwork from two local artists in partnership with ArtLifting, a social enterprise that champions artists impacted by disabilities and housing insecurity.
Additional latest terminal enhancements include the addition of 100 more seats to the Delta Sky Club, the re-opening of the original Terminal 3 passenger tunnel, complete with its signature 1960s tile mosaic and direct access to baggage claim, an enlarged T3 Help Center, and a second connection point to LAX’s automated people mover system when it opens in mid-2024.
Terminal 3 made its debut last year, with a centralized check-in lobby, expanded security checkpoint and baggage claim area, and state-of-the-art Delta Sky Club. Delta was able to accelerate project timelines and will deliver the state-of-the-art, 1.2-million-square-foot, 27-gate complex 18 months earlier than originally planned. The final milestone of the Delta Sky Way at LAX project — the airside connector to the Tom Bradley International Terminal — is expected to be complete in August 2023 and will eliminate the need to bus between terminals.
ARTICLE
New gates, new routes: Delta customers at LAX have more to enjoy
Delta Air Lines and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) have completed another major phase of the Delta Sky Way at LAX: the brand-new T3 facility, featuring nine new gates* and spacious seating areas, will open to customers on Oct. 5.
LAX serves as one of Delta’s most important coastal hubs and this summer will operate over 150 peak-day flights to 52 destinations across the globe, serving 19 of the top 20 markets for Los Angeles customers. The airline continues to add new and exciting destinations to its slate, with never-before-operated service launching to Dallas-Love Field (June 5); Auckland, New Zealand, (Oct. 28); and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Vail, Colorado (Dec. 16).
Delta and its 4,000 Los Angeles-based employees are deeply ingrained in the community, supporting more than a dozen nonprofit organizations throughout the state of California. Additionally, the airline is proud to serve as the inaugural founding partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the official airline of Team USA. The airline also serves as the as official carrier of Crypto.com Arena and the LA Kings.
ARTICLE
Delta, LA28 unveil integrated emblem featuring Delta ‘A’ for LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The integrated emblem is the first in Olympic and Paralympic Movement history.
Delta has invested more than $12 billion coast-to-coast in the last ten years, doubling down on its vision for the future of travel to build airports of the future that are comfortable, easy to navigate and part of an effortlessly connected journey.
| Terminal 2 & 3 | When complete in 2023, Terminals 2 and 3 will be a consolidated, 1.2-million-square-foot complex with 27 gates.6.1 million labor hours have been put into the program, with 29.7% of total labor hours being from local hires and 30.4% of spend with diverse suppliers. |
| Sky Club | Over 30,000 square feet40% of the construction value was provided by small and diverse businesses. |
| Walk Times | 8-10 minutes to the furthest gate in T2/T3, plus security.5-8 minutes to the closest gate in T2/T3, plus security.17-20 minutes from the curb to the furthest TBIT gate, plus security.13-16 minutes to the closest gate in TBIT, plus security. |
| Financial Investment | Delta and LAWA are investing $2.3 billion at LAX.Delta has invested more than $12 billion in airport hubs across the country. |
| LAX Operation | Delta offers 150 daily flights to 52 destinations across the globe from LAX. Destinations include 18 of the top 20 markets for LA customers.Delta has more than 4,000 employees at LAX. |
| Restrooms | Doubles the restroom capacity in new T3 vs. old T3.Increases T2 capacity by a third. |
| Check-in & security | 56 self-serve kiosks, 62 check-in positions and 8 self-serve bag drop machines 14 security lanes 11 of 14 TSA security lanes are Automated Screening Lanes to improve customer convenience and checkpoint throughput. 310 feet of digital backwall features flight information in both English and Spanish as well as Sky Club volume and gate information. |
| Baggage Claim | 6 baggage claim carousels will live on the first floor of the headhouse. |
Boeing and Air Tanzania are celebrating the delivery of the airline’s first 767-300 Freighter. The airplane arrived today at the airline’s hub in Dar es Salaam and will provide the operator with dedicated air freight capacity to serve the country’s growing cargo market. The delivery also marks the first direct 767 Freighter delivery from Boeing to an African carrier.
The 767-300 Freighter’s excellent fuel efficiency, operational flexibility and low noise levels will enable Air Tanzania to support time-critical cargo schedules across Africa and beyond. Capable of flying 3,255 nautical miles with a revenue payload of more than 52 tonnes, the 767-300 Freighter is the ideal airplane for growing e-commerce and express cargo markets. This is Air Tanzania’s first dedicated freighter as the country looks to expand imports and exports of perishable goods, pharmaceuticals and other products that require timely delivery.
Air Tanzania currently operates commercial service across Africa and to destinations in Asia with a fleet that includes two 787-8 Dreamliners. The airline also has orders for an additional 787-8 and two 737 MAX jets.
Top Copyright Photo: Air Tanzania Cargo (3rd) Boeing 767-300F 5H-TCO (msn 67788) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 960676.
Air Canada completed its inaugural Montreal to Amsterdam flights today, with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner using sustainable aviation fuel.
Coinciding with the launch of Air Canada’s second route from Amsterdam to Canada, the airline is further advancing initiatives in its Climate Action Plan by expanding its partnership with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) producer Neste in Europe to now incorporate Neste MY Sustainable Aviation FuelTM in some of its flights at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Use of SAF could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to use of conventional jet fuel. This reduction is calculated based on a full lifecycle assessment.
Air Canada’s flights between Montreal and Amsterdam are operated on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft featuring three classes of service. The five times weekly flights for Summer 2023 complement Air Canada’s year-round flights between Toronto and Amsterdam. With up to double daily flights between Canada and Amsterdam from two of Air Canada’s global hubs, customers on both sides of the Atlantic have convenient choices to visit and explore each other’s continents.
* When used in neat form (i.e. unblended) and calculated with established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as CORSIA methodology.
Schedule
| Flight | From | To | Departs | Arrives | Operates |
| AC901 | Amsterdam (AMS) | Montreal (YUL) | 14:00 | 15:30 | Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun; Jun 3-Oct 15 |
| AC900 | Montreal (YUL) | Amsterdam (AMS) | 22:10 | 11:00 + 1 day | Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat: Jun 2-Oct 14 |
WestJet on June 2 celebrated the launch of its first-ever service between Calgary and Washington D.C., with the departure of WS1618 at 11:30 a.m. MST. With the inclusion of Washington D.C. to WestJet’s Calgary network along with new service to Detroit and the restoration of service to an expansive list of U.S. destinations, WestJet is increasing its Calgarytransborder capacity by 46 per cent compared to Summer 2022, with direct service to 20 U.S. destinations across the country.
The departure of WS1618 is the first of three weekly flights that will travel between Calgary and Washington D.C. this summer.
| Route | Start Date | Frequency | Departure | Arrival |
| Calgary – Washington D.C. (Dulles) | June 2, 2023 | 3x weekly | 11:30 a.m. local | 5:47 p.m. local |
| Washington D.C. (Dulles) – Calgary | June 2, 2023 | 3x weekly | 6:40 p.m. local | 9:27 p.m. local |
In other news, WestJet on June 2 also celebrated the commencement of its nonstop transborder service between Edmonton and Minneapolis/St. Paul, with the departure of WS1546 at 9:45 a.m. MST.
Growing Edmonton’s aviation pipeline, the new route unlocks direct connectivity from Alberta’s capital to the Midwest United States and beyond. With the inclusion of Minneapolis to Edmonton’snetwork, WestJet has increased Edmonton’s transborder capacity this summer by over 150 per cent and its total network capacity by over 40 per cent marking the airline’s largest network expansion from a single city in its history.
From AirlineRatings.com:
“Air NZ is being honored for the seventh time since 2013 for its multi-award-winning in-flight innovations such as the SkyNest economy beds, operational safety, environmental leadership and motivation of its staff.
The Kiwi nudged out previous winners Qatar Airways (2021, 2022), Etihad Airways, Korean Airlines and Singapore Airlines for the top spot.
The AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards, judged by five editors with over 180 years industry experience, combines major safety and government audits, with 12 key criteria that include: fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, product offerings, and staff relations.”
Read the full report:
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen has become the latest destination to join British Airways’ network, with the inaugural flight touching down on the Anatolian side of Istanbul on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
The new route between London Heathrow (LHR) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) will operate four times per week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays on a mix of A320 and A321 aircraft.
Increasing connectivities from Istanbul
Sabiha Gökçen Airport has become a hub adding three more destinations this June to its extensive network. These include London Heathrow (LHR), Rhodes (RHO) and Mytilene (MJT), Greece.
Sabiha Gökçen serves 154 destinations located across 51 countries via flights operated by 45 airlines. The first four months of 2023 saw the City Airport handle almost 14 million passenger movements.
To celebrate the airport’s namesake, the world’s first female fighter pilot, Ms. Sabiha Gökçen herself, British Airways opted for an all-female flight crew, with Captain Jessica Telford and First Officer Kerry Bennett operating the inaugural flight.
Air New Zealand will be asking more than 10,000 customers travelling on its international network to take part in a passenger weight survey this June.
The survey is essential to the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft and is a Civil Aviation Authority requirement.
Air New Zealand Load Control Improvement Specialist Alastair James explains that before each take-off the pilot needs to know the weight and balance of the loaded aircraft.
“We weigh everything that goes on the aircraft – from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold. For customers, crew and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey.”
Customers on Air New Zealand’s domestic network were weighed in 2021. Now that international travel is back up and running, it’s time for international flyers to weigh in.
For customers who are hesitant about jumping on those scales there is nothing to fear.
“We know stepping on the scales can be daunting. We want to reassure our customers there is no visible display anywhere. No one can see your weight – not even us! It’s completely anonymous,” says Mr James
“It’s simple, it’s voluntary, and by weighing in, you’ll be helping us to fly you safely and efficiently, every time.”
The survey will take place at the entrance to the gate lounge of certain Air New Zealand flights departing from Auckland International Airport between May 29 and July 2.
American Airlines Group Inc. is presenting information relating to its financial and operational outlook at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference. As previously announced, this presentation will be webcast, with the link available at the Company’s website at www.aa.com under “Investor Relations.”
Additionally, the Company is providing investors an update regarding its financial and operational guidance for the second quarter of 2023. The Company now expects total revenue per available seat mile to be down approximately 1.0% to 3.0% versus the second quarter of 2022. This improvement in unit revenue versus prior guidance is driven by continued strength in the demand environment. The Company now expects to pay an average of between $2.55 to $2.65 per gallon of jet fuel in the second quarter.
Based on these updated assumptions, the Company now expects its second quarter adjusted operating margin4 to be approximately 12.5% to 14.5% and adjusted earnings per diluted share5 to be between approximately $1.45 to $1.65. The Company does not intend to provide a further update to its financial and operational guidance until the release of its second quarter 2023 results.
Certain components of the guidance provided exclude fuel and net special items. The updated guidance provided herein is presented to provide comparability with prior guidance. The Company is unable to fully reconcile such forward-looking guidance to the corresponding GAAP measure because the full nature and amount of net special items cannot be determined at this time.
Avianca Airlines has announced that as of June 1, customers of the airline will have the option of flying in business class on the Los Angeles to Bogotá route. This decision was made after analyzing and addressing customer suggestions to improve their travel experience on the longest route the airline operates in the Americas.
With this change, passengers flying between these destinations will be able to choose the size that best suits their needs from five options: XS, S, M and L in economy fare and XXL in business fare to fly on Boeing 787* twin-aisle aircraft with 28 seats in business cabin and 222 in economy.
Avianca Airlines flight AV0083 will depart Los Angeles (LAX) at 8:45 p.m. (local time) daily, arriving in Bogotá (BOG) at 05:45 a.m. the following day (local time), with a flight time of seven hours. The return flight (AV0084) will depart Bogotá at 1:10 p.m. (local time) daily, arriving in Los Angeles at 7 p.m. (local time) the same day.
With this announcement, customers who choose to fly business class between Los Angeles and Bogotá will have access to a service that includes:
The service for passengers flying in the economy cabin on this route includes:
*Flights on this route are operated on Wamos aircraft and have a capacity of 34 executive cabin seats.
Southwest Airlines Company is providing updated guidance regarding selected financial trends.
The following table presents updated selected financial guidance for second quarter 2023. These projections are based on current booking trends and the Company’s current outlook, and actual results could differ materially.
| 2Q 2023 Estimation | Previous estimation | |||
| RASM (a), year-over-year | Down 8% to 10% | Down 8% to 11% | ||
| ASMs (b), year-over-year | Up ~14% | No change | ||
| Economic fuel costs per gallon1 (c) | ~$2.55 | $2.45 to $2.55 | ||
| CASM-X (d), year-over-year2 | Up 5% to 8% | No change | ||
| Scheduled debt repayments (millions) | ~$10 | No change | ||
| Interest expense (millions) | ~$65 | No change |
| (a) Operating revenue per available seat mile (RASM, or unit revenues). | ||
| (b) Available seat miles (ASMs, or capacity). The Company’s flight schedule is currently published for sale through November 4, 2023. | ||
| (c) Based on the Company’s existing fuel derivative contracts and market prices as of May 25, 2023. Includes fuel taxes and fuel hedging premium expense of $0.06 per gallon and favorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts of $0.09 per gallon, compared with previous expectations of fuel hedging premium expense of $0.06 per gallon and favorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts of $0.13 per gallon. | ||
| (d) Operating expenses per available seat mile, excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing (CASM-X). | ||
Travel demand during the Memorial Day weekend was strong. Second quarter 2023 leisure travel demand and yields continue to be strong, including a recent improvement in close-in leisure demand and yields, while managed business revenue trends continue to perform as previously expected. The Company’s second quarter 2023 capacity and CASM-X are expected to be in line with previous guidance. The Company has not made any material revisions to its 2023 fleet or capacity plans compared with previous guidance, which reflected the expectation to receive approximately 70 Boeing 737-8 aircraft deliveries and for capacity to increase approximately 14 percent to 15 percent, year-over-year.
Barring significant unforeseen events and based on current trends, the Company continues to expect solid profits in second quarter and full year 20233, both excluding special items.
1Economic fuel cost projections do not reflect the potential impact of special items because the Company cannot reliably predict or estimate the hedge accounting impact associated with the volatility of the energy markets or the impact to its financial statements in future periods. Accordingly, the Company believes a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the equivalent GAAP financial measures for projected results is not meaningful or available without unreasonable effort.
2Projections do not reflect the potential impact of fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing because the Company cannot reliably predict or estimate those items or expenses or their impact to its financial statements in future periods, especially considering the significant volatility of the fuel and oil expense line item. Accordingly, the Company believes a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the equivalent GAAP financial measures for projected results is not meaningful or available without unreasonable effort.
3Projections do not reflect the potential impact of special items because the Company cannot reliably predict or estimate those items or expenses or their impact to its financial statements in future periods. Accordingly, the Company believes a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the equivalent GAAP financial measures for these projected results is not meaningful or available without unreasonable effort.
Meanwhile SWAPA representing the pilots is not happy.
Officials from Miami International Airport, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, and American Airlines hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 1, to celebrate the launch of American’s daily nonstop Miami-Tortola route.
With the departure of American Airlines flight 3989, MIA became the only U.S. airport to offer nonstop service to the British Virgin Islands for the first time in four decades. The three-hour flight, which eliminates the need for connecting flights, will operate through the summer and then resume in November.
Tortola also became the 43rd nonstop Caribbean route at MIA, the leading U.S. airport for flights to Latin America and the Caribbean. MIA enters the busy summer travel season with year-to-date passenger traffic up nearly three percent over its record-breaking year in 2022 when the airport served 50.7 million travelers.
Air Algérie, the national airline of Algeria, has signed a firm order for seven widebody aircraft to support its commercial development.
This order will allow Air Algérie to take full advantage of the flexibility of the Airbus product range, strengthen its regional services and offer an ambitious plan for transcontinental destinations. By operating the A330neo alongside the A350-1000, Air Algérie will also benefit from operational savings such as a 25 percent lower fuel burn per seat and greater flexibility resulting from the unique commonality between members of the Airbus aircraft Family.
JetBlue Airways Corporation and Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. have announced that the airlines have entered into a definitive agreement under which JetBlue will divest all of the holdings of Spirit Airlines, Inc. at New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Frontier in connection with JetBlue’s planned merger with Spirit.
These divestitures are part of JetBlue’s upfront commitments included in the merger agreement with Spirit and are conditioned on the closing of the JetBlue-Spirit transaction.
Under the terms of the agreement, JetBlue has agreed to transfer to Frontier all of Spirit’s holdings at LaGuardia, principally consisting of six gates at the Marine Air Terminal and 22 takeoff and landing slots. The divestitures are conditioned upon, and will occur after the closing of, JetBlue’s planned combination with Spirit and are subject to additional closing conditions, including approval by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the FAA/DOT.
JetBlue expects to close the transaction with Spirit in the first half of 2024.