Aer Lingus has increased capacity on its daily Manchester to New York JFK services, which now operate on an Airbus A330 for the first time, increasing available seats on each flight by 72% over the summer.
The move comes just over a year after the airline began its very first direct transatlantic flights to New York from its then new North of England hub, which initially operated on a single-aisle Airbus A321LR.
Replacing the A321LR with a larger twin-aisled Airbus A330s enables them to redeploy their A321LR aircraft onto its transatlantic routes from Dublin, including to Hartford, which launched last month, as well as Dublin to Cleveland, which takes off in May.
Photo: Are Lingus
Previously, the A321LR offered 184 daily departing seats from Manchester to JFK, but from today, that number will rise to 317 – 71% more seats available in Economy, (up by 119 to 287) – and an 88% increase in fully lie-flat Business Class seats (up by 14 to 30).
This summer, Aer Lingus will fly daily and direct from Manchester to New York JFK and to Orlando in North America, with seasonal winter services to Barbados due to restart in November.
Its three transatlantic services complement the carrier’s daily services from Manchester to Dublin (up to six a day), with seamless onward connections to 13 transatlantic routes, via quick and easy pre-clearance facilities at their Dublin Hub.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have indicated they will cut the number of flights operating into and out of the New York City area this summer due to a shortage of air traffic controllers.
JetBlue Airways also indicated it will also cut back at its New York City home.
Airlines will need to upgauge the type of aircraft flying into the region to minimize the shortage of seats.
Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal A
The FAA estimates it only has around 55% of the air traffic controllers it needs for the area. Training takes time.
The FAA issued this report:
The FAA anticipates a busy summer air travel season to and from New York City, some of the country’s most complex and congested airspace. To ensure safe and smooth operations, the agency’s Air Traffic Organization held a productive meeting today with airlines, general aviation representatives and associations and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to discuss ways to minimize impacts to passengers.
Participants discussed traffic flow management strategies, system resiliency and facility staffing. Operators requested collaboration and communication with the FAA early and often to plan for circumstances that could result in delays, including weather events, space launches and military operations. They discussed how closer collaboration and frequent air traffic updates would help them more effectively schedule crews.
They also requested increased coordination between facilities to take advantage of alternate routes, such as deep water routes.
The FAA discussed efforts to reduce the air traffic controller training backlog at many FAA air traffic facilities, but pointed out that staffing levels at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (N90) continue to be below targets. The agency stressed that it will be more flexible to safely accommodate the projected increase in demand this summer. The agency will be more proactive regarding traffic management initiatives.
The agency is reviewing the feedback from participants and will identify actions to improve operations this summer in the New York area.
The summit was similar to the one hosted in Florida last year that resulted in measures to improve efficiency in another high-demand area.
Background
The agency has already taken several steps in anticipation of the increased demand. It recently announced that it will give airlines flexibility on slot usage requirements. In turn, the FAA expects airlines to take actions minimizing impacts on passengers, including operating larger aircraft to transport more passengers and making sure passengers are fully informed about any possible disruptions.
Tailwind Air, the only operator of scheduled seaplane service in the Northeast, reopens for the season on April 14th at Boston Harbor (IATA code: BNH) and Manhattan’s Skyport Seaplane Base on East 23rd Street (IATA code: NYS).
It also announces the launch of its newest seaplane route, Boston Harbor to Nantucket Airport (IATA code: ACK). The new Nantucket route will commence operations on May 17th, 2023, and will provide travelers with a unique and convenient travel option to one of the Northeast’s most popular summer destinations.
For the past two years, Tailwind Air’s travelers have enjoyed a nonstop seaplane flight directly from Manhattan’s New York Skyport (IATA code: NYS) on East 23rd Street to Boston Harbor (IATA Code: BNH), where a dedicated, seven-minute water taxi transfersclients to the South Boston waterfront. Regular 2x daily-peak timed departures resume April 14th, 2022 and flights areapproximately seventy-five minutes to and from Boston. Select seats are available from $395 each way.
With the launch of the new route, Tailwind Air is expanding its network of seaplane routes from Manhattan and Boston, which already includes destinations like Provincetown, the Hamptons, and more. The company plans to resume flights to Washington DC this fall.
The pet-friendly airline uses modern Caravan Cessna EX turboprop amphibian aircraft for all flights. Flights feature two pilots and crowd-free direct access to the aircraft, with passengers needing to arrive just 10 minutes before scheduled departure time.
Detailed Manhattan, Boston Harbor, and Plymouth, MA schedule commencing April 14th, 2023
Detailed Boston Harbor to Nantucket schedule commencing May 17th, 2023
American Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 N313SB (msn 44469) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 105922.
American Airlines has announced it will temporarily cut some New York area flights this summer, joining other carriers.
American is reducing the frequency of flights between LaGuardia Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, Kansas City and St. Louis and the Newark-Chicago O’Hare route accordin g to Reuters.
This follows the FAA’s decision to temporarily return 10% of slots at New York LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as a result of air traffic controller shortages. The U.S. carriers agreed to the cuts provided they did not backfill the slots.
In other news, according to Reuters, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) is near to reaching a new contract agreement with the company.
Top Copyright Photo: American Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 N313SB (msn 44469) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 105922.
American Airlines aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):
Virgin Atlantic is connecting New Yorkers like never before. To celebrate the arrival of its state of the art and most fuel-efficient aircraft – the A330neo – on its popular New York City to London route, for 24 hours only the airline will be launching a bright red hackney carriage. The taxi will bring to life touches of the airline’s renowned premium service, leading innovation and customer experience design and connected features. Here for a limited time, Virgin Atlantic’s “Taxi for Takeoff” will roam the streets of NYC delivering passengers to their destinations within Manhattan.
The Virgin Atlantic “Taxi for Takeoff” features elements of the personalized service New Yorkers seek out from the airline. Its iconic cabin crew and a surprise guest or two, will greet passengers with a Ruby Slipper mocktail and afternoon tea, served on board in every cabin on daytime flights from London to the US. The Virgin Atlantic “Taxi for Takeoff” will feature wireless charging pads and a large seatback screen to enjoy “in flight” entertainment, in a nod to the amazing experience on board the A330neo.
Two round trip tickets from New York City to London will be up for grabs, along with an exclusive invitation to Virgin Atlantic’s ruby 40th birthday celebrations in 2024, for those who spot Virgin Atlantic’s “Taxi for Takeoff.” Just snap a photo or video of the cab and tag @virginatlantic #TaxiForTakeoff on Instagram to enter.
When:
Beginning Monday April 3, 2023 at 9:00 am EDT Closes 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, April 4, 2023
How to Enter:
Snap a photo or video of Virgin Atlantic’s “Taxi for Takeoff” and tag @virginatlantic #TaxiForTakeoff on Instagram to enter.Winners will be selected on April 6, 2023. They will be contacted directly via Instagram.
Disclaimer:
This contest/giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Instagram. This giveaway is sponsored by @virginatlantic. The giveaway will run from 9:00 am EDT 04/03/23 until 11:59 pm EDT 04/04/23. Giveaway is open only to residents 18 years of age, or older where required, of the 50 United States and District of Columbia. The winner will be contacted via DM and must respond within 24 hours or prize will be re-allocated at random.
Virgin Atlantic offers six daily flights from JFK to London Heathrow, including one daytime flight. In partnership with Delta Air Lines, the joint venture partners operate nine flights daily from NYC to London.
More on the Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330neo:
In 2019, Virgin Atlantic became the first UK airline to announce a firm order for up to 16 Airbus A330-900neos, reaffirming our commitment to flying the cleanest, greenest fleet in the sky.
From wingtip to tailfin, we’ve used inspiration and innovation to make this aircraft brilliant on every level. From a brand new social space and wireless charging, even more storage and stylish design touches, through to a huge 11% less fuel burn andcarbon emissions, it’s a game changer. Virgin Atlantic style.
A crucial step in our fleet transformation programme, the A330neo’s are designed to deliver a 50 per cent reduction in airport noise contour. We have one of the youngest fleets in the skies with an average age of just under seven years.
Introducing the A330neo
Our A330neo’s are exclusively powered by the Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engine, drawing on more than 50 million flying hours of experience from the Trent 700, which powers the original version of the A330.
Customers will be able to enjoy all Virgin Atlantic cabins onboard; Upper Class, Premium and our three tiers of Economy; Delight, Classic and Light. Continuing the evolution of our award-winning customer proposition, we’re introducing a beautiful new addition to our Upper Class cabin, known as The Retreat Suite, alongside brand- new suites for the entire cabin and an enhanced social space in the form of The Loft.
Social space – The Loft
Our award-winning social space, the Loft, is an exclusive spot for our Upper Class customers to come together. With space for eight people, and four comfy seats, customers can sit and chat, grab a drink or snack from the self-service fridge-freezer, connect Bluetooth headphones to the touchscreens – or just enjoy a change of scene mid-flight. There’s a brand-new self-service fridge and we’ve raised the height of the seats, so it’s easier for customers to interact with our award-winning cabin crew.
▪ The space features dual 27” touchscreens and eight Bluetooth audio jacks to enable our customers to view content together.
▪ Customers will have access to a self-service fridge-freezer and snack dispenser for all their grazing needs
▪ Seating features seatbelts so that customers can safely occupy the Loft even during turbulence.
▪ Wireless charging and AC, USB-A and USB-C ports are available.
Introducing the A330neo The Retreat Suite – our most spacious suite yet
A brand new addition to our Upper Class cabin, The Retreat Suite consists of two exclusive suites at the front of the cabin, with lots of extra space, huge storage, bigger screens, and the ability for customers to create their own private onboard social space.
With ottomans that double up as extra seats, up to four people can comfortably dine, chat, play games and more. Customers can have an intimate dinner or settle into a movie for some private time, the possibilities are endless. It’s a unique space for ourcustomers to travel the way they choose.
Comfort
▪ Kitted out with a 6ft 7” fully flat bed, customers can recline into the increased suite space for maximum comfort throughout their journey.
Privacy
▪ Customers will experience optimum privacy in The Retreat, with electronic privacy dividers and fully closing aisle privacy doors. There’s also a ‘do not disturb’ light, so customers can get that all important beauty sleep without being interrupted.
Entertainment
▪ With a 27” touchscreen monitor with Bluetooth audio; customers will have access to hours’ worth of inflight entertainment at their fingertips. We’re also keeping customers fully connected with brand new wireless charging and Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a feature we have added to every seat in every cabin on this beautiful aircraft.
A330neo Upper Class – an evolution of luxe space and style
We’ve added more space, some enhanced storage, and even more style to our incredible Upper Class suite. The flexible space allows customers the opportunity to personalise their journeys to how they choose, whether that’s to work, rest or socialise. Customers can relax on the 6.4” seat to fully flat bed or watch one of hundreds of films
on the 17.3” screen. There’s a place for everything – even shoes – and even a mirror. Not to mention a fully closing privacy door, wireless charging and personal in-suite mood lighting.
Features:
▪ 17.3” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio ▪ Up to 22” seat width ▪ 6ft4” std/ 6ft7.5” front row fully flat bed ▪ Fully reclinable seat, from upright to bed ▪ Enhanced storage, including shoe stowage and lockable in-seat stowage ▪ Fully closing privacy door
▪ AC, USB-A and USB-C ports ▪ Wireless charging ▪ Do not disturb light ▪ Customer-controlled mood lighting
A330neo Premium – bigger seats and premium treats
Our already award-winning Premium cabin has been designed to be even more… well, Premium. Small stylish touches meet big differences – like calf rests on every seat. There’s intuitive touchscreen entertainment, Bluetooth audio, and lots of storage. Oh, and did we mention we have an in-seat wireless charger?
Features:
▪ In-seat wireless charging ▪ 13.3” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio ▪ 38” seat pitch ▪ 18.5” seat width ▪ AC and USB-A ports ▪ There are calf rests in every seat and increased storage too
A330neo Economy – connection and comfort for everyone
Settle into beautifully designed seats with stylish new fabric. The 13.3” seatback screen is our biggest yet, with an intuitive touchscreen and Bluetooth audio to connect headphones and customers can use their phone as a controller. There’s plenty ofstorage, plus AC power and USB ports to keep gadgets going.
Features:
▪ Our economy cabin offers connections and comfort for everyone
▪ The 13.3” Bluetooth seatback screen is our biggest yet – connect your ownheadphones and use your phone as a controller
Economy Economy Economy Premium Upper Class The Retreat light classic Delight Suite
Seat dimensions
Seat width 17.9” Seat pitch 31”
Seat width 17.9” Seat pitch 31”
Seat width 17.9” Seat pitch 34”
Seat width 18.5” Seat pitch 38”
Seat width 19.2” Seat pitch 44”Bed length 6ft4”
Seat width 19.2” Bed length 6ft6”
Seat manufacturer
Recaro CL3710
Recaro CL3710
Recaro CL3710
Collins MIQ
Thompson Aero Seating Vantage XL
Thompson Aero Seating V antage First
Power
AC and USB- A port
AC and USB- A port
AC and USB- A port
AC and USB-A port
AC, USB-A and USB-C ports
AC, USB-A and USB-C ports
Inflight entertain- ment (SPI Rave OS)
13.3”touchscreens with Bluetooth audio
13.3”touchscreens with Bluetooth audio
13.3”touchscreens with Bluetooth audio
13.3”touchscreen with Bluetooth audio
17.3”touchscreen with Bluetooth audio
27” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio
Wi-Fi
Supplier: Viasat Speed/service – high quality, full video streaming, browsing and messaging speeds to every connected device on the aircraft Price points: £5.99 for 1-hour or £18.99 for full flight
Additional features
Calf rest in all seats and wireless charging
Fully reclinable seat, enhanced storage including shoe stowage and lockable inseat stowage, fully closing privacy door, customer- controlled mood lighting and wireless charging.
Increased suite space, ottoman seating for quad dining/ socialising, electronic privacy divider and fully closing aisle privacy door, wireless charging, multiple oversized storage and a ‘do not disturb’ light
‘Do not disturb’ light.
Wi-Fi
High speed, high quality, full video streaming, browsing and messaging speeds to every connected device on the aircraft
1-hour pass £5.99 // full flight pass £18.99
PED pairing – connect personal devices to the inflight entertainment screen inevery seat. Enables you to browse the entertainment library, control your screen and activate the call bell and reading light from your own deviceBluetooth
• Bluetooth to connect your own headphones to the inflight entertainment in every seat
Additional customer benefits
▪ The Loft allows customers to meet away from their seat, self-serve drinks and snacks, and have a change of scene.
▪ The Retreat Suite converts into a private social space for up to four people.
▪ The world’s first in-seat wireless charging in both Premium and Upper Class, more USB connections throughout the aircraft, inflight Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth- enabled entertainment systems in all cabins so customers can use their ownheadphones.
▪ As well as the social space, the Upper Class suites have a few extra touches,from a spot for shoes to a mirror cabinet.Overall cabin design
▪ The design of every cabin has been considered down to the very finest detail.
▪ Throughout, there are rich, tactile fabrics in warm, inviting Virgin Atlanticsignature colours.
▪ Wehavemovedawayfromnaturalleatherthroughoutonthisaircraft,infavourof a material which is up to 50% lighter, uses no animal products in itsmanufacture, but still creates that Virgin Atlantic, premium look and feel.
▪ Inspiredbythehorizonlineseenthroughthewindow,theseatshaveabespoke aesthetic known as New Horizon, with beautifully stitched lines and contours. This aesthetic flows through all cabin classes, to tie everything together fromnose to tail, offering a premium experience throughout.
▪ In every cabin, mood lighting changes with each stage of the journey,customised to layer perfectly with the cabin colours to create a refreshing,relaxing overall onboard experience for everyone.
▪ Customers can connect their personal devices to the inflight entertainment screen in every seat onboard the aircraft. This feature allows you to browse the entertainment library, control your screen and use the call bell and reading light from your own device.
A330neo essential information
The order
▪ Virgin Atlantic has ordered up to 16 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft
▪ We are taking delivery of the first aircraft in Q3 2022 and expect to receive allaircraft by the end of 2026
▪ The order is worth $4.7billion list priceThe configuration▪ 2 seats in The Retreat Suite ▪ 30 seats in Upper Class (32 Upper Class in total) ▪ 46 seats in Premium ▪ 184 seats in Economy ▪ 262 total seat countRoutes▪ The aircraft will fly from our base at London Heathrow ▪ Operating on business and leisure routes worldwideDelivery Schedule first 4 aircraftArrival Date Reg Icon
September 2022
G-VJAZ
October 2022
G-VTOM
November 2022
G-VLDY
February 2023
G-VMER
Typical operating characteristics
▪ The A330neo has a typical range of 13,334km (7200 nautical miles)
▪ Overall length 63.66m (208ft 10in)
▪ Tail height 16.79m (55ft)
▪ Maximum cargo payload of 44,000kgs with the maximum volume of 126cbm(subject to pax/baggage volumes)
▪ Maximum take-off weight of 251ts
▪ Typical cruising speed of M0.82Latest generation propulsion▪ Latest Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engines▪ Patented nacelle & pylon design to reduce drag and noise ▪ 68-72klbf – Take-off thrust (VAA option is 72k) ▪ 11% lower fuel burn than the A330ceo ▪ Incorporating the latest Trent XWB technologyHigh-span wing
▪ Innovative ‘sharklet’ wingtip design
▪ Span expansion to 64m (+4m vs 787)
▪ New shape – Faster, re-twisted high-aspect ratio wing shape
▪ The neo wing has overall greater aerodynamic efficiency with lower induceddrag and higher lift at all speedsAdvanced materials▪ Extensive use of composite & titanium Other airlines operating the A330neo
▪ Virgin Atlantic is the only UK airline to operate the neo.
▪ Other notable customers include Delta, Lion Air, TAP and Condor.
▪ 19 operators of the A330neo currently, with 77 aircraft delivered to-date,operating 155 routes on 44,000+ revenue flights.
▪ 273 orders globally to date flying across all six continents.
Sustainability
▪ Following a multi-billion-dollar investment in fleet transformation over the last decade, we operate the youngest, cleanest fleet in the sky, with an average aircraft age of just under seven years and 68% next generation. This increases to 100% next generation by the beginning of 2027.
▪ This means our aircraft are equipped with the most efficient engines and state- of-the-art technology designed to save fuel and reduce emissions. This has so far delivered a 20% reduction in fleet carbon emissions.
▪ The new planes are designed to be 11 per cent more fuel and carbon efficient than the A330-300 they replace and will deliver a 50 per cent reduction in airport noise contour.
▪ Leather free. It features durable and stylish faux-leather seating in our Upper and Premium cabins as well as within our social space and economy headrests. Replacing our traditional leather offering, the material is lighter weight in comparison saving on average 1.5kgs per double seat.
▪ We’re using a faux leather from a company called Douglass called Luxaire. Delta use this across some of its newer Delta One seats. Weighs less and saves ~3000 cows across the entire neo fleet.
▪ We’llcontinuetorolloutthisalternativematerialacrossnewandexistingaircraft where feasible.
▪ Pre-order and pre-select meals are available in Upper Class cabins, allowing customers to select their meals in advance, helping to reduce waste onboard.
Norse Atlantic Airways marked a new era in affordable transatlantic travel between the US and France with the celebration of its inaugural flight from Paris, Charles de Gaulle to New York JFK and from JFK to Charles de Gaulle. The daily direct service commenced on March 26, 2023, providing customers with a quality service onboard modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
The launch of this route marks Norse Atlantic’s entry into yet another major international market as the airline continues to provide comfortable and budget-friendly travel options for long-haul flights.
Photo: Norse Atlantic Airways
Daily departures from New York to Paris are at 12:30 a.m. EDT, with arrival in Paris at 2:05 p.m. local time. The return flights depart Paris at 8:00 pm local time, and land in NY at 10:15 p.m. EDT.
Lufthansa has announced it will reactivate the Airbus A380 on two routes from the Munich hub.
The Munich – Boston will see the Airbus A380 on June 1, 2023.
The Munich – New York-JFK route will follow on July 4, 2023.
The airline issued this statement:
From June 1, Lufthansa will resume its regular flight operations with the popular Airbus A380 after a three-year interruption. Daily flights from Munich to Boston will be operated by LH424. Just in time for Independence Day, the U.S. national holiday, an A380 with the flight number LH410 will take off daily for New York to John F. Kennedy International Airport from July 4, 2023. The airline is thus noticeably expanding its premium offering at its southern hub, especially with additional seats in Business and First Class.
With 509 seats, the A380 has around 80 percent more capacity than the Airbus A340-600 currently flying on the Munich-New York (JFK) route. In total, the A380 offers four classes of travel: 8 seats in First Class, 78 seats in Business Class, 52 seats in Premium Eco and 371 seats in Economy Class.
By the end of 2023, a total of four A380 aircraft will again be deployed from Munich.
Top Copyright Photo: Lufthansa Airbus A380-841 D-AIMG (msn 069) MUC (Arnd Wolf). Image: 945768.
Kuwait Airways has launched its first inaugural flight to New York John F Kennedy Airport utilizing the Airbus A330neo and in setting the record for the longest flight flown by the A330-800neo in 13 hours.
The award-winning Airspace cabin is equipped with a two-class configuration comprising of 32 full flat business class seats and 203 economy class cabin seats on a 2-4-2 configuration. Thus, offering passengers state of the art flying experience with more personal space, quietest cabin in its market and the latest generation of in-flight entertainment system and connectivity.
From a sustainability and efficiency standpoint, the A330neo offers benefits to both the airline and the traveling public. With double-digit fuel savings and CO2 emissions compared to other aircraft in its category, the A330-800 allows significantly lower operational cost and therefore competitive ticket pricing.
Kuwait Airways partnership with Malaysian Airline enables us to jointly offer operations to serve our passengers expanded connectivity to Asia Pacific, Australia and Newzeland from Kuwait via Kuala Lumpur pic.twitter.com/Hp91Rzs48H
AraJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 HI1027 (msn 60194) SJO (Jay Selman). Image: 404266.
Arajet Airlines is expanding again. The fast-growing airline has applied to the U.S. Department of Transport to fly to Miami, New York and San Juan from Santo Domingo.
Photo: Ministerio de Turismo RD
Once approved, the Dominican Republic carrier expects to fly the routes starting in the fall.
Top Copyright Photo: AraJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 HI1027 (msn 60194) SJO (Jay Selman). Image: 404266.
JetBlue Airways today announced three new routes launching this summer – enabled in part by its Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines – which will further increase competition and choice for travelers across the Northeast. Seats are out for sale starting today with fares as low as $59(a).
New York City
Enabled by the NEA, JetBlue’s new service between New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) will deliver a customer-centric alternative for travelers across the busy Northeast Corridor that has historically been dominated by high-fare legacy carriers.
Daily Schedule between New York (JFK) and Washington DC (DCA) Beginning June 15, 2023
JFK – DCA Flight #1887
DCA – JFK Flight #1888
7:00 a.m. – 8:40 a.m.
6:30 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.
JFK – DCA Flight #2487
DCA – JFK Flight #2488
1:15 p.m. – 3:01 p.m.
2:10 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
JFK – DCA Flight #2587
DCA – JFK Flight #2588
7:15 p.m. – 8:55 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 6:48 p.m.
Westchester County
JetBlue is also launching new summer seasonal service from Westchester County Airport (HPN), further bolstering JetBlue’s leadership position in the Greater New York area and offering customers more choices to popular summer travel destinations.
Daily Schedule between Westchester (HPN) and Martha’s Vineyard (MVY) Summer Seasonal Beginning May 25, 2023
HPN – MVY Flight #2666
MVY – HPN Flight #2665
3:45 p.m. – 4:55 p.m.
1:50 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Daily Schedule between Westchester (HPN) and Charleston, S.C. (CHS) Summer Seasonal Beginning May 25, 2023
HPN – CHS Flight #2647
CHS – HPN Flight #2648
11:59 a.m. – 2:14 p.m.
3:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Top Copyright Photo: JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N806JB (msn 5302) (Barcode) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 960154.
JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU), joined by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and other partners and leaders, celebrated a key milestone in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) with the groundbreaking of a $4.2 billion project to develop a new international Terminal 6. The groundbreaking, held Thursday at JetBlue’s JFK maintenance hangar, only reinforces the airline’s commitment to JFK, Queens, and New York.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul (seventh from right) and JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes (first right) join leaders for the JFK Terminal 6 groundbreaking. (Photo courtesy: Office of the Governor of New York)
The new Terminal 6 will connect seamlessly with JetBlue’s current home at Terminal 5, adding gates and opportunity for the airline to add flights, destinations and partner airline connections. The project is a public-private partnership between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners – a consortium that includes JetBlue, Vantage Airport Group, an industry leading investor, developer, and manager of award-winning global airport projects, including LaGuardia Terminal B; American Triple I, a certified minority-owned investor, owner, developer, and manager of infrastructure assets; and New York real estate operating company RXR.
New Terminal 6 at New York JFK
With hiring ongoing throughout the company, more than 7,000 JetBlue crewmembers are now based at JFK.
Continued Growth with Spirit Airlines
The new terminal will mark a next chapter for New York’s Hometown Airline® at the same time it prepares to expand as a result of its planned merger with Spirit Airlines. The merger will bring on additional crewmember jobs, while providing a commitment to customers to continue offering low fares and JetBlue’s award-winning customer experience.
Together, JetBlue and Spirit will create a national low-fare challenger to the Big Four airlines that dominate the industry and will bring more low fares, options and routes to more communities, including the millions of New Yorkers that rely on the airline. The merger will spark better competition with the largest carriers that control 80 percent of the market.
A Modern Terminal to Enhance the Customer Experience Starting in 2026
The start of construction of Terminal 6 follows the successful financial close of the deal in November 2022 between the Port Authority and JFK Millennium Partners to build the 1.2 million square foot, new international terminal on the airport’s north side. According to estimates, the project will create approximately 4,000 jobs, including 1,800 union construction jobs and direct wages of $1.9 billion.
The new terminal will be developed in two phases, with the first new gates opening in 2026 and construction completion in 2028. The 1.2 million-square-foot Terminal 6, will have capacity for 10 gates — including nine wide body gates. Customers will enjoy more than 100,000 square feet of world-class shopping and dining featuring locally based restaurateurs, craft beverage options and Taste of NY stores.
“Great cities need great airports. Alongside our partners at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Vantage Airport Group, ATI, RXR, and JetBlue, we are ready to deliver a terminal that transforms the guest experience, drives significant economic activity, and creates extensive opportunities for local minority and women owned businesses to make their mark at JFK International Airport, starting now and for years to come,” said JFK Millennium Partners CEO and Vantage executive Helena Williams.
State-of-the-art technology will improve the customer experience with touchless technology from check-in to gates and digital systems that will streamline the customer journey throughout the terminal. Advanced security systems will include automated TSA security lanes, biometric-based access control systems and a flexible design to accommodate future technology or regulatory changes. A convenient taxi plaza as well as designated for-hire vehicle pick-up areas will be shared with Terminal 5, substantially reducing traffic congestion on the terminal road frontage and maximizing connectivity across the airport.
As part of the agreement with JFK Millennium Partners, the Port Authority will commit $130 million in capital funding to build enabling infrastructure for the new Terminal 6, including airside improvements that will reduce congestion and delays and roadway improvements that will optimize airport traffic flow.
Ethiopian Airlines has announced the resumption of its nonstop flights between Abidjan and New York John F. Kennedy Airport on May 29, 2023.
Ethiopian first started serving New York from its main hub Addis Ababa via Abidjan in June 2019. However, the route was suspended in March 2020 due to COVID-19. Later, the flight resumed serving New York via Lomé starting in October 2020.
The four times weekly flight will be operated between Addis Ababa and New York via Abidjan as per the below schedule. Flight Number
Frequency
Departure Airport
Departure time
Arrival Airport
Arrival Time
Sub Fleet
ET 512
Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun
ADD
09:00
ABJ
11:30
788
Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun
ABJ
13:00
JFK
20:00
788
ET 513
Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun
JFK
21:30
ABJ
11:35+
788
Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun
ABJ
12:45
ADD
21:10
788
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates to more than 130 international passenger and cargo destinations from its main hub Addis Ababa including to Abidjan, where Ethiopian provided 42 years of uninterrupted service since November 1980. Ethiopian will also be commencing a new passenger service to Atlanta, USA starting from 16 May 2023. Atlanta will be Ethiopian Airlines’ 6th destination in the US following its passenger services to New York, Newark, Chicago, Washington DC and cargo service to Miami.
Top Copyright Photo: Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner ET-ARF (msn 34752) IAH (Jarrod Wilkening). Image: 949750.
New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) welcomed the arrival of CondorAirlines, (DE) inaugural flight #2016 from Frankfurt on February 13.
The flight was the first to be operated to the U.S. by the popular German leisure airline’s new Airbus A330neo aircraft, the first in what will become an exclusive, all-A330neo fleet operating on all of Condor’s long-haul flights by 2024.
Condor Airbus A330neo
The A330neo will replace the previous generation of Boeing 767-300 aircraft and will significantly reduce Condor’s operating costs.
Condor Airbus A330meo
Unrivalled Passenger Comfort Inflight
Condor’s A330neo will offer unrivalled inflight passenger comfort and will accommodate 310 passengers, featuring 30 seats in Business, 64 seats in Premium Economy and 216 seats in Economy class. The A330neo features an award-winning, whisper quiet Airspace cabin, providing passengers with a high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes offering more personal space, larger overhead bins, a new lighting system, and the ability to offer the latest in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity. The A330neo also features a state-of-the-art cabin air system, ensuring a clean and safe environment during the flight.
Best-in-Class, New Business and Premium Economy Class
The new Condor Business Class offers 30, lie-flat (180 degree) seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access for all guests. The seat conveniently converts to a 76-inch long by 19-inch-wide bed. Business Class guests have access to the latest movies, series, podcasts, and games, all accessible on a 17.3-inch screen in 4K mode, with touchscreen and remote control. The first row of Business Class will also feature four “Prime Seats”, with added space large enough to accommodate two guests who wish to dine together and an extra-large, 24-inch entertainment screen. The “Prime Seats” will feature added in-flight amenities including a premium travel kit, inflight pajamas, and a premium snack basket.
Condor Business Class
In Premium Economy Class, guests enjoy more personal space thanks to a generous extra seat pitch of 35 inches and a greater backrest angle of up to six inches. In addition, the multi-adjustable headrest and footrest at every seat ensure a significantly more comfortable flight experience. Both the Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats have 13.3-inch in-seat 4K monitors with touchscreens, which can be used to enjoy the extensive in-flight-program. Condor’s A330neo features a 2-4-2 seating configuration in both classes.
A brand-new feature awaits guests in all three classes: Condor’s new A330neo offers high-speed broadband internet and onboard connectivity. The latest in-flight-entertainment technology provides a wide of films, series, and podcasts. Each seat has an extra holder for a mobile device, so that streaming is also possible. In addition, personal Bluetooth headphones can be connected to the aircraft’s in-flight-entertainment system.
The cabin also features mood lighting in all three classes that can be individually adjusted to suit the time of day. This helps guests aboard to fall asleep easily and wake up more relaxed.
Modern Elegance with Stylish Accents
Visually, the new cabin product impresses with a stylish color concept featuring the “Condor Marina” and “Condor Earth” color schemes as well as subtle stripes as a recurring design element. This includes a striped badge on every seat as well as uniformly striped headrest covers in Business and Premium Economy Class. This complements Condor’s new branding which is proudly displayed on the exterior of each A330neo. The design of the cabin was implemented by the design agency müller/romca industrial design based in Kiel. Remo Masala, owner of the visionalphabet agency in Berlin, who designed Condor’s new brand identity, guided the process with creative direction.
Top Copyright Photo: Condor Flugdienst Airbus A330-941 D-ANRH (msn 2024) (Condor Beach) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960056.
