JetBlue signed on as the very first customer for the newly renamed Airbus A220-300, formerly known as the CSeries CS300. The firm order for 60 frames, plus options for another 60, was announced just hours after Airbus hosted an event in Toulouse formally unveiling the new branding.
Boeing and Embraer: More than just a CSeries play
Boeing and Embraer inched closer to a tie-up in their commercial aircraft efforts this morning. The pair announced a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow them to pursue a joint venture for the Brazilian manufacturer’s 70-100 seat single-aisle jets, assuming the deal is consummated and meets regulatory hurdles. The new partnership will be 80% owned […]
Emirates Skywards swallows flyDubai OPEN
The long slog to full integration of Emirates and flyDubai continues apace. This week’s announcement brings the loyalty programs of the two carriers together. And the move looks an awful lot like a shotgun wedding, with minimal regard for the flyDubai OPEN members’ history with that program.
The ULH challenge: United cuts LA-Singapore
Developing a new route to profitability often takes months, if not years. United airlines is pulling the plug on its nonstop service between Los Angeles and Singapore after just one year, a quick decision that reflects the challenges of ultra long-haul flights as new, longer services are poised to launch.
LEVEL to launch short-haul operations at Vienna next month
Starting an airline is a long, complicated process. It takes months or even years to pull off. Or maybe you just whip something together in a few weeks and join the LCC fray in Europe. Welcome LEVEL short-haul to the party.
Caribbean Airlines gives IFE another go
Caribbean Airlines passengers will soon have an inflight entertainment option available. Streaming “BYOD” service from Bluebox will launch on 1 August 2018.
KLM gets its 2Ku on, too
Nearly two years after the deal was announced the Gogo 2Ku hardware is beginning to show up on KLM aircraft. A pair of A330-300s now carry the kit. The service is not yet active for travelers, but that’s coming soon enough.
Norwegian comes to Canada, eh!
Norwegian Airlines is once again launching its winter service between North America and the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. And this time around Canada is part of the plans. The airline will launch seasonal service from Montréal to the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in late October as it continues to seek seasonal profits in the islands.
Taxes v Tourism: A battle for the Bahamas airports
Can the Bahamas pay for the necessary and significant airport upgrades without raising taxes or passenger fees? It seems that’s unlikely. And so the growth of the island nation’s tourism sector is at risk. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Hear from the Minister Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar on how the country plans to address these challenges.
Delta’s CRJ900 order brings Atmosphère, improved passenger experience to the skies
A new cabin layout is coming to Delta’s newest CRJ900s starting later this year. Some 20 new planes will feature Bombardier’s Atmosphère third generation interior, with larger bins and a much bigger lav. Sure, it is still more regional jets, but it could be a lot worse.