South American airline LATAM faces a $1 million fine from the US Department of Transportation for failure to refund passengers in a timeline manner after cancelling flights during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Airplanes and Airports
DOJ wins: JetBlue, American NEA declared illegal
JetBlue and American Airlines must unwind their Northeast Alliance (NEA), and quickly. The partnership was ruled a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. This is, of course, bad news for the two airlines. The impact may be broader than that.
Northern Pacific delays inaugural, battles certification challenges
Northern Pacific’s first flight will have to wait a couple more weeks. The carrier’s planned operations between Ontario, California and Las Vegas will now launch on 23 June 2023.
Ryanair signs largest ever order for Boeing’s largest 737 MAX
Millions of travelers will fly with Ryanair on Boeing 737 MAX 10 planes in the decades ahead. The two companies (finally) confirmed a massive order for the new planes – 150 firm and another 150 options – with deliveries stretching through 2033.
Delta looks to flex at Haneda
In 2019 Delta Air Lines won big in the Haneda slot allocations. Four years later, however, the carrier sees dramatically different demand patterns and is seeking permission from the US Department of Transportation to alter its gateway cities, without going through a new slot allocation proceeding.
Breeze plans Mexico service in a very crowded market
Breeze is ready to make a run for the border. The carrier has applied to the US Department of Transportation for permission to fly to Mexico.
JetBlue announces Amsterdam routes, with surprisingly good flight times
JetBlue will fly to Amsterdam from August 2023. After significant public bickering with Dutch regulators, the carrier confirmed it will launch flights later this summer.
Avelo plans major expansion in Delaware
A major expansion at Wilmington, Delaware shows that Avelo is serious about trying to make air service work in a historically challenged market.
United plans major growth for Australia, New Zealand
United Airlines will dramatically boost capacity to Australia and New Zealand later this year, aiming to take advantage of a rebound in international travel and strengthening partnerships along the way.
Icelandair plans A321XLR shift for fleet renewal
The writing has been on the wall for years. Now it is also in the signed contracts. Icelandair will replace its 757 fleet with the A321XLR from 2029.