Faced with insufficient supply of SAFs that could actually help reduce emissions, airlines are turning to options that just make things worse for everyone.
Airplanes and Airports
American snags slots for JFK-Haneda service
American Airlines secured the necessary authorities to launch service between New York City and Tokyo, beating out United Airlines. Ultimately, the US Department of Transportation favored American’s offering as an incremental add of service rather than a shift of existing capacity.
DOT orders termination of Delta, Aeromexico partnership
Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico will not be permitted to renew their cross-border joint operations. And it is all about access at MEX.
The MAX 9 is back, but a major question remains
Twenty days ago a door plug blew out of a Boeing 737 MAX 9. The FAA now has allowed the type to return to service. Yet one significant question remains unanswered: Why were just some planes grounded?
Tit for tat: United opposes Saudia/Kuwait codeshare in reciprocity play
Saudi Arabian Airlines wants to codeshare with Kuwait Airways to the United States. Typically this sort of application would be approved without too much drama. But United Airlines can’t get similar access to Saudi Arabia, and that seems to be a problem.
JetBlue/Spirit merger blocked on competition, innovation concerns
The US Department of Justice prevailed in its lawsuit against JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, successfully (at least for now) blocking their planned merger. The ruling, handed down on Tuesday, found the merger would likely result in a scenario “unlikely to be sufficient to protect every consumer, in every relevant market from harm.”
Delta snags A350-1000, the only move that makes sense
Delta Air Lines will take deliver of another 20 A350s beginning in 2026, the obvious move for fleet expansion for many, many reasons.
Air France denied slot usage waiver at JFK
Air France is at risk of losing slots in JFK as the FAA denied a waiver request for reduced flights – something the FAA asked airlines to do – this winter.
Alaska Airlines takes first 737 MAX 8, plans further cabin retrofits
Alaska Airlines took delivery of its first 737 MAX 8 this week, adding additional range and flexibility to its fleet. In an unusual twist, the interior of the new plane is not what the carrier expects to fly longer term.
China, Las Vegas feature in Gatwick summer 2024 slot allocations
Norse Atlantic may bring its flying longboats to Las Vegas this summer. The route is noted in the initial slot allocations for Gatwick, released today.