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?
Airplanes and Airports
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.
Lufthansa Group flexes with A220, MAX orders
The Lufthansa Group plans to add the 737 MAX 8 to its fleet before the end of the decade. It will also expand its A220-300 operations and added A320neo options.
Lakeland invests in Avelo
Lakeland is ready to take flight with Avelo. The city approved just under $2 million in investments for its airport facilities as part of a contract to secure commercial service from the airline.
JSX to shift from Phoenix to Scottsdale
JSX is doubling down on its private terminal experience for passengers in the Phoenix area. Passengers will fly to/from Scottsdale rather than Sky Harbor from 10 January 2024.