The US Government spent plenty of time in recent months chiding airlines for scheduling flights they ultimately did not have the staff to operate. Now the FAA now admits that it, too, has staffing issues, and it needs help from the airlines.
Airplanes and Airports
JetBlue secures Amsterdam slots, for now
JetBlue secured slots for flights to Amsterdam this summer, just five weeks after initiating a regulatory complaint against Dutch authorities. While the airline seems likely to launch the route, it is not yet willing to drop the complaint, owing to details around the type of slots it received.
Canada Jetlines wants to fly to Doha
Upstart Canada Jetlines is still trying to figure out what it wants to be when it grows up. After a few false starts on domestic routes the airline now flies mostly transborder leisure routes from its Toronto hub. In something of a surprise move it now also says Doha is on its radar, in cooperation with Qatar Airways.
JetBlue promises massive Orlando growth if Spirit merger approved
JetBlue plans a pair of new routes between Orlando and the Dominican Republic from November 2023, a down payment on what it sees as more than doubling daily operations in Central Florida should its merger with Spirit Airlines be approved.
Crystal Cabin Awards short list: 80+ designs that will change the way you fly
More than 80 companies and products are set to compete for top honors at the 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards, highlighting new an innovative solutions that will change the passenger experience in the years ahead.
Riyadh Air to launch, boosted by Saudi government investment
Get ready for another global airline in Saudi Arabia. The country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) officially launched Riyadh Air on Sunday, aiming to “leverage Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location between the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, enabling Riyadh to become a gateway to the world and a global destination for transportation, trade, and tourism.”
Northern Pacific finally set to fly, just not across the Pacific yet
Northern Pacific will take to the skies in June. The carrier’s first route is now on sale, and it is not what anyone expected.
JetBlue hit with DOJ, DOT objections to Spirit buyout
Regulatory approval has been a major concern since the day Spirit Airlines became a takeover target a year ago. Now, seven months after JetBlue won the bidding battle, it must convince US regulators – or a judge – that consolidation is good for consumers. And the Department of Justice will not make that an easy task.
United Airlines appoints Oscar the Grouch as Chief Trash Officer
Oscar the Grouch wants you to get excited about Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. The Sesame Street character took on an additional job as United Airlines’ new Chief Trash Officer, part of a public outreach campaign the carrier launched this week.
Porter plans new terminal to split Montreal operations
Porter Airlines has a big plan to boost operations in Montreal. The carrier will develop a new terminal at Saint Hubert Longueuil Airport (YHU) on the other side of the St. Lawrence River.