With delivery timing on its 777X fleet still uncertain, Lufthansa is turning to the 787-9 to help backfill missing capacity. The carrier added seven new passenger aircraft to its order book, while also expanding its Boeing freighter operations.
Airplanes and Airports
A321XLR slips as Airbus prepares output boost
The A321XLR should make its first flight by the end of next month, kicking off the certification process. But Airbus now expects certification to take a bit longer than previously planned.
Spirit takes a pass on JetBlue’s buyout offer
Spirit Airlines sees a merger with JetBlue as unattainable. Not for lack of interest, mind you. JetBlue’s cash offer of $3.6 billion still stands. But doubts around the likelihood of regulatory approval have Spirit’s Board of Directors recommending that it continue to move forward with the previously planned Frontier merger instead. Assuming even that can get past regulators.
Qantas confirms Project Sunrise; flights planned from 2025
Come the end of 2025 no two cities on earth will be too far apart for a nonstop flight. Qantas officially confirmed its plans to purchase A350-1000 aircraft in an ultra-longhaul configuration capable of flying from Sydney to London or New York City or anywhere else on earth without a stop on the way. The carrier will eventually take delivery of a dozen planes for this effort.
Avelo adds Orlando base, continues expansion
Upstart Avelo Airlines sees big potential in Orlando. The airline will establish a new crew and aircraft base in Central Florida, bringing new competition to the market. Avelo plans for ten destinations served from Orlando by the end of the year.
Norse Atlantic’s four inaugural routes on sale
Norse Atlantic will bring its 787 “Longships” across the Atlantic Ocean beginning in June. The carrier formally launched its first four transatlantic routes, with New York City, Los Angeles, and Florida connecting to Oslo from this summer.
Sacramento, Rapid City vie for Breeze Airways service
Both Sacramento and Rapid City want to see Breeze Airways planes in the year ahead. Federal grant money could help make that happen.
Breeze brings transcon service to Westchester/White Plains
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas will all soon be available as nonstop destinations from White Plains, flown on Breeze Airways’ brand new A220-300 aircraft. These are three of the seven new destinations the carrier will add as it opens operations from the airport just north of New York City.
European delay compensation rule reaches across the Atlantic
Can a foreign airline be required to pay out compensation under European laws for a delayed flight wholly outside Europe? Thanks to a recent European Court of Justice ruling, the answer appears to be yes, assuming it is connected to a European departure.
Delays, suspensions, and cuts: JetBlue further trims Summer 2022
JetBlue will close two stations and delay two routes as part of its schedule cuts this summer. Another eleven routes will also operate “for at least a portion of the summer season” per a message shared with in-flight crewmembers.