Vistara might finally be ready to fly to the United States, albeit with a connection en route. According to the latest regulatory filings for slots at London’s Gatwick Airport, Vistara plans to serve Newark from the UK, with continuing service to India.
Airplanes and Airports
JetBlue sees only 300 unvaccinated as deadline looms
Only 300 JetBlue employees indicated intentions to not receive a COVID-19 vaccine or exemption. That’s the number cited in a memo shared with employees earlier today.
Qantas boosts rebound, points opportunities with Australia border reopening
Australia is reopening its borders, and Qantas is ready to take advantage of the pent up demand for travel. The airline will accelerate the return of many international routes, as well as larger aircraft, to support consumer demand. It is also adding a frequent flyer twist, with several “points planes” loaded for travelers.
PLAY receives initial approval for US operations
Play Airlines is one step closer to US flights, with the US Department of Transportation indicating the carrier meets all necessary criteria.
JetBlue schedules A220 transcon, Mexico service
JetBlue published its first planned transcon and international service for the A220, marking the next step in the company’s fleet transition
Alitalia is dead; long live Alitalia*
Late on Thursday night Alitalia will make its final flight. AZ1586 from Cagliari to Rome is scheduled to depart at 22:05 local time, arriving in Rome at 23:10. And on Friday morning a new airline will take its place. Conveniently, also operating as Alitalia.
United plans five new routes, MAX service transatlantic in 2022
By the time Summer 2022 rolls around United Airlines will serve more transatlantic destinations than ever in its history. The carrier announced five new transatlantic markets this week, plus increased service to another five. The company will also finally launch seven routes waylaid by the pandemic.
Oh, and the 737 MAX will join the oceanic fun.
JSX, Elite chase the nearly unlimited demand for flights to Florida
How best to describe the seemingly limitless demand for air travel between the Northeastern United States and Florida? If the launch of Avelo’s new hub in New Haven does not provide sufficient evidence, consider another pair of new routes announced this week.
Net Zero by 2050: IATA’s major commitment and challenges
Last week was, generally speaking, a pretty strong showing for emissions concerns in the aviation world. IATA, the industry’s largest global trade group, passed a resolution targeting net zero emissions across their operations by 2050.
Tata retakes Air India in privatization push
Nearly 70 years after Air India was nationalized, it will return to (a version of) its prior home. The government announced today that Tata Sons offered the successful bid for the privatization of the airline. The original operation was run by JRD Tata until the government took it over in 1953.