Airlines operating to some of the largest US airports won a reprieve from regulators, extending a waiver put in place as the COVID pandemic began in early 2020. But this time around the waiver comes with a change in terms, one that could prove significant for US airlines.
Airplanes and Airports
Is the Alitalia brand really worth $340 million??
Italy’s newest airline may be forced to pay far more than it hoped to keep the Alitalia brand alive. Reports suggest a starting price of 290 million euro (~$341mm) for the public auction of the brand, roughly double the previously appraised value.
Newark slots on the market for this Winter
One lucky airline will soon have access to 16 peak evening runway movement slots at Newark International Airport. The US Department of Transportation, as encouraged by a recent federal court ruling, will reallocate the slots previously held by Southwest Airlines and abandoned in late 2019.
Finnair selects Stockholm in transatlantic shift
Norse Atlantic won’t launch service across the Atlantic until early next year, but competition is still on the horizon for Stockholm’s transatlantic traffic. Finnair announced plans to launch a trio of new routes this winter connecting the Swedish capital and the United States.
American buys into GOL, plans loyalty, codeshare boost
American Airlines will invest $200 million for a 5.2% stake in Brazil’s GOL as part of an expanded commercial partnership. The deal will see the two tie more closely in each other’s primary market, and significantly boost their loyalty program integration as well.
Breeze boosts backlog, adds 20 more A220s
The best-financed airline startup in history continues to expand its expectations. Breeze Airways announced today plans to add another 20 A220s to its fleet, bringing the order commitment to 80 of the type.
Europe clears Alitalia debt from successor ITA
Alitalia’s obviously illegal loans from Italy won’t saddle its successor ITA as it launches in five weeks, thanks to a European Commission ruling handed down today.
JetBlue scales back, weaker Q3/Q4 expected
JetBlue joins the chorus of US airlines scaling back their recovery hopes. While July and August offered some hope, the company now expects Q3 to bring in 6-9% less revenue than in Q3 2019. This pattern will extend into Q4, based on current booking trends.
JetBlue extends London schedule cuts through October
JetBlue’s newly launched service to London will continue to operate at reduced frequencies through October. Gatwick flights will launch as previously planned, but overall flights will be reduced.
Aer Lingus UK receives initial US authorization to fly
The new Aer Lingus UK flights between Manchester, UK and the USA moved a step closer to reality. The US Department of Transportation issued a Show Cause order approving the carrier’s plans and asking for any final objections. Lacking those (and none are expected) the order should take effect by the end of the month.