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.
Airplanes and Airports
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.
Eastern plans major cargo push, without major cargo conversion
Air cargo is hot right now, and Eastern Airlines wants in on that action. But the company plans to get there in a unique way.
Jet2 adds Airbus A321neo for fleet renewal, expansion
UK holiday carrier Jet2 is the newest Airbus A321neo customer. The carrier announced an order for 36 of the planes, to be delivered from 2023 to 2028. The airline currently operates a fleet of 737NG and 757 aircraft.
Alitalia Due (a/k/a Italia Trasporto Aereo) applies for US service
Come October 15th Alitalia will cease operations; Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA) will take its place as Italy’s flag carrier. Except that Alitalia will still probably be in business. ITA confirms that it intends to bid on the Alitalia brand at auction as part of its application to serve the United States.