Air France plans a pair of new Caribbean routes this winter, but perhaps a bit outside the normal range of operations. The carrier will connect Montreal and New York City with its mini-hub at Guadeloupe.
Airplanes and Airports
ExpressJet secures approval for independent re-launch
ExpressJet is back. The carrier secured permission from the US Department of Transportation today to resume operations as a scheduled air carrier, ten months after halting operations as a United Airlines regional feeder.
American takes stake in JetSMART, adding ULCC partner in South America
In yet another sign that US carriers are looking past the pandemic recovery process, American Airlines intends to invest in Chilean ULCC JetSMART, expanding its footprint in South America. JetSMART is a portfolio airline of Indigo Partners.
Condor orders A330neo for long-haul fleet refresh
German leisure airline Condor announced an order for 16 A330-900, planning a complete refresh of its long-haul fleet. The carrier will be the launch customer in Germany for the newer generation of the Airbus mid-sized long-haul aircraft. The first aircraft delivery is slated for Autumn 2022, with the full complement in service by mid-2024.
Frontier continues Caribbean expansion, adds four new destinations
Put another four Caribbean dots on the Frontier Airlines route map. After promising last month that more sun and surf destinations are coming the carrier delivered, boosting its plans for the upcoming winter.
Small city airport grants for big airlines
The US Department of Transportation will spend $18 million this year to bolster flight options for smaller airports and communities. Nearly all of that money will funnel to United Airlines and American Airlines.
More 190s, less London, as JetBlue adapts its focus
“The recovery in air travel has come more quickly than we expected… Vaccines have clearly catalyzed customer confidence.” With that opening statement, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes launched a mostly optimistic recap of the carrier’s second quarter finances. The London launch, however, will not be quite as planned.
Atlantic City scores international, Caribbean service with Spirit Airlines expansion
Spirit Airlines will bring international flights to Atlantic City, NJ this winter, a first for the airport. A trio of new destinations will see the low cost carrier expand to 10 total markets from the airport, continuing to expand well beyond 2019 levels at its South Jersey base.
Cathay Pacific giving away "Plane for a Day" in vaccination push
Cathay Pacific is getting in on the vaccination prizes game in a big way. Among other things, Hong Kongers can win access to one of the company’s planes for a joy ride with friends.
United’s regional future: It’s Electric!
The next 100 planes United Airlines wants to order are very, very different. The Heart Aerospace ES-19 is a 19-seat electric prop that could dramatically change how the company feeds its hubs from smaller airports. Assuming it gets past the many challenges it faces.