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.
Airplanes and Airports
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.
Frontier adds St Maarten, continues Caribbean expansion
Frontier’s newest Caribbean destination is a big deal for St Maarten’s tourism recovery. But for the airline it is just another stepping stone into a refocused network that the company hopes will further increase yields.
Aer Lingus UK gains operating certificate, with a limited range
Aer Lingus UK finally secured its operating certificate from British authorities, paving the way for the carrier to launch its operations from Manchester to the US and Caribbean islands later this year. But broarder expansion may be hampered by the fine print in that AOC document.
Porter to join the jet era, add Embraer E195-E2 fleet
Not only will Porter Airlines back bring its core services at Toronto’s downtown Billy Bishop Airport starting in September, but it will also add jet service from other hubs, dramatically increasing its presence in Canada and the USA beginning in 2022.