When it comes to launching new service at smaller airports revenue guarantees to airlines are a key factor. The US Department of Transportation offers Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grants to help airports cover the costs of those guarantees. And with another round of applications released this week we can see which markets are compelling to airports and airlines.
Airplanes and Airports
US DOT puts the squeeze on Hong Kong
The US Department of Transportation will require Hong Kong-based airlines to file their planned operations in advance, a first step towards potentially limiting the frequency or types of flights from the Chinese Special Administrative Region to the United States. The move comes in response to a change in quarantine policies effected 20 February that asymmetrically benefit Cathay Pacific’s cargo operations over all other operators.
Norwegian long-haul is dead; Long live Norse Atlantic Airways
Norse Atlantic Airways may soon be flying between the US and Europe, replacing Norwewgian’s long-haul abmitions with fresh funding.
Breezing into service: Three likely coastal hubs for Breeze Airways
Where will Breeze Airways launch its operations? Based on comments related to crew hiring it now appears the carrier has a trio of coastal Southeastern cities in mind.
Going long at LAX
More than a dozen longer domestic routes added at LAX in the past year are likely to bring about a different sort of recovery as the pandemic subsides.
More MAX for United Airlines
United Airlines will grow its 737 MAX fleet significantly in the next three years. The company announced a deal to increase the order book with Boeing by 25, with delivery slated for 2023. Additional adjustments to the order book should see a total of 90 new MAX join the carrier’s fleet by the end of 2023.
Scammy COVID-safety "certifications" could put industry recovery at risk
In the COVID era many companies are more than happy to provide some sort of safety rating, hoping to boost the travel industry’s recovery. Alas, despite their ostensibly noble goals, the end results appear to generally be garbage not worth trusting at all.
Buh-bye to the British Airways Baby ‘Bus
The British Airways “Baby ‘Bus” A318 is no more. Previously operating between London City and JFK, the carrier officially scrapped G-EUNA this week, bringing an end to that era of business travel.
JetBlue to eliminate change fees, adjust carry-on rules
JetBlue is eliminating change fees from most fares and also removing the option for its Blue Basic passengers to bring a carry-on bag into the cabin as part of its latest fare families update.
Air Canada, Transat merger approved, with notable conditions attached
Air Canada and Air Transat received approval from the Canadian government this week to close on their merger, though not without some additional conditions covering slots, loyalty, lounges, and Quebec employment guarantees.