The Boeing 777X promises to be a game-changing long-haul aircraft when it enters commercial service. Alas, airlines and passengers must wait three more years before that comes to pass.
Airplanes and Airports
Norwegian abandons long-haul operations, refocuses on 737 routes in Europe
Chalk up another major long-haul LCC failure. Norwegian will abandon its fleet of 37 787 Dreamliners, refocusing on the short-haul European market served with single-aisle aircraft.
DOT announces airline service mandates for extended PPP funding
Expect to see a few new and unexpected routes operating over the next 10 weeks. As with the Summer 2020 version of the Payroll Support Program US airlines face certain service obligations to receive funding under the renewed version this winter. And the US Department of Transportation expects far fewer exceptions this time around.
Boeing pays off 737 MAX criminal prosecution for $243 million
Boeing will avoid criminal prosecution related to overt acts to defraud the United States tied to the certification process of 737 MAX. And it managed to purchse that freedom at a bargain price.
Guns at the Checkpoint: Diving in to the TSA’s data on firearm incidents
The TSA cannot seize weapons at its checkpoints. But the Agency can enforce civil penalties against violators. For some reason, however, those penalties all but disappeared starting in November 2018.
JetBlue takes delivery of first A220
JetBlue promised it would take delivery of its first A220 in 2020 and it beat the deadline by mere hours, with an evening ferry flight from Mobile to JFK on New Year’s Eve.
Tata’s aviation web grows as AirAsia’s shrinks
Shifting alliances and ownership in India could dramatically change the aviation landscape, including IFE/C offerings and suppliers. Or it could be years of talk and nothing really changing.
Alaska Airlines boosts Boeing 737 MAX order, plans Airbus retirements
It won’t truly be “Proudly all Boeing” as was painted on the nose for many years, but Alaska Airlines is moving aggressively back in that direction. The carrier announced an expanded order book with Boeing for the 737 MAX today, with plans for a total of 68 firm orders of the 737-9 type. An additional 52 options are also included.
JetBlue set for major expansion in early 2021
JetBlue has made it clear in recent months it is willing to experiment with new routes and markets. The next round of that effort is expected to be unveiled on Thursday.
Starlux sets its sights on Los Angeles for US debut
Starlux aims to serve the US market from 2022. The carrier formally applied to the US Department of Transportation last Friday for the authority to fly between Taipei and Los Angeles with its A350-900 aircraft.