A half dozen UAVs and associated control systems are now in line for certification by the FAA. The Agency published guidelines on Friday describing the airworthiness criteria the FAA finds to be appropriate and applicable for the unmanned aircraft systems designs
Airplanes and Airports
American Airlines drops change fees for long-haul flights
Earlier this year the US carriers went through a round of cuts to change fees, but they focused mostly on domestic or regional routes. American Airlines took that a step further today, announcing that the new policy would also apply to First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Main Cabin (except Basic Economy) tickets for all long-haul international flying when travel originates in North or South America. Typically those changes cost $200.
Planes get closer across the Atlantic thanks to Aireon space-based ADS-B
Space-based ADS-B aircraft monitoring has permanently changed the way airplanes cross the North Atlantic Ocean. Planes can now fly closer together, allowing more aircraft to operate on the fastest and most environmentally friendly routes.
Aer Lingus adds Manchester base for Summer 2021
Earlier this summer rumors were swirling about a possible UK base for some Aer Lingus planes. It now appears that Manchester is the airport of choice for those operations. The carrier secured just over 1,500 new slots at the airport, enough to operate a full summer of flights with four long-haul aircraft.
Iceland’s PLAY secures slots at Gatwick, Stansted, Dublin
A year has passed since the company initially planned to start selling seats, enough time to question whether launching a new airline right now is really a smart choice. But Iceland’s PLAY secured access to at least two London-area airports should its operations launch in Summer 2021, suggesting that the company is still pushing forward.
JetBlue’s initial London play: Stansted and Gatwick
JetBlue continues to pursue Heathrow as an option for access to the most lucrative London market, but should the carrier launch transatlantic service in Q3 2021 as currently filed it will be to Stansted and Gatwick.
Aer Lingus approved to join Oneworld TATL joint venture
Aer Lingus received tentative approval from the US Department of Transportation on Monday to join the Transatlantic OneWorld Immunized Alliance joint venture. The ruling, pending final approval and a similar order from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), will allow Aer Lingus to fully participate in the coordination of fares and scheduling with American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair and OpenSkies.
JetBlue to stop blocking seats in January
JetBlue was one of the last carriers to keep seats blocked on board. Headed into the new year, however, that era will come to a close. As of 8 January 2021 all seats on board will be available for sale.
Anchorage, Fairbanks open up to international transit traffic
Your next flight between the US and Asia might just stop over in Alaska. And a foreign airline could operate the entire route. The state won approval on Tuesday for its two major international airports, Anchorage and Fairbanks, to handle transit passenger traffic foreign carriers, similarly to how cargo has moved through the state for 25 years.
United makes it official: JFK is back on the route map
Come February 2021 United Airlines will once again be able to say it serves all three major New York City Airports. The carrier will launch transcon service from JFK to its hubs at San Francisco and Los Angeles on the first of the month.