With its regional airline LIAT slated for liquidation the Caribbean is looking to outside resources to help maintain air connectivity among the islands rather than investing further in the failed operation. At least six airlines from the region are keen to back-fill the capacity gap from LIAT’s collapse.
Airplanes and Airports
JetBlue hits most targets in voluntary staff reduction plan
Most of JetBlue’s employee groups hit targets for voluntary departures, helping the company to avoid layoffs as the CARES Act Payroll Support Program funding expires at the end of September. In a message to crewmembers today Chief People Officer Mike Elliott detailed the situation among each of the work groups.
American’s long-haul revamp surrenders Los Angeles
For years airlines have battled to dominate international markets from Los Angeles International Airport. This week American Airlines effectively conceded defeat in that market. As part of its long-haul network revamp the carrier will shed most of those routes from LAX.
JetBlue pilots secure no furlough deal through April 2021
With CARES Act Payroll Support Program funding set to expire at the end of September 2020 many airline employees are facing the very real risk of layoffs or furlough. But JetBlue pilots secured a major win this week.
This plane can taxi, take off and land all on its own
Most conversations about autonomous aircraft focus on smaller planes. But Airbus decided to go large when it comes to taxi, take off, and landing automation. Very large. The aircraft manufacturer announced this week the successful conclusion of its Autonomous Taxi, Take-Off and Landing (ATTOL) project using the A350-1000 XWB aircraft.
COMAC delivers for three new ARJ21 operators
China’s COMAC added a trio of new airline operators for its ARJ21-700 aircraft over the weekend. China Eastern, China Southern, and Air China each took delivery of their first aircraft during a joint ceremony. And, still, COMAC’s grand ambitions to challenge Western manufacturers remains years away.
Air Canada fights back on refund demands, disputes DOT authority
Facing dozens of customer complaints to the US Department of Transportation, Air Canada is fighting back. While the carrier has only filed one response publicly so far the contents suggest that passengers may well come up short in their efforts to get their money back. Not only does the airline intend to not provide refunds to passengers on flights it canceled, but it now also suggests that the DOT should not and can not regulate such policies.
LIAT looks to liquidate; can CARICOM respond?
Caribbean airline LIAT is on the brink of liquidation, according to Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Flights are suspended through at least 15 July 2020 and that could be enough to kill the carrier.
JetBlue’s crazy summer of new routes
If ever there were a time to try something completely crazy in the route planning department, this is it. JetBlue’s new route plan brings the carrier deep into competitor hubs and away from its own as the carrier aims to bring planes and crew back to the skies.
A big hint that British Airways will retire its 747s soon
More than half the British Airways 747 fleet is parked, with little reason to believe that it will return to the skies soon. But late on Friday another bit of news leaked out that could see the fleet fully grounded indefinitely.