Tokyo will be the first long-haul market for Alaska Airlines from its Seattle hub, with a dozen new markets planned by the end of the decade.
Airplanes and Airports
US DOT Proposes Passenger Rights Rules, Compensation for Cancels and Delays
The US Department of Transportation published initial guidance for passenger rights rules similar to those in Europe and Canada, promising cash compensation for some delays, plus other customer care benefits.
Alaska Airlines adds local benefits in Hawai’i
Alaska Airlines has a strong history of benefits for locals in its namesake state. Now that’s extending to Hawai’i with the new Huaka‘i by Hawaiian offering.
Spirit Airlines to restructure debt under Chapter 11 protection
Spirit Airlines will enter a voluntary restructuring, including a prearranged Chapter 11 bankruptcy, to reduce the carrier’s debt while it continues flying. The carrier plans to operate normally during the process.
AI Hot Takes: Checking in from APEX EXPO
Questions about Artificial Intelligence were at the forefront of APEX EXPO. Impressions of what GenAI can actually deliver, however, appeared disconnected from reality.
Small airport subsidy winners announced
Fourteen smallish airports will share $12 million in federal funding over the next five years to support growth of their commercial air service. The awards were announced on Thursday as part of the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP).
Final objections filed on DCA slot allocation
Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue lodged objections with the US Department of Transportation over the assignment of new long-distance slots at DCA. The three carriers were the losers in the recent allocation proceedings.
Spirit sheds 10% of its fleet, sees success with new premium offerings
Spirit Airlines will shed 23 aircraft over the next 6 months, more than 10% of its fleet, as it cuts capacity and raises capital to stabilize its finances.
PLAY pivots to Iceland focus, plans cuts in North America
Iceland’s PLAY Airlines saw lower than expected revenue over the summer and will cut several North American destinations as a result.
Big five win big in DCA slot awards
The five largest airlines in the United States (tentatively) won in their efforts to secure additional long-haul slots at Washington, DC’s Reagan National Airport.