On Wednesday JetBlue indicated plans to remove 40% of its capacity for April and May. As with other airlines, however, the carrier continues to see demand free fall. On Sunday afternoon JetBlue President & COO Joanna Geraghty sent a note to inflight crewmembers indicating that further cuts are at hand.
Airplanes and Airports
Emirates, Turkish Airlines slash route networks, ground aircraft
Two more large airlines announced major cuts to their route networks this weekend. Emirates will suspend all passenger service while Turkish Airlines will cut nearly all its international destinations.
Qatar Airways plans 75% capacity cut in response to COVID-19
The vast majority of its passengers transit the home base rather than stopping. But with borders closing arround the globe Qatar Airways must respond. The carrier expects 75% of capacity to disappear in the coming days.
Understanding design elements of the new LaGuardia Airport Terminal B
The new LaGuardia Terminal B is lovely. If you want to understand WHY it is that way no better place to go than the source, the principal design architect for the project. And his explanation is spectacular.
Will COVID-19 delay the opening of Berlin Brandenburg Airport?
Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport, already nearly a decade late, might not open in October 2020 after all. As contractors press on towards completing the construction a new challenge now faces the operation: Coronavirus.
Airlines get a break on coronavirus EC261 comp, looking for more
Airlines received a sliver of good news on Wednesday when the European Commission agreed that cancellations related to the COVID-19 coronavirus should be considered “extraordinary” circumstances within the context of EC261 rules. Still, they expressed concerns that the relief doesn’t go far enough.
JetBlue removes 40% of capacity, delays new deliveries as demand drops
JetBlue joins the collection of US carriers slashing its schedule in response to a drop in demand. The carrier now intends to reduce fly by 40% in April and May, with an expectation of “substantial” cuts in June and July as well.
Trans States Airlines: The first US airline victim of COVID-19
Trans States Airlines will halt operations on 1 April 2020. The carrier, which provides regional jet capacity to United Airlines, will halt operations as the parent carrier slashes flights in response to cratering demand tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond route cuts, airlines initiate extended suspension of operations
A week ago this level of cuts to airline route networks seemed beyond the pale. Now, it appears to be just the start.
Finding happier moments in an absolutely terrible week for the aviation industry
The past couple weeks offered up plenty of pain for the airline industry. There is, however, the occasional bit of fun, interesting or even good news coming through in response to the problems. Here are a few of those more positive stories to consider.