As the first A330neo is handed off to TAP Airbus is teasing the idea of a “regional” version of the type, an aircraft far better suited to serve the vast majority of flights the A330 operates today. Why wait so long and will it ever really happen??
Airplanes and Airports
WOW wins as it faces mounting troubles
Can a collapsing operation still win awards? For WOW Air the answer is a resounding yes. The CAPA Low Cost Airline of the Year award was announced as the carrier shed 20% of its fleet amid a cash crunch and dropping utilization.
Delta adds A330s, shakes up cabin amenities
The add-on order for ten more Delta A330-900neo aircraft is not nearly as significant as a couple of the cabin amenity changes it includes.
Now more exclusive: Delta pares back SkyClub access
The balance between crowded airport lounges and the incremental revenue realized from selling access reached a tipping point for Delta Air Lines. Effective immediately the carrier no longer sells single visit passes. Annual membership costs will also increase in 2019.
China Southern quits SkyTeam, seeks stronger partnerships
SkyTeam lost its largest mainland China airline this week. China Southern announced it will quit the alliance in 2019. The non-renewal of the membership contract will see the carrier transition out of its alliance relationships in the coming year. This is not a hard stop of relations; rather, the changes are likely to roll out over time. It is also not a surprise.
Alaska Airlines puts Paine Field flights on sale
Want to fly out of Paine Field north of Seattle? The first flights for the new service are now on sale. Alaska Airlines opened reservations this morning for departures starting on 11 February 2019, including an inaugural flight to Las Vegas. Seats are on sale starting at $39 one way, though the inaugural is more expensive.
FlyArystan: Kazakhstan’s newest LCC is formed
Say hello to FlyArystan, the world’s newest low cost carrier. The airline officially came into existence today, with parent company Air Astana announcing its formation and plans. The carrier will start with four A320 aircraft in 2019, with plans to fly 15 frames by 2022. Route details remain unclear but domestic operations in Kazakhstan and shorter international routes are the initial targets.
United Airlines wants more Shanghai, hindering American’s China plans
United Airlines joined Delta Air Lines in seeking additional service to Shanghai. The move puts American Airlines in a bind as that carrier hoped to squat on route authorities that are now in demand by the competition.
Icelandair gobbles up WOW
WOW Air is dead. Long live WOW Air. The Icelandic LCC is set to be purchased by hometown rival Icelandair at what can only be described as a fire sale price.
Ethiopian pushes Togo as a gateway to America
Ethiopian Airlines will soon connect Los Angeles with Lomé, Togo. The shift adds just over two hours to the trip between Los Angeles and Addis but also creates significant additional connecting opportunities for passengers and positions Lomé as the new African gateway to the USA.