Norwegian Airlines is once again launching its winter service between North America and the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. And this time around Canada is part of the plans. The airline will launch seasonal service from Montréal to the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in late October as it continues to seek seasonal profits in the islands.
Airplanes and Airports
Taxes v Tourism: A battle for the Bahamas airports
Can the Bahamas pay for the necessary and significant airport upgrades without raising taxes or passenger fees? It seems that’s unlikely. And so the growth of the island nation’s tourism sector is at risk. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Hear from the Minister Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar on how the country plans to address these challenges.
Delta’s CRJ900 order brings Atmosphère, improved passenger experience to the skies
A new cabin layout is coming to Delta’s newest CRJ900s starting later this year. Some 20 new planes will feature Bombardier’s Atmosphère third generation interior, with larger bins and a much bigger lav. Sure, it is still more regional jets, but it could be a lot worse.
Come fly with Moxy!
JetBlue. WestJet. Azul. Serially successful airline entrepreneur David Neeleman sits poised to try again, reportedly raising $100 million to launch a new carrier in the United States. So, are you ready to fly with “Moxy”?
Hawaiian, JAL go all-in on joint venture application
Can a joint venture truly deliver passenger benefits in the form of better connections and reduced fares? The proposal from JAL and Hawaiian Airlines might be the best chance we’ve seen yet to deliver on such promises.
More Asia for Minneapolis: Delta to add MSP-Seoul service in 2019
An airline joint venture actually delivering new routes and connectivity rather than cutting traffic?? Looks like Delta and Korean Air are set to make it happen with new service between Seoul and Minneapolis starting next year.
Rolls Royce faces additional Trent 1000 engine issues
The bad news continues to spread for Rolls Royce and its Trent 1000. An additional 160+ engines are now subject to new inspections while airlines and passengers should expect growing disruptions as a result.
Fiji Airways signs on as inaugural oneworld connect member
Oneworld wants to grow its route network and it is willing to take on smaller airlines to deliver on that plan. Fiji Airways is the inaugural member in the new “oneworld connect” program allows limited alliance membership and limited benefits for passengers. But locking up the new connect member airlines is a smart move for the group.
Singapore Airlines brings back the nonstop to Newark
Singapore Airlines is reclaiming the role as operator of the world’s longest flight. The carrier confirmed today that it will serve Newark nonstop from its Changi Airport hub using the Airbus A350-900ULR starting in October 2018. That’s nearly 19 hours on board, a trip that requires certain accommodations to keep passengers sane.
A not-quite-Basic Economy across the Atlantic
Fares are going up across the Pond. All three major alliance JVs now offer some sort of Basic Economy for transatlantic travel. The Star Alliance A++ group launched its version this week, with sales starting 5 June 2018. No checked bag, no changes and no upgrades are the main limits, though there is more nuance in the details.