It won’t truly be “Proudly all Boeing” as was painted on the nose for many years, but Alaska Airlines is moving aggressively back in that direction. The carrier announced an expanded order book with Boeing for the 737 MAX today, with plans for a total of 68 firm orders of the 737-9 type. An additional 52 options are also included.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines announces oneworld alliance status tiers
Alaska Airlines and OneWorld confirmed the mapping of elite status tiers for MileagePlan members as the carrier approaches its alliance join date. The decisions are far from surprising.
Reciprocal upgrades coming to American, Alaska Airlines
As the west-coast alliance between Alaska Airlines and American Airlines continues to evolve some frequent flyers got good news this week: upgrades will be available to top tier elites across both loyalty programs.
Slot swappin’ – How New York operations could shift for American Airlines and JetBlue
When the deal was first announced JetBlue and American Airlines chose to keep quiet about potential slot swaps at New York City’s airports. With some time now passed, however, both sides are sharing more. And – pending regulatory approval – it is clear that they have big plans together.
July’s magic: The Weekly Wrap–3 July 2020
As the calendar rolled over to July the global aviation community saw significant wins. Borders reopened, airlines resumed or increased flight levels. And, perhaps most exciting, lounges are reopening, too. Get details on that and lots more in this edition of The Weekly Wrap
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.
Sun Country wins big as United, Frontier lose in latest CARES Act ruling
Sun Country will be permitted to collect its government funding while largely suspending service through 21 June 2020. United Airlines and Frontier Airlines will not be so lucky. The latest guidance from the US Department of Transportation released this morning shows that the Agency is using different standards for the different sized airlines in forming its policy.
Spirit Airlines running triangle routes to meet CARES Act requirements
If the planes are going to be mostly empty it is better to fly fewer of them. For Spirit Airlines this means sending some of its smaller jets on triangle routes, connecting two cities before retuning to a hub. The new service pattern appears planned through June based on schedule details reviewed online.
DOT grants exemptions to Delta, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines under CARES Act obligations
Flights to Hawaii will remain limited for the foreseeable future. The DOT will allow reductions between the mainland and the islands as it pays out billions to help keep airlines flying.
Air Canada, Alaska Airlines extend elite status
Two more airlines announced elite status extensions this week, waiving the qualification requirements for the 2020 calendar year. Air Canada’s Altitude and Alaska Airlines’ MileagePlan members have another year at their existing tier without any additional flying required. There are a couple unique quirks from each program in how it will work.