A week ago this level of cuts to airline route networks seemed beyond the pale. Now, it appears to be just the start.
American Airlines
Two key takeaways from American’s latest schedule cuts
American Airlines’ route change announcements last night are as much an indicator of the company’s expectations for the years to come as they are the immediate needs of the airline. It is an interesting shift in how the global industry is addressing the COVID-19 challenges.
American Airlines slashes schedule, increases flexibility for customer rebookings
American Airlines joined the Summer 2020 schedule cut party overnight, announcing several international routes that will not operate until at least October and a 7.5% cut in domestic capacity for April. The carrier also dramatically improved its change fee waiver policy, making it easier for passengers to reconsider otherwise non-refundable travel plans.
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines team up for West Coast international alliance
American Airlines and Alaska Airlines are longtime partners. That relationship is set to get a lot deeper as the two establish a “west coast international alliance” with more long-haul lift coming.
American Airlines signs GOL as codeshare partner in South America, expands Miami service
American Airlines and Brazil’s GOL will establish a reciprocal codeshare agreement and frequent flyer program partnership. The deal is expected to open 20 additional South American destinations to the AA network and deliver more that 30 US destinations to the GOL route map. As part of the move American also announced a dozen new flights at its Miami hub, the primary gateway to Latin America.
KuKa is coming…but where??
Satisfied customers that want to take their inflight connectivity experience further afield appear to be driving the Ku/Ka offering from Viasat. And it should be online sooner than not, according to President & COO Rick Baldridge.
American Airlines adds 20 Embraer E175s with SkyWest
Chalk up another 20 E175s for the American Eagle fleet. These planes will be operated by SkyWest and join the fleet over the coming year-ish.
American Airlines seeks to boost Havana presence
Demand from the USA into Cuba appears to be dropping from most gateways but American Airlines is not too worried. Indeed, the carrier sees an opportunity in the market still and hopes to grow.
Airbus brings A321 production to Toulouse, replacing A380 work
Out with the A380, in with the A321neo. Airbus announced its intention to convert its A380 Lagardère facility in Toulouse to a final assembly line for the spectacularly popular and well-selling A321neo. The transition is expected to occur by mid-2022.
Connections, competition spur Delta growth in Miami
It is not quite a hub. Nowhere close, really. But with forty one daily flights to ten US airports planned by mid-Spring Delta Air Lines very much sees Miami as a key part of its route network. Some of the growth can be justified by the new investment in and partnership with LATAM. But not all of it.