Live television is back on American Airlines. Driving the return – much as it drove the disappearance last year – is demand for live sports on board.
American Airlines
JetBlue extends London schedule cuts through October
JetBlue’s newly launched service to London will continue to operate at reduced frequencies through October. Gatwick flights will launch as previously planned, but overall flights will be reduced.
Additional details as Connect Airlines pushes for October launch
Connect Airlines still aims to launch this Fall. An updated Department of Transportation filing sheds light on additional details for how the company plans to fill its planes headed to and from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport downtown.
American reopening Flagship lounges, expanding access
As airlines shuttered lounges across the globe at the onset of the pandemic, many promised to reopen when premium demand returned. American Airlines is ready to make good on that commitment, with its first two Flagship Lounges set to welcome guests again beginning next month.
TikTok flies free on some American Airlines planes
A few months ago it was on the way to being banned in the United States. Now some airline passengers can access it in the sky without paying extra. TikTok will fly free on most of American Airline’s single-aisle fleet, beginning today.
American takes stake in JetSMART, adding ULCC partner in South America
In yet another sign that US carriers are looking past the pandemic recovery process, American Airlines intends to invest in Chilean ULCC JetSMART, expanding its footprint in South America. JetSMART is a portfolio airline of Indigo Partners.
Small city airport grants for big airlines
The US Department of Transportation will spend $18 million this year to bolster flight options for smaller airports and communities. Nearly all of that money will funnel to United Airlines and American Airlines.
More 190s, less London, as JetBlue adapts its focus
“The recovery in air travel has come more quickly than we expected… Vaccines have clearly catalyzed customer confidence.” With that opening statement, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes launched a mostly optimistic recap of the carrier’s second quarter finances. The London launch, however, will not be quite as planned.
American Airlines won’t bring back IFE screens
In-seat screens are not coming back to American Airlines’ single-aisle fleet. The company doubled down on its decision to focus on streaming entertainment on board in the wake of United Airlines’ about face on the issue, citing technical and ecological reasons.
American, JetBlue announce elite status reciprocity
With their new Northeast Alliance continuing to grow, American Airlines and JetBlue confirmed the initial elite status benefits for travelers using the partner airline. Don’t expect too much, however. The initial reciprocity is spectacularly limited.