A lot can change in ten years, especially in the aviation world. Now, rather rivals, Air Canada and Emirates have a burgeoning partnership. And it is all about India.
codeshare
airBaltic bullish on spoke growth
When it comes to creating a new base for an airline choosing a spoke on the network is an uncommon choice. And doubly so when most of the destinations served are hubs of other airlines. But airBaltic likes to do things a bit differently. And CEO Martin Gauss believes the carrier can repeat that model thanks to airline partners and cities keen to grow a far-reaching version of air connectivity.
Air Canada, Emirates link up with codeshare, loyalty reciprocity
It is not, perhaps, quite the level of strange bedfellows pondered by Shakespeare in The Tempest, but a new strategic partnership agreement between Air Canada and Emirates is certainly an interesting development.
El Al seeks transit travel, expanded partnerships
El Al’s new CEO Dina Ben Tal Ganancia has big plans for the Israeli flag carrier. As it emerges form pandemic-related restrictions, she is keen, among other things, for Tel Aviv to become a transit hub, rather than just a destination.
WestJet, Transat push codeshare to US markets, with a catch
WestJet and Transat applied to the US Department of Transportation for permission to codeshare on flights between the US and Canada. The move is part of the carriers’ planned transatlantic codeshare pact announced last month.
United snags Virgin Australia as a partner, displacing Delta
Virgin Australia and United Airlines secured a new partnership for connections between the United States and Australia. The deal, effective from April 2022, sees Delta Air Lines drop from the role it held over the past decade.
American Main Select focuses on business travelers in economy class
American Airlines plans a revamp of the marketing for its high frequency, business-focused routes in 2022. Along with shedding the “American Shuttle” branding, the carrier will expand what it considers high-frequency business markets and add a new fare type, dubbed Main Select.
American buys into GOL, plans loyalty, codeshare boost
American Airlines will invest $200 million for a 5.2% stake in Brazil’s GOL as part of an expanded commercial partnership. The deal will see the two tie more closely in each other’s primary market, and significantly boost their loyalty program integration as well.
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.
Aer Lingus UK receives initial US authorization to fly
The new Aer Lingus UK flights between Manchester, UK and the USA moved a step closer to reality. The US Department of Transportation issued a Show Cause order approving the carrier’s plans and asking for any final objections. Lacking those (and none are expected) the order should take effect by the end of the month.