Delta Air Lines and United Airlines spent the past five months bickering over a scarce resource: access to fly from the US to Cape Town South Africa. The US DOT managed to negotiate a solution where both come away winners.
Delta Air Lines
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.
MAX 10 on the ropes: What’s an airline (or congresscritter) to do?
Boeing currently holds orders for more than 700 737 MAX 10 aircraft across 20 airlines*. It is the second most ordered variant of the MAX family. And if the company is forced to upgrade the flight deck to meet new safety certification requirements those could all be at risk.
Bluetooth pairing coming to Delta’s long-haul fleet
With the launch of its A321neo fleet late last month Delta Air Lines activated one of the most frequently requested passenger features on board: Bluetooth headphones pairing. That successful “soft launch” will soon extend to other aircraft fitted with the in-flight entertainment kit developed by its Delta Flight Products (DFP) subsidiary, including the A330neo and 767-400s.
DFP: The Next Generation
With a growing fleet of aircraft equipped and on-board features deployed, the Delta Flight Products (DFP) inflight entertainment platform is a mature and reliable solution for the airline’s needs. The next generation of that system, now under development, will open a number of new opportunities, both for and beyond the Delta Air Lines fleet.
Avelo adds Orlando base, continues expansion
Upstart Avelo Airlines sees big potential in Orlando. The airline will establish a new crew and aircraft base in Central Florida, bringing new competition to the market. Avelo plans for ten destinations served from Orlando by the end of the year.
Delta’s premium A321neo for transcon service opens new opportunities
Over the next few years the A321neo will also help Delta Air Lines launch a new premium transcon offering. The new layout offers an advantage in the highly competitive markets between New York city and Los Angeles or San Francisco, and potentially other routes as well.
United looks to launch Dulles-Cape Town service
United Airlines wants to add service between Washington-Dulles and Cape Town, South Africa. The carrier proposes to fly the route thrice weekly, complementing its 3x weekly service from Newark.
Delta plans Cape Town service, again
Delta Air Lines is, once again, angling to add Cape Town, South Africa to its route map. The carrier applied to the US Department of Transportation to fly the route 3x weekly from Atlanta on a year-round basis beginning 18 November 2022.
Delta disses discount airlines, pursues premium passengers
Can Delta Air Lines continue to deliver outsized revenue gains in its premium cabins? The carrier appears focused on that segment, especially in the long-haul markets, even as domestic LCC competition heats up.