Air Canada and the US Department of Transportation agreed to a $4.5 million fine related to the airline’s failure to provide timely refunds to passengers after cancelling flights in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Department of Transportation
PLAY receives initial approval for US operations
Play Airlines is one step closer to US flights, with the US Department of Transportation indicating the carrier meets all necessary criteria.
Does an airline owe refunds for broken in-flight wifi?
Does an airline owe passengers a refund if their in-flight wifi doesn’t deliver? Currently that answer is murky. And at least one connectivity provider objects to language used in US Department of Transportation efforts to enact some consumer protection rules around their services.
Norse Atlantic announces initial US routes
Norse Atlantic Airways aims to replace a trio of Norwegian’s long-haul routes across the Atlantic Ocean next summer. In a filing with the US Department of Transportation the carrier indicated its intention to serve smaller, alternate airports in the New York City, Los Angeles, and South Florida regions from Oslo.
Some details on Connect Airlines’ operating costs
Looking to lease a couple Q400s to launch an airline? The going rate appears to be $50k/month, according to recent DOT filings made by Connect Airlines.
Winter waiver issued for US airport slots, with an international twist
Airlines operating to some of the largest US airports won a reprieve from regulators, extending a waiver put in place as the COVID pandemic began in early 2020. But this time around the waiver comes with a change in terms, one that could prove significant for US airlines.
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.
Alitalia Due (a/k/a Italia Trasporto Aereo) applies for US service
Come October 15th Alitalia will cease operations; Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA) will take its place as Italy’s flag carrier. Except that Alitalia will still probably be in business. ITA confirms that it intends to bid on the Alitalia brand at auction as part of its application to serve the United States.
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.
US bans sale of flights to Belarus
Last week the US Department of Transportation proposed banning the sale of flights between the US and Belarus. Today, following no objections being filed, that ban takes effect.