Since December 2021 Allegiant and VivaAerobus have been pursuing antitrust immunity from the US Department of Transportation to operate a transborder joint venture between the US and Mexico. Today that application took a somewhat unexpected turn, with the DOT suspending the procedural review, owing to factors well outside the control of either airline.
joint venture
United plans major growth for Australia, New Zealand
United Airlines will dramatically boost capacity to Australia and New Zealand later this year, aiming to take advantage of a rebound in international travel and strengthening partnerships along the way.
Virgin Atlantic is now a part of SkyTeam
Virgin Atlantic officially joins the SkyTeam alliance today, just five months after announcing its intention to affiliate with the group.
JetBlue seeks slots at Amsterdam, possibly taken from KLM by force
JetBlue wants to fly to Amsterdam. But, facing difficulties obtaining slots at Schiphol Airport, the carrier took the unusual step of asking the US Department of Transportation to negotiate on its behalf, or require KLM to cede slots to enable service.
Virgin Atlantic to join SkyTeam
Virgin Atlantic will join the SKyTeam alliance in early 2023, boosting the group’s presence in the UK. Virgin Atlantic will become SkyTeam’s first and only UK member airline, offering long-haul flights from Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh.
SatixFy’s Onyx Aero terminal seeks middle ground in ESA market
Are smaller electronically steered antenna (ESA) solutions easier to bring to market? SatixFy aims to find out, with the launch of the Onyx Aero platform.
KLM launches Premium Comfort premium economy cabin
KLM formally introduced its Premium Comfort cabin this week, bringing a premium economy option to its long-haul fleet. The new seats, designed in partnership with Collins Aerospace, will be available for travel starting in July 2022 and eventually rolling out across the 777 and 787 fleets.
Allegiant, Viva Aerobus plan groundbreaking joint venture
Allegiant sees significant potential carrying leisure travelers to Mexican resort destinations, but the cost – both real and relative to domestic expansion – is too high. Viva Aerobus wants to expand deeper into the US leisure segment, but its prior attempts mostly failed. Together, however, the two believe they can become a strong player in the transborder market, commanding a double digit share.
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 plans major route growth with American alliance
With its Northeast Alliance (NEA) approved, JetBlue and American Airlines are pushing quickly towards implementation of coordinated operations in the New York City and Boston markets. In earnings calls last week both companies spoke to the potential opportunities the relationship brings.