Why compete with yourself? For India’s Tata Group, owning both Air India and Vistara – the country’s two full service carriers – presented precisely that challenge. Now Air India and Vistara will merge, bringing a coherent competitive stance to the market, along with an additional cash infusion to boost operations.
LCC
easyJet adds lounge access to some FLEXIfares
Some easyJet travelers now can access the lounge at Gatwick for free prior to their trip. The trial program for FLEXIfare customers runs for the next three months.
US airlines delivering less efficient operations
A review of employment numbers and schedules suggests the airlines are up to 20% less efficient than in 2019 on a per-employee basis.
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 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.
aha! to launch with Reno base, eight destinations
Aha! aims to take flight on 24 October from Reno. It is the third airline to launch operations in the United States this year.
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.
Northern Pacific snags six 757s for Asia service
Alaska’s Northern Pacific Airways (NPA) is pushing forward with its plans to launch transpacific routes from its base in Anchorage. The carrier purchased its first six 757-200 aircraft for the effort, with the first delivery expected “immediately.”
Ravn Alaska registers Northern Pacific name for transpacific LCC operations
Last week news broke that commuter carrier Ravn Alaska plans a major shift to add long-haul operations via its Anchorage hub. Now it is clear that the company is serious about that play. It registered a trio of new trade names with the Department of Transportation to operate the new services.
Ravn Alaska plans international expansion, 757 acquisition, Anchorage hub
The jump from small regional player in Alaska to long-haul, international airline is a major one. Recently recapitalized Ravn Alaska plans to do just that.