Chalk up another major long-haul LCC failure. Norwegian will abandon its fleet of 37 787 Dreamliners, refocusing on the short-haul European market served with single-aisle aircraft.
Norwegian
Aer Lingus approved to join Oneworld TATL joint venture
Aer Lingus received tentative approval from the US Department of Transportation on Monday to join the Transatlantic OneWorld Immunized Alliance joint venture. The ruling, pending final approval and a similar order from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), will allow Aer Lingus to fully participate in the coordination of fares and scheduling with American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair and OpenSkies.
Curing Catering Concerns: The Weekly Wrap–19 June 2020
Can small changes to the catering process make the current inflight environment a bit safer and bring back some of the comforts passengers have previously enjoyed? We’re also talking about routes returning and new ideas to protect passengers in the cabin on this edition of the Weekly Wrap.
Norwegian set to restart European services from 1 July
Norwegian is the latest airline to announce plans to put its planes back in the skies over Europe. The carrier will add several routes from its hubs in Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen as it seeks to meet growing passenger demand.
American Airlines seeks buyouts of thousands of workers
Thousands of American Airlines employees face a difficult decision in the coming weeks. Federal payroll support funding is running out and some 17,000 employees must now decide if they’re willing to take a buy-out package from the company or risk being laid off.
Norwegian Argentina sold to JetSMART Airlines
Citing slipping foreign exchange returns and a general lack of profitablility Norwegian is exiting the Argentinian domestic market. The carrier sold its entire operation to JetSMART, effective immediately.
Norwegian to axe long-haul services from Copenhagen, Stockholm
Norwegian made many changes in recent months as it sought to shore its finances. The latest news from the airline, however, is a massive shift. Reports indicate that the airline will halt long-haul operations from Stockholm and Copenhagen effective with the end of the IATA Winter 2020 season on 29 March 2020.
Global Eagle signs with Turkish Airlines for inflight connectivity
Adding more than 100 Turkish Airlines planes to its inflight connectivity backlog is good news for Global Eagle. Perhaps more significant, however, is the potential for additional program growth that come from the partnerships it established to secure this Turkish Airlines deal.
Norwegian declares itself "fully funded through 2020 and beyond"
Norwegian’s financials, or potential lack of such, have raised eyebrows in the aviation world for some time now. Hoping to put those fears to rest – and continue selling seats as it heads into the traditionally slower winter season – the carrier announced the closing of a ~$275 million financing round. The company declared, “After the completion of the transactions, Norwegian is fully funded through 2020 and beyond based on the current business plan.”
Come PLAY in Iceland: Another new airline launches in the wake of WOW Air
A new low cost carrier is set to fly in Iceland. PLAY airlines intends to launch sales before the end of the year, connecting passengers between Keflavik and European destinations. The company expects to expand to North American destinations in Spring 2020, using Iceland as a hub to connect passengers between the two continents.