American Airlines and JetBlue are to launch a “strategic partnership” in Boston and the New York City area, aligning flights and loyalty program benefits to boost their recovery. It reads well in the press release, but how it evoloves in practice is very much up in the air, with few details available from either side.
routes
JetBlue beefs up Los Angeles, abandons Long Beach
JetBlue’s long and convoluted history at Long Beach comes to a close in October. The carrier will move its LA crew and maintenance bases to Los Angeles International Airport and halt service at the smaller, nicer airport.
American’s long-haul revamp surrenders Los Angeles
For years airlines have battled to dominate international markets from Los Angeles International Airport. This week American Airlines effectively conceded defeat in that market. As part of its long-haul network revamp the carrier will shed most of those routes from LAX.
JetBlue’s crazy summer of new routes
If ever there were a time to try something completely crazy in the route planning department, this is it. JetBlue’s new route plan brings the carrier deep into competitor hubs and away from its own as the carrier aims to bring planes and crew back to the skies.
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.
China blinks, US to back down on flight ban
Looks like flights between the US and China won’t be stopping mid-month after all. Chinese regulators backed down after the US took a hard line in the negotiations.
US retaliates against China, blocking all flights
Nonstop service between the US and China will terminate later this month, ending 24 years of direct links between the countries. The move comes as the two governments escalate rhetoric on many fronts, covering trade, human rights and more.
Frontier, Mobile bicker over flights to Orlando
At first glance the fight between Mobile, Alabama and Frontier Airlines makes little sense. Why should a city fight so hard for a single flight and route running empty a couple days per week?
JetBlue plans return of international markets in June
JetBlue’s international route network virtually disappeared as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapidly shifting entry requirements and limited demand forced dozens of markets to close. Headed into June, however, the company sees some signs of optimism and opportunity as it anticipates reopening 13 destinations.
Volotea plans for growth into a COVID-affected Summer
At least one airline is bucking the current market trends. European LCC Volotea is showing its flexibility, altering its route network in hopes of carrying more passengers this year than evern before.