Beyond the typical beauracracy, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines are using routine merger-related DOT filings to further justify their planned combination. The new routes teased make for a far more interesting read than prior mergers have offered.
routes
This time is different: Avelo sees a strong future as it launches Wilmington, DE base
Wilmington, Delaware is on the air world map. Again. Avelo launched operations on 1 February 2023, with Orlando the first of five initial destinations planned, and more on the horizon.
During the inaugural flight I sat down with CEO Andrew Levy to understand in more detail why he felt Wilmington was ready for long-term success with an airline – something that has eluded the airport and the state previously – and what other growth we can expect from Avelo in the years ahead.
JetBlue boosts Heathrow service with daytime flight from JFK
JetBlue will add a second daily flight between its JFK home base and Heathrow Airport this summer. The carrier secured slots to operate a daytime flight eastbound, leaving New York in the morning and landing the same day in London.
SAS to offer transatlantic flights from Aalborg, Gothenburg
Is there sufficient demand for transatlantic flights from smaller Scandinavian markets? Airlines have tried off and on over the years and failed to sustain the routes long term. But that won’t stop SAS from trying again. The carrier will fly from Aalborg, Denmark and Gothenburg, Sweden to Newark in Summer 2023.
JetBlue pick Paris for Transatlantic growth
Next up across the Atlantic for JetBlue: Paris. The carrier announced the French capital as its second transatlantic market, with service planned to launch in Summer 2023. Flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport will initially operate from JetBlue’s main hub at New York’s JFK airport, with flights from Boston following.
JetBlue snags second Heathrow slot
JetBlue appears to have secured a second permanent daily slot at London’s Heathrow Airport beginning in Summer 2023. This allows the carrier to operate double daily flights into one of the most difficult markets to secure access.
Mexico considers foreign airlines for cabotage operations
Mexico’s President want to see more competition in the domestic air travel market. López Obrador proposes to allow foreign airlines to operate within the country – service known as cabotage – competing against the local incumbents. But will any show up??
Eastern Airlines plans Shanghai flights
Eastern Airlines wants to fly to China before the end of the year. The carrier applied to the US Department of Transportation for allocation route frequencies connecting New York’s JFK Airport with Shanghai.
Northern Pacific visits Saipan in search of partners
With its first aircraft fully retrofit and ready to fly, Northern Pacific Airways is on the hunt for a destination market. The company is touring islands in the Pacific, hoping to find the right partners with which the service can take off.
Tailwind shifts DC flights to Dulles, delays launch
Seaplane operator Tailwind Air generated a lot of excitement over the summer when it promised service from the East River in New York City to Washington, DC. Alas, just days before the service launch, the carrier has quietly shifted its plans. Tailwind’s DC flights will now operate to and from Dulles airport.