American Airlines joined the Summer 2020 schedule cut party overnight, announcing several international routes that will not operate until at least October and a 7.5% cut in domestic capacity for April. The carrier also dramatically improved its change fee waiver policy, making it easier for passengers to reconsider otherwise non-refundable travel plans.
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Qantas cuts international 25% through September facing coronavirus-induced demand drop
Qantas is the latest major carrier to announce significant changes to its schedule in the wake of the coronavirus demand drop. Not only with the company make significant reductions in its international operations, but it plans for those changes to last until mid-September 2020, the furthest out any airline has made changes yet. The carrier will swap types, reduce frequencies and suspend or delay some routes completely.
Massive cuts, uncertain recovery timelines for aviation in the face of COVID-19
What a week. In the face of the steepest global demand drop airlines have seen in a decade the cuts came, quick and deep. The COVID-19/Coronavirus outbreak will upend commercial aviation this year. The big question now is just how much, and what the longer-term impact will look like.
Bamboo Airways plans Munich expansion for Summer 2020
Passengers between Germany and Vietnam will soon have a new non-stop option. Vietnam’s Bamboo Airways plans to launch service to Munich this summer from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
India gets a 2020 boost to Europe
The international air travel market faces massive challenges in Asia, but that isn’t stopping some airlines from planning long-haul growth, particularly into India. Three announcements this week will bring additional flights from Europe to the sub-continent, with onward connections across the Atlantic.
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines team up for West Coast international alliance
American Airlines and Alaska Airlines are longtime partners. That relationship is set to get a lot deeper as the two establish a “west coast international alliance” with more long-haul lift coming.
American Airlines signs GOL as codeshare partner in South America, expands Miami service
American Airlines and Brazil’s GOL will establish a reciprocal codeshare agreement and frequent flyer program partnership. The deal is expected to open 20 additional South American destinations to the AA network and deliver more that 30 US destinations to the GOL route map. As part of the move American also announced a dozen new flights at its Miami hub, the primary gateway to Latin America.
Air China aims to slash US services
Air China wants to radically alter its route network to the United States. Facing a dramatic drop in traffic, as well as restrictions around passengers who can be admitted to the USA, the carrier is proposing to slash the cities served and the flight frequencies. It also is seeking a rather unconventional overall operational plan.
United Airlines drops Paine Field-San Francisco flights
United Airlines gave the route nearly a year to mature but the numbers never showed up. The San Francisco-Paine Field route will end for the carrier next month.
South African Airways secures funding, cuts lightly loaded flights
Nearly $240 million in bridge funding should help South African Airways continue its operations. But even with that funding the carrier continues to trim some frequencies from its operations.