Qantas is poised to return to New York City from mid-2023. But rather than connecting in Los Angeles, as was scheduled prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, passengers will now connect in Auckland before the 16 hour trip to JFK.
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American Airlines buys in to Boom, despite significant uncertainties
American Airlines is the second US carrier to sign with Boom Supersonic. The airline plans for 20 Overture deliveries, plus another 40 options.
Breeze adds Phoenix routes, Providence base in refactored growth plan
Phoenix is the latest airport to join the Breeze Airways route map. The carrier will launch twice weekly service from Charleston to Provo via Phoenix on its A220 fleet beginning in November. The new flights are part of a half dozen new routes announced this week, along with another crew base being established.
Delta, United both win access to serve Cape Town this winter
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines spent the past five months bickering over a scarce resource: access to fly from the US to Cape Town South Africa. The US DOT managed to negotiate a solution where both come away winners.
airBaltic bullish on spoke growth
When it comes to creating a new base for an airline choosing a spoke on the network is an uncommon choice. And doubly so when most of the destinations served are hubs of other airlines. But airBaltic likes to do things a bit differently. And CEO Martin Gauss believes the carrier can repeat that model thanks to airline partners and cities keen to grow a far-reaching version of air connectivity.
Cathay Pacific plans a return of JFK-Vancouver flights, with a catch
In late 2019 Cathay Pacific announced plans to halt flying from Hong Kong to JFK via Vancouver. Next month, however, the carrier seems keen to bring back the service, likely driven at least in part by COVID-related policies.
Oman Air to join oneworld alliance
Oneworld will grow once again, with Oman Air now slated to join the alliance from 2024. The carrier’s ascension into the group was formally approved and announced at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Doha this week.
US lifts Trump-era Cuba flight bans
US airlines can, once again, operate commercial flights to nine smaller airports in Cuba. Significant restrictions on charters are also gone. The moves reverse US diplomatic policy from 2019-2020.
Emirates formally launches Premium Economy cabin sales
Emirates is (finally, again) ready to sell its premium economy seats. The carrier now operates six aircraft with the seats on board. That’s enough for the first three routes to launch later this summer, with more to come as further aircraft retrofits occur.
JetBlue furthers Summer route cuts to boost reliability
JetBlue will further trim its Summer 2022 schedule. The carrier plans “further tweaks” to the network, in response to elevated fuel prices and in support of its reliability goals.