A surprise twist in the Hong Kong protests as Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg resigns. Plus RFID for bags, VR for passengers and new aircraft types launching service soon. A busy week with plenty to uncover in this edition of PaxEx Update!
Southwest Airlines
Southwest announces expanded Hawaii service
Southwest is resuming its Hawaii expansion. The carrier will add three more Pacific crossings daily and more than double its inter-island flights beginning in mid-January 2020.
Hints of (maybe, eventually) a new fleet type at Southwest
Southwest Airlines is very happy with the current fleet make-up. The carrier does not want a new type added into the operation. Still, as the company continues contract negotiations with its cabin crew there’s a hint that someone, somewhere is thinking about how to make that change.
Hawaii, Cozumel get the LUV; Newark doesn’t
The 737 MAX grounding will push Southwest Airlines out of Newark. The carrier needs its aircraft in more profitable markets as it shrinks its operations this year.
Global Eagle increases liquidity with debt restructuring
Good news for Global Eagle: The company announced this morning that it has extended its liquidity by $61mm over the next 18 months. But there is almost certainly a little more to the story.
Southwest expands distribution through NDC Exchange
Some Southwest Airlines customers will soon see expanded options when shopping for flights. The carrier announced today that it is joining the NDC Exchange platform, operated by ATPCO and SITA, modernizing the distribution of its air fare data.
Rising rhetoric: An impending union battle for American Airlines
Who wins in a protracted labor battle? That answer is rarely clear, but passengers nearly always lose in the short term. Calls for the “bloodiest” battle ever in the industry by the American Airlines mechanics union are not going to help alleviate those concerns this summer.
Delta moves towards free inflight wifi
Free inflight wifi is set to soar on Delta Air Lines starting next week. The carrier plans a two week trial of the complimentary on approximately 55 flights each day as it studies the cost and value of making the shift.
Seattle’s seemingly insatiable aviation appetite
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is bursting at the seams. Expansion is coming but that is not enough to keep pace with demand for growth in the region. A pair of new flights will help address the challenges.
Is simulator time necessary for updated 737 MAX MCAS training?
The global aviation community has already seen one schism with respect to regulatory views on the 737 MAX. Is another brewing as training requirements are set for the type’s return to service??