A review of employment numbers and schedules suggests the airlines are up to 20% less efficient than in 2019 on a per-employee basis.
ULCC
Avelo adds Orlando base, continues expansion
Upstart Avelo Airlines sees big potential in Orlando. The airline will establish a new crew and aircraft base in Central Florida, bringing new competition to the market. Avelo plans for ten destinations served from Orlando by the end of the year.
Play adds Orlando for a winter boost
Iceland’s Play Airlines is ready to stretch the legs on its A321LR fleet. The carrier will offer service between its Keflavik hub and Orlando, Florida starting this winter.
Delta disses discount airlines, pursues premium passengers
Can Delta Air Lines continue to deliver outsized revenue gains in its premium cabins? The carrier appears focused on that segment, especially in the long-haul markets, even as domestic LCC competition heats up.
Baltimore, Boston picked for PLAY’s US debut
Travelers from Baltimore and Boston now have a new option to Europe. Iceland’s PLAY intends to launch both markets in Spring 2022, connecting the US to Europe via its hub at Keflavik.
Flying on Flair: A Canadian ULCC Adventure
What’s the experience like on Flair’s new 737 MAX? Just fine, once you get to that point, though also a bit less than expected.
American takes stake in JetSMART, adding ULCC partner in South America
In yet another sign that US carriers are looking past the pandemic recovery process, American Airlines intends to invest in Chilean ULCC JetSMART, expanding its footprint in South America. JetSMART is a portfolio airline of Indigo Partners.
Virgin Australia to ditch twin-aisle fleet, focus on domestic and regional service
As part of its recapitalization plan Virgin Australia intends to retire its long-haul aircraft. The carrier’s five 777s and six A330s will be removed from service as it invests “in the core Virgin Australia domestic and short-haul international operation.”
Breeze blows inland, slow-rolls launch plans
The newest US airline, Breeze Airways, is taking a delay in its launch plans. The company is also adjusting its fleet plan and service markets in response to changing market dynamics.
Inflight social distancing will kill short-haul LCC travel: IATA
Blocking middle seats or even sitting passengers every other row is not a problem when load factors hover in the mid-teens, occasionally peaking at 30% for an especially busy flight. But if social distancing rules remain in place IATA executives believe the LCC market could collapse as a financially unsustainable endeavor.