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.
ULCC
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.
Wizz Air plans Abu Dhabi expansion
Abu Dhabi is suddenly a hot market for low cost carriers. Wizz Air is the latest player, announcing plans to establish a Middle East-based outpost of its operations in the UAE captial. It expects to launch service in the second half of 2020.
Norwegian Argentina sold to JetSMART Airlines
Citing slipping foreign exchange returns and a general lack of profitablility Norwegian is exiting the Argentinian domestic market. The carrier sold its entire operation to JetSMART, effective immediately.
Allegiant goes Extra with increased legroom option
Want a bit more comfort on your next Allegiant flight? Travelers to and from Los Angeles now have the option to pay up for “Allegiant Extra” on board, offering a number of premium seating benefits, though stopping short of a true premium economy seating product.
Bjørn Kjos retires as CEO of Norwegian
Call it the end of an era. After 17 years in the role Bjørn Kjos, the CEO of Norwegian, will step down from the role with immediate effect.
WOW Air is Dead; Long Live WAB Air
WOW Air is dead. Completely dead. The planes are mostly off flying for other airlines while the true financial impact of the collapse remains u der debate. And yet. Perhaps there is a chance for another life for the flashy, LCC after all?
Getting comfortable with 28" pitch
Is there such a thing as a comfortable airline seat pitched at 28 inches? Scant few passengers would answer that question in the affirmative, but seating manufacturers are getting creative in their efforts to make it at least not miserable.