NewsDelta and WestJet propose joint business for cross-border flightsDelta Air Lines and Canadian low-cost carrier WestJet have reached an agreement to create a joint business on routes between the USA and Canada. The proposed "comprehensive transborder joint venture" would see the carriers coordinate flight schedules, launch new routes and expand an existing codeshare agreement, the carriers say on 6 December.
LinkHawaiian Airlines reports growing traffic, capacityHawaiian Airlines saw an increase in traffic and capacity last month over November 2016, with 1.33 billion revenue passenger miles and 1.55 billion available seat miles reported -- an increase of 6.3% and 6.2%, respectively.
LinkAmerican Airlines expands seasonal Dallas-Myrtle Beach, S.C., serviceAmerican Airlines will expand its seasonal service between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and South Carolina's Myrtle Beach International Airport in 2018, with nonstop Saturday routes starting on April 7.
LinkHawaiian Airlines may offer basic economy classHawaiian Airlines is considering a basic economy seating option, but is mindful of its role in giving travelers with top-notch vacation experiences while providing the perks passengers want when they fly. "We have the right product for this marketplace," said Hawaiian Airlines CEO Mark Dunkerley. "For serving Hawaii ... there is no carrier better positioned than we are."
LinkTravelers give kudos to United's loyalty programUnited Airlines' MileagePlus loyalty program has been named the best in the business by Global Traveler readers for the 14th year in a row. "It is our goal to provide a loyalty program that recognizes and rewards all of our members while offering a breadth of valuable earning and redemption opportunities," said Luc Bondar, vice president of United.
LinkLocal favorite Pita Jungle opens at Phoenix airportPita Jungle, an Arizona-based restaurant and a local favorite in Phoenix, has opened a location in Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
LinkSpirit AeroSystems unveils $1bn Wichita expansionSpirit AeroSystems plans to add 1,000 jobs and invest $1 billion over the next five years in Wichita, Kansas, as the aerostructures firm prepares for rising commercial aircraft production rates and growth in the company’s defence business, which includes a supplier role on the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider.
LinkAirbus attaches first Beluga XL freight doorAirbus has installed the main freight door on the first example of its new Beluga XL outsize transport. The airframer disclosed in September that it had received the door, which has been produced by Stelia Aerospace.
LinkMRJ at midpoint of flight test campaignMitsubishi Aircraft has reached the halfway mark of its MRJ regional jet's flight test campaign, having clocked more than 1,500 flight hours. In response to queries from FlightGlobal, the Japanese manufacturer says that the flight rate at its Moses Lake flight test centre has improved, with less than 1% of scheduled flight tests cancelled due to technical issues.
LinkLevel to use OpenSkies’ French AOCInternational Airlines Group (IAG) long-haul LCC Level will take over the French air operator’s certificate (AOC) of premium carrier OpenSkies, when Level starts operating from Paris Orly in July 2018.
LinkEasyJet to begin Germany flights in JanuaryUK LCC easyJet will launch flights in four German markets in January, as it picks up routes formerly served by now-bankrupt airberlin.
LinkIATA expects solid cargo growth to continue in 2018 The air freight market remains on track for 2018, following the strongest year of growth since the global economic crisis rebound of 2010.
LinkThree US airlines to restrict certain smart luggage from cargo holdsThree US airlines have issued restrictions on certain “smart bags”—recently introduced high-tech luggage powered by lithium batteries—as checked-in baggage. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, Dallas-Fort Worth-based American Airlines and Seattle-based Alaska Airlines, have all released statements prohibiting transport of smart bags with non-removable batteries.
LinkKLM faces cabin crew strike in JanuaryKLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight attendants have called a 24-hour strike on Jan. 8, 2018, as part of a long-running dispute over reduced staff complements on board some intercontinental flights. KLM said it was forced to cut cabin crew numbers by one on its Airbus A330-300s, Boeing 777-200s and 787s as it had been unable to reach agreement with cabin crew unions on required productivity measures.
LinkPrimera Air takes two more Boeing 737 MAX 9sScandinavian leisure carrier Primera Air has ordered two more Boeing 737 MAX 9s, taking the original order signed in May 2017 from eight to 10 aircraft. Primera Air said the amended order will further enhance the carrier’s growth potential with possibilities of adding even more new routes to its already extensive network.
LinkAmerican Airlines to retrofit overhead bins on A321 fleetAmerican Airlines is planning to add extra-large storage bins on the bulk of its in-service Airbus A321s, 202 aircraft in all, and has chosen Airbus’s aftermarket services unit Services by Airbus to perform the retrofit, the Toulouse-based manufacturer said Dec. 6. The Airbus-produced bins, called Airspace XL, will provide 40% more storage space for carry-on bags. Dallas-Fort Worth-based American is Airbus‘ first retrofit customer for the bins.
LinkDHL Express takes delivery of first new A330 converted freighterExpress freight specialist DHL Express has become the first operator to accept an Airbus A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) converted aircraft from Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the joint venture between Singapore-based ST Aerospace and Airbus. DHL Express has ordered eight A330-300P2Fs, with options for a further 10.
LinkCALC takes first A320neo for Frontier AirlinesHong Kong-based lessor China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings (CALC) has accepted its first Airbus A320neo, and handed it over to Denver-based Ultra LCC Frontier Airlines.
LinkATR 72-600 FFS receives EASA certificationThe European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified the ATR 72-600 full-flight simulator (FFS), which was manufactured by TRU Simulation + Training and is based at ATR’s Paris Training Center. “With ATR operators expected to need around 1,000 new pilots per year, the new simulator will increase ATR’s capacity to offer its customers increased pilot training solutions for the market leading aircraft,” ATR said in a statement.
LinkBoeing flies first KC-46A tanker for US Air ForceBoeing’s first KC-46A tanker slated for the US Air Force operational fleet made its maiden flight this week, pushing the aircraft closer to a newly-delayed, 2018 delivery. While Boeing has flown six other test articles, the newest 767-2C-based aircraft will be one of the first 18 inducted into the service next year. The USAF had expected Boeing to deliver the first KC-46 by the end of 2017.
LinkFAA requires mode annunciator for fly-by-wire 525Bell Helicopter’s 525 super-twin will be required to operate with a system that annunciates to the flight crew whether the fly-by-wire system’s flight envelope protections are on or off and other details, the US Federal Aviation Administration says. The new requirement to be published by the FAA on 7 December in the Federal Register reflects the 525 Relentless’ status as the first civil helicopter to enter service featuring a fly-by-wire control system.
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