AirlinesIAG Offers Concessions In Aer Lingus BidIAG has offered concessions in an attempt to win European Union regulatory approval for its planned acquisition of a 25 percent stake in Ireland's Aer Lingus, the European Commission said. IAG wants to expand transatlantic services from Dublin airport where there is spare capacity, unlike London's Heathrow where its biggest unit, British Airways, is based. The Commission said it had extended the deadline for its decision on the bid to July 15 from July 1.
LinkAirAsia Says European Union Ban LiftedThe European Commission has lifted a ban on the Philippine unit of Malaysia's AirAsia offering services to European Union (EU) member countries, an executive of the airline said. The lifting of the ban which was imposed in 2010 comes as a rare spot of good news for the AirAsia group, which is currently under a cloud after a report questioning the Malaysian company's accounts sent its share price tumbling. With the lifting of the ban, the local AirAsia unit could launch a European service in the next three to five years, depending on market demand, director Alfredo Yao said.
LinkAmerican Airlines to offer new food options in first, business class American Airlines first and business class travelers can expect to see major changes in the carrier’s food and beverage programs on the ground and in the air beginning on July 1. The airline held an exclusive event near its headquarters where select media and top-tier customers were given details on the new program, and allowed to sample new food and wine offerings. The program is part of American Airlines’ $2 billion investment in the passenger experience announced in December 2014.
LinkDelta to update Tumi amenity kitsDelta Air Lines will begin offering two different Tumi amenity kits. The kits will be softsided or hardsided depending on the direction of travel, and contain a pair of socks as well as personal hygiene products. Comfort+ passengers may also receive a sleep kit with an eye mask and ear plugs.
LinkHong Kong Rejects Jetstar Operating LicenseHong Kong's Air Transport Licensing Authority has rejected the application by Jetstar Hong Kong Airways to operate scheduled air services from the city. It was about two years after the low-cost carrier, backed by Australia's Qantas, Shanghai-based China Eastern and Shun Tak Holdings, lodged an application for a license.
LinkKuwait Airways receives first A330-200Kuwait Airways has received its first Airbus A330-200, part of a fleet-renewal program which will eventually include the A350 and Boeing 777-300ER. The 212-seat aircraft, MSN1626, has been configured with 17 first-class, 30 business-class and 165 economy seats. Kuwait Airways chair Rasha Al-Roumi says the introduction of the twinjet – which is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines – will generate “unbeatable” operating costs and offer “unrivalled” comfort.
LinkNorwegian to launch US flights to the CaribbeanNorwegian will begin nonstop seasonal service to two French Caribbean islands from the US east coast in December, a move that will see the carrier add Baltimore/Washington and Boston to its network. The carrier will serve both Guadeloupe and Martinique from New York John F Kennedy, Baltimore/Washington and Boston from 3 December. Norwegian will operate thrice weekly to each of the islands from JFK, and twice weekly from both Baltimore/Washington and Boston, all with Boeing 737-800s.
LinkPolice Search Ryanair Jet After Hoax Bomb CallPolish police, acting on a tip-off from a hoax caller, have searched a Ryanair plane for an explosive device but found nothing, police and the airline said. A spokesman for Warsaw police said a 48-year-old man had been detained after the hoax call was traced to his home. "This was an irresponsible prank," the spokesman, Mariusz Mrozek, told Polish broadcaster TVN24.
LinkUnited Airlines to revamp Denver flight training centerUnited Airlines is overhauling its Denver pilot training center. "We will extensively renovate the existing Denver facility to house a premier center that will support our training needs now and into the future," wrote Howard Attarian, United senior vice president of flight operations, in an internal memo.
LinkUnited turns to technology to better sync with customersUnited Airlines is working to improve its digital and mobile services to boost customer engagement and experience. United will work with its partners to form a common data exchange, and seamless digital experience for its customers, according to United's Peter Hammer.
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