AirlinesAlaska Airlines test replaces tickets, IDs with biometricsAn Alaska Airlines pilot program allows 200 selected travelers who regularly fly out of California's Mineta San Jose International Airport to leave their IDs and boarding passes in their bags. Instead, the passengers have their irises or fingerprints scanned at Clear kiosks when they check bags, go through airport security and board their flights.
LinkAmerican Airlines CEO credits employees for record-setting quarterAmerican Airlines has announced its highest quarterly earnings ever, posting $1.7 billion. CEO Doug Parker gave credit to the American Airlines team in his announcement, while noting that American will invest its windfall in a $2 billion stock buyback. "These results are especially remarkable considering the significant and successful work underway to integrate two airlines. The more than 100,000 dedicated team members of American Airlines are doing a phenomenal job and we are grateful for their commitment to our customers," said Parker.
LinkDelta To Buy 3.55 Pct China Eastern StakeDelta Air Lines has agreed to buy a stake of about 3.55 percent in China Eastern Airlines for USD$450 million, the Chinese carrier said. Delta will purchase 465.91 million H-shares of state-owned China Eastern as part of a subscription agreement for HKD$3.489 billion (USD$450.17 million). The two airlines are partners in the SkyTeam alliance and already have a codesharing agreement.
LinkHawaiian Airlines presents The Joy of SakeHawaiian Airlines will be the presenting sponsor of The Joy of Sake when the event comes to Honolulu this year. "We believe that one-of-a-kind events like The Joy of Sake showcase the creativity and energy that keep Hawaii at the top of the list of the world's most appealing destinations," said director of global marketing communications Kevin Yim.
LinkRyanair hikes passenger target but stays cautious on profitBudget carrier Ryanair has turned in a first-quarter profit after tax of €245 million ($271 million), a rise of 25%. The airline generated the surplus on the back of a 10% increase in revenues to €1.65 billion. Although passenger numbers rose by 16%, the carrier says its average fare fell by 4% as a result of the timing of the Easter holiday period, weaker yields in April and fewer checked bags.
LinkTake a look at Southwest's commemorative belt bucklesPreserving culture is a priority for most companies, and Southwest has taken a unique approach. The airline has issued commemorative belt buckles over the years with designs reflecting major moments in the company's history.
LinkThai Airways To Cut Jobs, Stop US FlightsThai Airways plans to cut 1,401 jobs through voluntary retirement this year and suspend its loss-making flights to Los Angeles and Rome as it pushes ahead with a restructuring plan. Thailand's national carrier aims to reduce operating costs and capacity by 20 percent under the two-year plan, which also calls for aircraft sales and a reduction in staffing.
LinkVietJet receives world’s first 230-seat A321Vietnam low-cost carrier VietJet Air has taken delivery of a high-density Airbus A321 aircraft equipped with 230 passenger seats. The airline says this is the first A321 equipped with this seat density. The A321 had previously been restricted to 220 seats and central European budget airline Wizz Air will also be taking the high-density A321 later this year.
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