airBaltic introduces new ticket types

The Latvian national airline airBaltic has introduced new ticket types for both Economy and Business Class.  The carrier now offers Economy Basic, Economy Classic, Economy Flex, Business Experience, and Business.

Gone are the green plus, green classic fare levels and in come a more easily understandable fare structure......

  

	Economy Basic	Economy Classic	Economy Flex	Business Experience	Business
Date change	EUR 50 per direction	EUR 50 per direction	Free	EUR 50 per direction	Free
Refund	Not applicable	Not applicable	EUR 25 per direction or for free if on gift voucher	Not applicable	Free
Name change	EUR 200 per ticket	EUR 200 per ticket	EUR 100 per ticket	EUR 100 per ticket	Free
Cabin baggage	Included	Included	Included	Included	Included
Checked baggage	For purchase	One piece	Two piece	Two piece	Two piece
Priority check-in	For purchase	For purchase	Included	Included	Included
Fast track	For purchase	For purchase	For purchase	Included	Included
Priority boarding	Not included	Not included	Included	Included	Included
Seat reservation	For purchase	Included	Included	Included	Included
Meal	For purchase	For purchase	For purchase	Included	Included

The new Economy Classic, previously known as Green Plus, will continue to include one checked bag and now features the added benefit of free seat reservation. This enhancement allows passengers to select their preferred seats at no extra cost, ensuring a more comfortable journey. Furthermore, this ticket type will now also be available on third-party websites and through travel agencies.

The Economy Flex ticket, formerly known as Green Classic, offers even greater flexibility for travellers. Customers can change their travel dates without a fee or receive a full refund for a EUR 25 fee (per passenger, per direction). Additionally, Economy Flex includes free seat selection, a generous baggage allowance with two checked bags, and priority boarding, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable travel experience.

All Economy Class tickets will continue to include one piece of hand luggage up to eight kilograms, with the option to extend the weight limit to 12 kilograms.

Business Class tickets provide travellers with a full-service experience, featuring priority check-in, front-row seating with extra space, and an extensive baggage allowance for both cabin and checked baggage. Passengers will enjoy three-course gourmet meal and beverages, along with faster disembarkation upon arrival. The Business Experience fare offers a more affordable option with a different ticket policy, while the Business fare includes all the traditional benefits of Business Class travel, including full flexibility, ensuring a premium journey.

Customers who purchased tickets before September 25, 2024, will retain the previous ticket fares along with their original packages and rules.

Many jobs available at airBaltic

SMBC Aviation Capital to lease 20 A321neo aircraft to United

SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world's leading aircraft leasing companies, confirmed that it has signed definitive lease agreements with United Airlines for twenty Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The aircraft, previously announced as part of United’s fleet plan in April, are scheduled to deliver from 2026 and will come from SMBC Aviation Capital’s direct Airbus orderbook.

This deal announcement is in addition to a recently completed 20 aircraft (Boeing 737-8 MAX) sale and leaseback transaction between SMBC Aviation Capital and United Airlines.

“The relationship between SMBC and United has never been stronger and these leases are a meaningful part of our efforts to optimize our balance sheet and to increase our return on capital,” said Michael Leskinen, United’s Chief Financial Officer. “We thank SMBC for its continued support and partnership.”

Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital said:  “These, new, more fuel efficient aircraft will allow United to further grow their fleet and we are delighted to support them in this strategy. These agreements highlight the importance of our long-standing relationship with United and we look forward to many more years of successful partnership.”

 

Hyatt announces plans for the first Andaz Hotel in Australia

Hyatt Hotels has entered into agreements with partners for a new property in Australia, the Andaz Gold Coast will be part of an integrated resort masterplan, The Star Gold Coast will open in mid-2025.

“We are thrilled to announce plans to bring the Andaz brand to Australia’s premier resort destination in collaboration with The Star Gold Coast,” said David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. “Hyatt has had a brand presence in Australia for over 40 years, and we are excited to expand our luxury, lifestyle and leisure offerings into sought-after destinations like the Gold Coast. This resort will complement our current portfolio of 10 hotels under five distinct brands in Australia, including Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Place.”

The Star Gold Coast General Manager of Hotels Steve McPharlin said, “We are delighted to welcome Andaz Gold Coast to our world-class tourism and entertainment precinct. As part of The Star Gold Coast’s AU$2 billion (approximately US$1.33 billion) masterplan, we are proud to continue our investment in this dynamic city while also providing new employment opportunities alongside vibrant hospitality experiences.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released updated Policy and Finance Net Zero Roadmaps

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released updated Policy and Finance Net Zero Roadmaps, containing expanded and deepened analyses, bringing into focus four key conclusions:

•The air transport industry’s energy transition is feasible on the 2050 horizon.

•The amounts of investments needed to make that possible are comparable to those engaged in previous creations of new renewable energy markets.

•Success in the transition depends critically upon policymakers’ unity of purpose.

•The time left for joining forces in air transportation’s energy transition is shrinking by the minute. Every action delayed is an opportunity missed. 

"The updated IATA Policy and Finance Net Zero Roadmaps make it clear that decarbonization by 2050 is possible. They also sound a warning bell that, to achieve this, all stakeholders, particularly policymakers, must collaborate more broadly and act with greater urgency. To be successful, we need clear policy and financial frameworks that will support air transportation’s needs in a way that is realistic and coherent with the massive changes that must take place simultaneously in all economic sectors,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.  

The Policy Roadmap emphasizes the importance of strategic policy sequencing and addresses the need for global collaboration, including beyond the aviation sector. The recommendations recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and policies must ensure that all countries can participate in the future global Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) market.

Highlights include:

•    Immediate Action is needed to unlock the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) and prioritizing SAF in the product mix at refineries.

•    Strategic Policy Sequencing combining technology-push and demand-pull measures will be critical. Moreover, governments must foster global, liquid, and transparent markets for cleaner aviation energy.

American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program

American Airlines and JetSMART announced this week that customers can earn AAdvantage miles when flying on JetSMART-operated flights throughout South America. This is one of many new customer benefits that are part of JetSMART joining American’s award-winning travel rewards program, AAdvantage.

JetSMART customers can join the AAdvantage program for free when purchasing tickets on JetSMART’s website, enabling them to earn miles on both domestic and international flights operated by JetSMART. Later this year, AAdvantage members will also be able to redeem miles for JetSMART-operated flights.

“We are excited to welcome JetSMART and their customers to the AAdvantage program, the most valuable travel rewards program,” said Scott Chandler, American’s Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and Loyalty. “This is a significant milestone in our partnership that offers customers more low fares and more travel options throughout South America.”

The strategic partnership between American and JetSMART launched in 2023 with codeshare itineraries between the United States and Chile and recently expanded to flights in Peru and Argentina. Together, the airlines are creating the broadest network in North and South America, offering more ways for customers to earn and use their miles. The partnership enables American to strengthen and expand its South American network, uniquely providing customers with enhanced travel options and ultra-low fares.

“From the beginning, we have been innovators in South American aviation, offering ultra-low fares and an extensive route network, often connecting cities for the first time. By deepening our partnership with American, we are continuing to make history, furthering our mission of bringing air travel to every corner of the continent. Our customers will now be able to earn miles when they fly on the JetSMART network and connect to American's global network. As the fastest-growing airline in South America, this alliance strengthens our position as we work toward our vision of reaching 100 million passengers and 100 aircraft by 2028," said Estuardo Ortiz, CEO of JetSMART.

Uzbekistan Airways sign lease deal for 2 Airbus A321neo jets

SMBC Aviation Capital has confirmed a new leasing agreement with Uzbekistan Airways for two Airbus A321neo aircraft.  The jets will be delivered during 2026 and will come from SMBC's existing order book with Airbus. 

These Airbus A321neo aircraft are a new aircraft type for Uzbekistan Airways and will allow the airline to expand its routes into Europe and South East Asia. Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airways, said: “Uzbekistan Airways has set an ambitious goal to become a leader in air transportation on Central Asia region. It is planned to constantly expand the route network, increase the number of flights and efficiently operate them on new Airbus A320/A321 NEO family. This type of aircraft will help to provide the necessary conditions for a comfortable flight and exciting journey. We will undoubtedly achieve all these goals thanks to receiving the new aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital.”

Conor Stafford, Head of Airline Marketing, SMBC Aviation Capital said:  “We are delighted to welcome Uzbekistan Airways as a new customer to SMBC Aviation Capital and we look forward to many successful years of partnership together. These new tech, fuel efficient A321 NEO aircraft will support Uzbekistan Airways as they expand their route network through South East Asia and Europe.”

First sustainable aviation fuel arrives at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

The Minnesota SAF Hub announced that the first 7,000-gallon shipment of blended SAF made from Minnesota/North Dakota-grown winter camelina arrived at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport fueling facility. Delta Air Lines has designated flight DL 2732 from Minneapolis to New York on Sept. 25, 2024, as the symbolic first flight to be fueled in part by SAF from MSP Airport.

This SAF is made from the winter camelina plant that produces an oil rich seed, which can be crushed, refined and used to produce SAF. It has one of the lower carbon intensity scores of the many feedstocks being used for SAF production today. Also, it is one of the many feedstocks found in Minnesota that can be used to produce SAF, including corn, soybeans, canola, continuous living cover crops, agricultural biomass, woody biomass, hydrogen, waste oils, fats and more.

On the heels of an earlier announcement of major milestones from the Minnesota SAF Hub, this latest development is a prime example of why the Minnesota SAF Hub’s focus on the entire SAF value chain is so important. For the winter camelina SAF-fueled flight to come to fruition, many stakeholders and partners were involved.

Cargill worked with Minnesota and North Dakota growers last fall to plant 2,000 acres of winter camelina, which was harvested this summer and used as a feedstock for the SAF.

The camelina was processed at Cargill’s West Fargo crush plant and then sent on to Montana Renewables, where it was refined and blended into SAF.

The camelina SAF was sold to Delta and transported by Shell Aviation directly to the MSP Airport fueling facility where it will enter the fuel supply.

Turkish Airlines introduces really really old bread.....

Turkish Airlines Introduces the World’s ‘Oldest Bread’ to Select Business Class Flights

Turkish Airlines, has introduced ‘The Oldest Bread’ to its in-flight service menu, It is made of Einkorn and Emmer Wheats, which are considered to be the oldest types in Anatolia.

The menu item was officially introduced on flight TK3 flying from Istanbul to New York on September 22, 2024. During the flight, the carrier premiered a film which was shot in the Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe, and Euphrates River regions with the support of Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. 

Served heated and in a special bag with butter and olive oil before meal service, the bread will be available for Intercontinental Business Class passengers. Prepared fresh by the airline’s Istanbul-based catering company, Turkish DO&CO, The Oldest Bread received additional consultancy of award-winning Turkish culinary historians Ömür Akkor, and academic Çetin Şenkul.

Hawaiian Airlines offering fast and free Starlink Wi-Fi on its Airbus fleet

Hawaiian Airlines confirmed it is now offering Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi free of charge to guests onboard all Airbus-operated flights between the islands and the continental U.S, Asia and Oceania.

Hawaiian, which became the first major U.S. carrier to debut Starlink in February on its Airbus A321neo aircraft, has now completed Starlink installation across its 24 A330 fleet.

Guests can easily connect to Starlink the moment they step onboard the aircraft – just as they would connect to their home internet, and experience internet at speeds suitable for working, streaming video and gaming.

“Becoming the first major airline to offer travellers Starlink at no cost is a remarkable achievement for our team, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the overwhelmingly positive response from guests who have been enjoying our industry-leading connectivity onboard,” said Evan Nomura, director of inflight entertainment and connectivity and onboard products at Hawaiian Airlines.