OneJet Introduces Service in West Palm Beach with Inaugural Flight from Pittsburgh

                           OneJet, the air transportation network that provides consumers with increased access to nonstop travel in small and medium markets, today introduces non-stop service between Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and West Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) four times weekly.

Flights are available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

PIT to PBI: Departing 11:20 a.m. ET and arriving 1:50 p.m. ET
PBI to PIT: Departing 2:20 p.m. ET and arriving 4:50 p.m. ET

The OneJet Plus service provides a premium service experience onboard retrofitted ERJ 135 aircraft, including pre-assigned seats, extended legroom at every seat, complimentary 4G high-speed Wi-Fi, streaming entertainment gate to gate, and complimentary beer, wine and premium snacks en route.

Azul brings Paris closer than ever

Azul announces today that it will bring Paris - one of the most visited destinations in the world - closer to Brazilians. In partnership with the French carrier Aigle Azur, Azul will market nonstop flights from Sao Paulo - Viracopos (Brazil) to Paris (France) starting in July this year. With unparalleled connectivity at Viracopos airport, the largest domestic hub in Latin America by the number of direct destinations, Azul customers from all over Brazil will benefit from a seamless travel experience to Paris and beyond.

In partnership with the French airline Aigle Azur, 

Sao Paulo-Viracopos will have nonstop flights to Paris

Profits up at Air China

Air China together with its subsidiaries,  today announced its full-year results for the 12 months ended December 31, 2017 

Turnover rose 7.71% year-on-year to RMB124.026 billion
Operating expenses increased 15.02% year-on-year to RMB112.270 billion
Profit before tax increased 12.47% year-on-year to RMB11.486 billion
Net profit increased 11.38% year-on-year to RMB8.631 billion

In 2017, China passenger aviation market continued to show strength in demand and supply while outbound travel demand continued to rise, international traffic grew steadily, and cargo business showed signs of recovery. Efficiency increased steadily against a background of aggressive capacity deployment. The Group has capitalized on market opportunities by prudently expanding its business scale, optimizing efficiency, stabilizing income level and strengthening cost management to reinforce its competitive advantage in the core business. In spite of unfavourable factors such as higher jet fuel prices, the Group has delivered solid results for the Period.

Delta and Korean Air to launch world-class joint venture partnership

Delta Air Lines and Korean Air will launch a new joint venture partnership that will offer customers world-class travel benefits across one of the most comprehensive route networks in the trans-Pacific market.

The joint venture has now been approved by regulatory authorities in the U.S. and Korea, including the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

“This is an exciting time for customers of both Delta and Korean Air as we launch our trans-Pacific partnership,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Our expanded partnership means a host of new destinations and travel options across Asia and North America, with seamless connectivity, world-class reliability and the industry’s best customer service.”

ANA HOLDINGS and Honda Aircraft Company Announce a Strategic Partnership to Expand the Business Jet Market

ANA HOLDINGS INC. and Honda Aircraft Company announced this week that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a strategic partnership supporting the expansion of the business jet market around the globe by using Honda Aircraft's technologically advanced HondaJet.

ANA, ANA HOLDINGS' flagship carrier and the largest airline in Japan, which currently operates about 260 commercial aeroplanes throughout the world, will introduce current business jet users and its commercial flight customers to the HondaJet by maximizing the utilization of the aircraft. ANA will use the HondaJet for its charter and feeder flights connecting them to the existing broad network at major travel hubs in North America and Europe.

Air Canada Appoints Robert Alan Read Vice-President, Airports, for North America

Air Canada President of Passenger Airlines, Benjamin Smith,  announced the appointment of Robert Alan (Al) Read as Vice President, Airports – North America. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Read was Vice President, Operations at Air Canada Rouge. 

Great Lakes Airlines Ends Operations

Great Lakes Airlines, a regional airline, operating domestic scheduled and charter services, announced today that it has discontinued its scheduled passenger flight operations.

After 40 years of servicing regional airports in the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States, Great Lakes Airlines has begun implementing employee layoffs.

The airline, which owns a fleet of aircraft, comprised of 28 Beechcraft 1900Ds and six Embraer 120 Brasilias, hopes to sell its remaining assets to interested parties. Critical staff members needed to support the scheduled airline certificate, repair station certificate, reservation platform and maintain the fleet will be kept onboard until the airline's assets can be sold.

Alaska Airlines and Aer Lingus tie up

Alaska Airlines and Aer Lingus announced a broad partnership that will provide Mileage Plan members more ways to earn and redeem miles to Europe. The carriers will begin interline availability across their respective networks starting in April. Alaska Mileage Plan members will be able to earn and redeem miles on Aer Lingus flights and Aer Lingus AerClub members will also be able to earn and redeem miles on Alaska, starting at a later date.

United Airlines and Air New Zealand Announce New Nonstop Service Between Chicago and Auckland

Air New Zealand announced it will begin new nonstop service between Auckland and Chicago, beginning 30th Nov. 2018. The new service announcement deepens the joint venture relationship between Air New Zealand and United Airlines. In addition to the new route announcement, United announced it will extend its seasonal service between San Francisco and Auckland to year-round beginning April 2019.

Juneyao Airlines Announces Codeshare Partnership with EVA Air

Juneyao Airlines, one of the leading private-owned airlines in mainland China and the first "Connecting Partner" of Star Alliance, has started a codeshare partnership with EVA Air on routes across the Taiwan Straits from March 26, 2018. The codeshare cooperation will bring more travelling choices for passengers flying across the Taiwan Strait and will have a positive impact on the expansion of Juneyao's network in Asia, warming up the relationship between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

Norwegian launches UK’s cheapest nonstop route to Texas

Norwegian, the low-cost airline that feels like anything but a budget carrier is continuing its global expansion today by launching the UK’s first low fare route to Texas, with the only non-stop service from London Gatwick to Austin, Texas. The new route to the US comes just two days after the airline launched the UK’s cheapest nonstop flights to Chicago on 25th March.

Affordable fares from £169 one-way 

on direct London to Austin flights

The new year-round three weekly service from London Gatwick to Austin International Airport breaks the monopoly on direct flights to Austin with fares available from £169 one-way, offering passengers more choice and lower fares.

Music was in the air today at London Gatwick as passengers on the inaugural flight experienced the sounds of Austin before they took off. The Live Music Capital of the World is famed for its live music and to celebrate the first flight from London Gatwick to Austin, passengers enjoyed a live acoustic performance from local Austin artist Julian Acosta on the ground and in the skies before landing in Austin.

Los Angeles can now say Hello Kitty three times a week!

EVA Air is adding its popular Hello Kitty Hand-in-Hand Jet into its Los Angeles schedule from today, Tuesday 27th March. It is using the specially painted plane on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for three of the 21 nonstop flights it operates between Los Angeles and Taipei, Taiwan every week. 

Travellers can learn more about EVA and its Hello Kitty and Sanrio Family jets at http://www.evakitty.com/en/index.html 

From nose to tail of the colourful Boeing 777-300ER, Hello Kitty and Sanrio friends of different colours, shapes and sizes join hands and invite fun and friendship. Among the 19 Sanrio Family characters linking hands with Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel are My Melody, Kuromi, Little Twin Stars, Cinnamoroll, Pompom Purin and Bad Badtz-Maru.

Record pre-tax profit for Fiji Airways

The airline from the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji Airways, announced this week, that it achieved its highest ever pre-tax profit during 2017.   The sunny airline amassed an F$95.8 million profit for the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2017, a 13.4% increase over the previous financial year, prior to taxation.

The figure is the cumulative amount from the entire Fiji Airlines Group which includes Fiji Airways - Fiji's National Airline; its subsidiaries Fiji Link & Pacific Call Comm. Ltd; plus a 38.75% stake in the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island. 

The announcement was made by the Fijian Attorney General and Minister responsible for Civil Aviation, the Honourable Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum from the carriers head office in Nadi.  

Read on for reactions to the record profits and highlights on how the company did over last year.

Big plans for Azul with flights to up to 35 new cities coming soon....

The arrival of air service to a city gets the attention of local business people and entrepreneurs; it also sparks the interest of someone planning a holiday or work trip, and consequently supports and boosts the local economy. With this vision, Azul plans to expand its network by up to 35 new cities in the coming years in various regions of Brazil, as well as to select international destinations.

Planned destinations do not currently have commercial flights; 

new service to stimulate local economy

This Saturday, March 24, the company will debut its newest destinations: Rosario and Cordoba, both in Argentina. The list of potential new cities also includes Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Caruaru, Mossoró, Serra Talhada, Guarapuava, Toledo, Umuarama, Pato Branco, among others. The vast majority of the markets will be served with ATR 72-600 aircraft, which have the capacity for up to 70 passengers and are best suited for short-haul flights. The Company's guidance for 2018 already contemplates the addition of eight to ten new destinations, representing less than 5% of the capacity growth expected for this year.

Hong Kong Airlines Expands North America Network with San Francisco Launch

Hong Kong Airlines celebrated the launch of its new A350 service to San Francisco yesterday. The City by the Bay becomes the airline's third destination in North America, following the successful launch of services to Vancouver and Los Angeles in 2017.

Flight HX060 departed Hong Kong on time at 1303 and touched down at San Francisco International Airport at 1023 local time. Following a celebration event at the boarding gate hosted by Hong Kong Airlines, flight HX061 departed from San Francisco at noon and is scheduled to arrive ahead of time on early Monday evening. To mark this special occasion, Mark Farrell, Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, proclaimed March 25, 2018, as the "Hong Kong Airlines Day in San Francisco."

Boeing Delivers World's First 787-10 Dreamliner to Singapore Airlines

Boeing and Singapore Airlines today celebrated the delivery of the first 787-10 aircraft which is the largest of the Dreamliner family. About 3,000 people marked the milestone at Boeing's facility in North Charleston, South Carolina where the latest 787 model is manufactured.

Ontario welcomes China Airlines Taiwan service

The historic event was more than a year in the making. Local officials visited Taiwan and China Airlines executives visited Ontario. Negotiations were held and information was exchanged. Agreements were signed between airports and local governments. Flight schedules were announced and, when customer demand was even stronger than anticipated, expanded.

China Airlines sees Ontario as 

Southern California's new gateway to Asia

With all the pieces in place, Ontario International Airport (ONT) welcomed the arrival of China Airlines #CI24 from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) yesterday, marking the start of Ontario's first non-stop, transoceanic passenger service.

Boeing, All Nippon Airways Finalize Order for Two 777 Freighters

Boeing and All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced the Japanese carrier has placed a new order for two 777 Freighters valued at $678 million according to list prices.

While ANA is a major operator of the 777 passenger jet, it has grown its cargo operation with the medium-sized 767 Freighter. In adding the 777 Freighter – the world's largest and longest range twin-engine cargo jet – ANA is expanding its cargo capabilities just as the air freight market keeps growing at historically high rates.

Allegiant Celebrates Flying 1,000 Wish Kids through Partnership with Make-A-Wish

Allegiant Travel Company this week celebrated its 1,000th wish flight as a Make-A-Wish travel partner, bringing four-year-old Nicolas Dones IV (known by his nickname, "Cuatro") from McAllen, Texas to Las Vegas on March 21 for Monster Jam World Finals XIX. This wish kid, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2014, was celebrated with surprises on both ends of his flight, as well as in the air.

Norwegian launches UK’s cheapest direct flights to Chicago from £140

Global expansion continues with airline’s 

first route to the US Midwest

The incredibly popular and friendly airline - Norwegian, voted ‘World’s Best Low-Cost Long Haul Airline’, will commence the UK’s cheapest direct flights to Chicago this weekend from £139.90 one way available to book now at www.norwegian.com/uk

From 25th March, Norwegian will commence a daily nonstop service from London Gatwick Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport – the airline’s first and only route to Chicago on its global network.

Finnair selected as Best European Airline

Finnair has been selected as the Best European Airline for the third year in a row at the TTG China Travel Awards, one of the most influential travel industry awards in Greater China. TTG China has been recognizing Greater China’s best companies in the travel industry, including airlines, hotels and resorts, serviced residences and travel services since 2008. The selection is done by travel industry professionals.  

“It is a great honour to receive this prestigious award, and I would like to thank all our customers and partners for the recognition and support. Finnair was the first European airline to open direct flights to Beijing in 1988, and this year we are proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of serving the Chinese market,” says Juha Järvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Finnair. “China is a key market for Finnair and we are committed to offer more choices and localized services for our Chinese customers.” 

Finnair connects seven cities in Greater China – Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Nanjing and Hong Kong - to over 100 destinations in Europe via its Helsinki hub. 

Air Tahiti Nui Introduces New Tahitian Dreamliners for Worldwide Distribution and Sales

                              Air Tahiti Nui introduced its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner cabin layout in the Global Distribution System (GDS) for worldwide distribution and sales. In 2015, the flag carrier of French Polynesia finalized a purchase order for two 787-9 Dreamliners and the lease of two additional 787-9s through Air Lease Corporation. The new "Tahitian Dreamliner" will be available starting November 2018 on its first flights between Tahiti and Auckland, New Zealand.

The phasing out of Air Tahiti Nui's current Airbus A340-300 fleet will commence in November 2018 and be completed by September 2019, coinciding with the airline's 20th anniversary.

Billy Bishop Airport Named One of North America's Best at the Skytrax World Airport Awards

Last night, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport was named one of North America's best airports at the Skytrax World Airport Awards, which are voted on by air travellers in the largest annual global airport customer satisfaction survey. Billy Bishop Airport was ranked the tenth best regional airport in North America, and also ranked the tenth best airport globally in the under 5 million passenger category.

Chris Cosentino in culinary collaboration with Hong Kong Airlines

Hong Kong Airlines has announced a new culinary collaboration with San Francisco-based celebrity chef and television personality Chris Cosentino before its inaugural flight to San Francisco. Chef Cosentino is known for his San Francisco restaurant, Cockscomb, where he reinterprets classic San Francisco dishes by adding his own unique twist. He is also known as the winner of Top Chef Masters, a contestant on The Next Iron Chef and his appearance on Iron Chef America in addition to his extensive work raising awareness and funds for Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry, a national charity fighting to end childhood hunger.

Hainan Airlines Launches Shenzhen-Brussels and Shenzhen-Madrid Nonstop Services

Hainan Airlines launched nonstop service between Shenzhen and Brussels on March 20 then followed up with the rollout of a similar service between Shenzhen and Madrid on March 22. Following the success of the Beijing-Brussels and Shanghai (Pudong)-Brussels services, the Shenzhen-Brussels service is Hainan Airlines' third direct flight service to the Belgian capital while the Shenzhen-Madrid service is the airline's first direct international route between mainland China and Spain. The launch of the two services, which further complement Hainan Airlines' European route network, will allow both China and Europe to benefit from the Chinese government's One Belt, One Road initiative and provide more convenience for passengers travelling between China and Belgium, Spain and other European countries.

Boeing, SkyUp Airlines Finalize Order for Five 737 MAX Airplanes

Boeing and SkyUp Airlines announced they have finalized a firm order for five 737 MAX airplanes valued at $624 million at list prices. The order includes two 737 MAX 8 and three 737 МАХ 10 jets.     

                                                                                                  

“Distinctive dispatch reliability, low operational costs and passenger comfort were the main factors for choosing the 737 MAX,” said Eugeny Khainatsky, General Director of SkyUp Airlines. “We are confident that this purchase will give us a competitive advantage thanks to the unparalleled performance of the Boeing 737 MAX family, and the MAX 10’s unbeatably low cost per seat mile.”

SkyUp, based in Kiev, is a new airline that plans to begin charter operations in April with leased Next-Generation 737 airplanes. The airline is ordering the MAX airplanes to meet future demand in the Ukrainian market. 

SkyUp becomes 95th MAX customer, and first in Eastern Europe to order the MAX 10 model

Virgin Atlantic blames Brexit for loss and only survived because of Delta deal

The boss of struggling Virgin Atlantic blames Brexit for the carriers £28.4 million loss and its deal with Delta saved the compancy from bankruptcy.

In 2016 the Virgin Group scored a profit of £23 million, yet despite an ijection of capital from Virgin Holidays of £15.5 million the airline still managed to fall into the red to the tune of £28.4 million.

Craig Kreeger, Virgin Atlantic's Chief Executive Officer said: “There were three big external issues that we had to deal with in 2017: the full-year impact of a weak sterling relative to the dollar, an industry-wide engine supply issue and severe hurricane disruption in the Caribbean and US.”

The airline blames a 7% fall in the value of the pound following the Brexit vote as one of the main reasons for the loss. Tom Mackay said this year - 2018 would also be “challenging” for the company and declined to comment on the groups viability saying there is “uncertainty in the leisure sector”. Adding “I don’t believe consumer confidence has significantly recovered,” 

Boeing Delivers First 737 MAX 9 to Lion Air

The American aircraft maker Boeing and the Lion Air Group today celebrated the very first 737 MAX 9 to be delivered. The airplane will go into service with Thai Lion Air, where its added capacity will help the airline launch several international routes.

Chorus Aviation Announces Leasing Transaction with CityJet

Chorus Aviation Inc. announced today the acquisition of two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft for lease to CityJet of Dublin, Ireland. The aircraft were purchased from CityJet pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction. These aircraft are two years old and constitute incremental additions to Chorus Aviation Capital's growing regional aircraft fleet.

OneJet starts twice daily flights between Kansas City and Pittsburgh

 OneJet, the air transportation network that provides consumers with increased access to nonstop travel in small and medium markets, today inaugurated nonstop service between Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT).

OneJet will now offer twice-daily round-trip flights between Kansas City International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport.

Adopt-a-Pet.com Urges United Airlines to Accept Offer of Aid in Pet Safety Education

Following the third major pet incident on United Airlines in merely a week, Adopt-a-Pet.com has announced an offer to the airline to aid in educating employees on implementing best practices in humane travel for companion animals. The proposal comes on the heels of a turbulent week for pets flying the airline, with dogs in two separate incidents ending up in the wrong destination and one beloved family dog died as the result of a flight attendant insisting his carrier be put in the overhead compartment.

Norwegian updates market and raises new equity

The company will shortly announce a contemplated private placement of shares with gross proceeds of up to NOK 1,300 million by issuing new ordinary shares in the Company.In connection with the contemplated private placement, Norwegian is providing the following update to the market. Additional capital will boost competitiveness and protect existing and future investments in a market characterized by higher oil prices and fluctuating currencies. The company is now positioning itself for the final stages of a strong growth period that has lasted for several years and will reach its peak by the second quarter of 2018.

Lauda sells Laudamotion to Ryanair - slowly!

Things are moving fast at Laudamotion, not least its shares, hardly a week after publically launching the airline founded by Niki Lauda is selling out to Ryanair.

The Irish low-cost high-fee budget carrier has entered into a binding agreement to take an initial 24.9 percent stake in the Austrian airline born from the ashes of carrier NIKI that went down with the airberlin collapse.

With the new deal, Ryanair will provide start-up capital and lease six aircraft to Laudamotion to take their fleet to 21 and vastly increase the pace of development. Within the year Ryanair will increase its investment in Laudamotion to 75 percent.

Initially, Niki Lauda will chair the Board of the airline and oversee the implementation of his strategy to build a successful Austrian low fares airline but will step away from the airline towards the end of 2019.

Data Breach at Expedia's Orbitz

Hackers may have accessed the personal information of about 880,000 payment cards from customers of Orbitz, a subsidiary of Expedia.

The company said an investigation had shown that the security breach may have occurred between 1st Jan 2016 and 22nd Dec 2017 for its partner platform and between 1st Jan 2016 and 22nd June 2016 for its consumer platform.

It is unclear exactly which information such as names, phone numbers, email and billing addresses may have been accessed or potentially stolen the travel website operator advised. They also said its website, Orbitz.com, was not impacted.

“To date, we do not have direct evidence that this personal information was actually taken from the platform and there has been no evidence of access to other types of personal information, including passport and travel itinerary information,” the company claimed.

Finnair is more important for Finland than the company’s size indicates says boss Jouko Karvinen

Jouko Karvinen, Chairman of the Board of Finnair, emphasized in his opening words the role of Finnair personnel and the right strategy as key enablers of Finnair’s successful year 2017: I would like to thank all of our 12 million customers, the entire Finnair team and our shareholders for our excellent year 2017

Jouko Karvinen, Chairman of the Board of Finnair: 

Finnair is more important for Finland than the company’s size indicates

CEP Pekka Vauramo: 

Growth continues. Together we can build a successful travel ecosystem in Finland