Developments for Dallas Fort Worth

Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport today received a Letter of Intent from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) committing up to $180 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant funding for two end-around taxiway systems. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao delivered the Letter of Intent to the Airport in person, underscoring the importance of investing in airport infrastructure.

Second-quarter results for Allegiant

Allegiant Travel Company has reported the following financial results for the second quarter 2018, as well as comparisons to the prior year:

flydubai to take over Emirates Zagreb route

The News from the UAE is that Emirates and flydubai have agreed that from 2nd December this year, flydubai will take over the Dubai and Zagreb, Croatia for the winter 2018/19.

Between 2nd December and 30th March 2019 flydubai will operate the route with its new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which offers customers an enhanced travel experience including lie-flat seats in Business Class, the latest Economy Class seating, in-flight entertainment via HD touchscreens and Boeing’s innovative Sky Interior throughout the cabin.

During this period, flight FZ1793 will depart from Dubai at 10:00 and arrive in Zagreb at 13:15 local time. The return flight FZ1794 will depart from Zagreb at 14:30 and arrive in Dubai at 23:00.

Second quarter profits for Southwest

The US low-cost carrier Southwest reported its second quarter 2018 results this week which showed the airline rake in a net income of $733 million and second-quarter record earnings per diluted share of $1.27.

Aeromexico Q2 results

Grupo Aeromexico reported its unaudited consolidated results for the second quarter 2018 earlier this week, which showed Aeromexico's second quarter 2018 revenue reached $17.3 billion pesos, a 19.1% year-on-year increase.

Spirit Airlines second-quarter results.

Spirit Airlines, reported second-quarter 2018 financial results this week, showing its GAAP net income for the second quarter 2018 was $11.3 million.

“Our team delivered excellent operational performance during the second quarter 2018, achieving a DOT on-time performance of 79.6 percent - the best second quarter performance in our Company’s history.  Despite paying materially higher fuel prices, our second quarter earnings results exceeded our expectations due to strong ancillary revenue production and better-than-expected cost performance,” said Robert Fornaro, Spirit’s Chief Executive Officer.  "Our commitment to grow ancillary revenue, deliver excellent operational reliability, and improving our overall guest experience while maintaining our low-cost structure positions us well to drive returns for our shareholders."

easyJet launches first flight to Bordeaux as first of four new routes take off from London Southend Airport

The low-cost airline easyJet has launched its first flight from London Southend Airport to Bordeaux in South West France earlier this week.

The first flight took off on Wednesday 25th July and is the first of four to launch this summer from Southend and will be supported by the arrival of a new aircraft at the airport. 

The new Bordeaux service will operate three times a week, as well as Wednesday's it will also fly on Wednesday's and Friday's. The airline is also set to launch new routes from Southend to Prague, Pula and Dubrovnik. The budget airline operates to 20 destinations from London Southend. 

Sophie Dekkers, easyJet’s Director of UK Market, said,  “We are absolutely delighted to be celebrating further expansion at London Southend Airport and it’s great to announce the inaugural flight to Bordeaux – one that is expected to be popular with those looking for a short break, second homeowners and as a region famed for its wine-growing, wine connoisseurs."

More flying for United says Trans State Ailines

Photo Trans State Airlines

Trans States Airlines announced today that it has entered into a three-year agreement with United Airlines to operate at least seven additional Embraer 145 aircraft under the United Express regional service brand.  The additional aircraft are the beginning of a long-term commitment to growing the airline's United Express program. The first seven aircraft will be phased into revenue service starting in October of this year, with all aircraft in service by January of 2019. 

Bag changes for American Airlines basic economy fares

American Airlines will be making a significant change to its carry on bag policy for those passengers buying its low-cost-carrier type 'Basic Economy Fare' from 5th September this year. From that date, passengers will be able to take both a personal item and a carry-on bag like other Main Cabin fares.

American Airlines says its basic economy fare level is working well as those taking advantage of the low fares designed to compete with no-frills carriers get a great low fare, whilst still experiencing American’s vast network, better product and service. Removing the carry-on bag restriction will make our short-haul Basic Economy fares even more competitive with airlines that include a carry-on bag in their lowest fares.

KLM to start Amsterdam - Boston service

KLM Royal Dutch Airline has confirmed it will begin operating flights to the US city of Boston States from the start of the 2019 summer.

KLM will be flying an Airbus A330-300 three times a week between Amsterdam and Boston with seats for 292 people.  "By adding a direct KLM service, we offer our customers more options for travel between Amsterdam and Boston, in partnership with Delta Air Lines. Boston is the 17th North-Atlantic destination served directly by KLM." Said President & CEO of KLM Pieter Elbers.

From 31 March 2019, KLM will begin operating flights between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Boston on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The Airbus A330-300 flights will have 30 seats in World Business Class, 40 seats in Economy Comfort Class and 222 seats in Economy Class. From 1 July 2019, a fourth weekly flight will be operated on Mondays.

The departure and arrival times are as follows:

KL0617 departs from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol at 17.00 CET, arriving in Boston at 18.30 local time.
KL0618 departs from Boston at 22.00 local time, arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol the following day at 10.35 CET.

American Airlines Results

American Airlines reported its second-quarter results a little earlier this week, the company highlighted these news stories. 

• Reported a second-quarter 2018 pre-tax profit of $769 million, or $1.0 billion excluding net special items¹, and a second-quarter net profit of $566 million, or $757 million excluding net special items
  Second-quarter 2018 earnings were $1.22 per diluted share or $1.63 per diluted share excluding net special items
• Returned $396 million to shareholders, including the repurchase of 8.2 million shares and dividend payments of $46 million
• Announced changes to Basic Economy so that beginning on September 5, it will include both a personal item and a carry-on bag like other Main Cabin fares
• Announced deferral of 22 Airbus A321neo deliveries from 2019, 2020 and 2021, lowering aircraft capital expenditures for those  years

SkyWest to start new services from Prescott, Arizona

SkyWest under the United Express brand will be operating two new scheduled services from late-August, one between Denver and Prescott and the other Arizona and Los Angeles and Prescott.

The new services will both start on 29th August 2018, with the Denver -Prescott a daily operating whilst the service from Los Angeles will fly 6 times a week. Both are scheduled to be one one of SkyWest's CRJ200 aircraft with 50 seats. 

Denver – Prescott
UA5159 Denver       1230      Prescott     1317
UA5158 Prestcott     0903      Denver      1145

Los Angeles – Prescott
UA5161 Los Angeles    2015     Prescott         2131
UA5160 Prescott           1350     Los Angeles  1512

SkyWest Q2 Results

SkyWest, reported financial and operating results for Q2 2018, this week, showing a net income of $76 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, compared to net income of $50 million, or $0.95 per diluted share for Q2 2017.  Q2 2018 pre-tax income of $98 million increased 21% from Q2 2017 and was primarily due to SkyWest's ongoing fleet transition. Since Q2 2017, SkyWest added 23 new E175 aircraft and removed 34 CRJ700/CRJ900 aircraft and 32 CRJ200/ERJ145 aircraft.

Second Miami - Havana flight for Delta Air Lines

Havana, Cuba will see another flight from Trump supporting Delta Air Lines from 28th October as the carrier introduces a second nonstop flight from Miami’s International Airport.

Delta advises they will put an Airbus A320 on this new service operating five times a week, “Because Miami is an important market for Delta we want to offer more options to our customers,” said Luciano Macagno, Delta’s Managing Director — Latin America and the Caribbean. “The new flight provides our customers with an evening departure from both points in addition to the current morning flight out of Miami and Havana, where we are about to mark our second year of renewed service"

The Delta Airbus is configured with 16 seats in First Class, 18 in Delta Comfort+ and 123 in Main Cabin. The schedule for the new flight will depart Miami at 1950 arriving Havana at 2100 and the return departs the Cuban capital at 2200 to arrive back in Miami at 2305. 

easyJet partnership with AirPortr

 easyJet has launched a partnership AirPortr, at London Gatwick, the luggage pick up and drop off service, which should allow people to check their luggage online and then have it collected from their doorstep.

Norwegian Sunshine Sale to Florida

The popular low-cost long-haul airline Norwegian have released a limited number of seats on sale at £146.60, up to 50% off net fares,  from London Gatwick to Florida.

Passengers can fly non-stop from London to Fort Lauderdale /Miami and Orlando during September and October and extend summer heatwave. To get the low fare deal of £146.60 one way, bookings need to be made by30 July 2018 22:59 BST and travel between 01st Sept to 31st Oct 22.59 and use the code SUNSHINE. Ful details are listed on the Norwegian website, but space is limited. 

The Sunshine is currently hotter here in the UK than it is in Florida, though, ever so slightly, with the temperature around 33.9c recorded in Charlwood in Surrey this lunchtime, compared to the 29c currently in Fort Lauderdale, although even at the 1pm forecast, the temperature there is likely to rise to 32c still not as hot as the UK's hottest day of the year here so far!  

Ryanair break EU law by refusing passengers compensation over strike hit flights

The low-fare high-fee budget airline Ryanair is ready to break EU law by refusing to pay compensation to over 100,000 passengers that have seen flights cancelled and disrupted by strike action by pilots and cabin crew.

Under EU regulations passengers who are affected by those cancellations are due compensation payments of  €250 / £222 for flights that are cancelled inside a 14 day notice period, in addition, they are also entitled to a full refund or new flights. 

Under the law, there are some exceptions for the payment of compensation in terms of 'extraordinary circumstances' beyond the carrier's control which includes things like tornados and strikes by air traffic controllers and ground companies or handlers.  Ryanair is attempting to use this clause to refuse claims of compensation,  a spokesperson for the airline stated, "Ryanair fully complies with all EU261 legislation, however as these flight cancellations were caused by extraordinary circumstances, no compensation is due. Under EU261 legislation, no compensation is payable when the union is acting unreasonably and totally beyond the airline's control."

We spoke to two legal representatives, one from the UK and one from France to enquire if Ryanair could use this excuse to not pay passengers that have had flights cancelled within 14 days of departure, both were in agreement that it could not, employee relations is within the airline control they told us.  This advice chimes with the Civil Aviation Authority, which is also adamant that Ryanair is legally required to pay the compensations to the affected passengers, stating that the strikes by Ryanair's cabin crew did not qualify as an 'extraordinary circumstance' because it was within the airline's control.

New Heathrow to Pittsburgh service for British Airways

British Airways plan to introduce a direct scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Pennsylvanian city of Pittsburgh.

The new year-round flight is scheduled to start on 2nd April 2019 and will initially operate 4 times each week and will be served by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Director of Network and Alliances, said: “We are extremely pleased to be adding Pittsburgh to our global network of over 250 destinations. With the roll-out of WiFi on our long-haul flights and the ongoing investment we’re making in the customer experience on the ground and in the air, we’re proud to be flying the flag for high-quality transatlantic travel.”

The new flights will run on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with the BA0171 departing from London Heathrow at 5.00pm and landing into Pittsburgh at 8.15pm, while the BA0170 will leave Pittsburgh at 9.50pm, arriving into London at 10.25am the following day.

The usual configuration for British Airways Boeing 787-8's include 35 seats in Club World, 25 seats in the premium economy World Traveller Plus cabin and 154 in the standard economy World Traveller cabin.

Deceased baby found in toilet of Air Asia India aircraft

Shocking news emerging from India where a dead baby has been found left abandoned in the toilet of an Air Asia India jet on Wednesday.

The flight from the eastern city of Guwahati was heading to New Delhi and the crew were getting the aircraft ready for its arrival when they made the gruesome lifeless discovery.  It is believed the deceased baby had only recently been born and according to local police, a woman who was suspected to have given birth onboard the flight has been taken into custody for questioning. 

Air Asia India confirmed the incident had taken place and said it had informed the country’s aviation authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, assuring “We will be assisting in the investigation and cooperating with all concerned agencies.”

Bird strike causes emergency diversion for Allegiant Airlines A320

An Allegiant Airlines Airbus A320 registration N222NV had to make an emergency landing at Orlando's Sanford International Airport following a birdstrike cause engine malfunctions earlier today.

The aircraft was operating flight G4 1592 and departed Punta Gorda at 0640 this monring and was scheduled to arrive in Milwaukee at 0819, but had to divert following the ingestion of the bird. 

According to local media, there are no reports of any injuries to passengers on the flight and bird remains were found in one of the engines.

Poor preflight checks caused Malaysia Airlines flight to depart with covered pitot tubes.

A Malaysian Airlines Airbus A330 departed Brisbane Airport in Australia at 23.18 on the 18th of July this year, yet as the aircraft climbed away from the airport, the crew couldn't tell how fast the aircraft was going.

The flight deck crew were alarmed and declared a 'Pan Pan Pan' alert advising air traffic control that they had an issue. It appeared to them that all the airspeed indicators had failed during the take-off phase of the flight. The crew decided to return to Brisbane airport but first jettisoned some fuel to lighten the aircraft to a safe landing weight.

There were 226 passengers on the aircraft, 9M-MTK, who had been hoping to go to Kuala Lumpur as scheduled but were told they were returning to Brisbane. The aircraft made a safe, but heavy fast landing at Brisbane and passengers were able to disembark the aircraft.

Level has a new boss

Level, the new low-cost airline from the owners of British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus has appointed the former Flybe chief strategy officer Vincent Hodder as its first chief executive officer.

Level said Mr Hodder had extensive experience in the aviation industry and an in-depth understanding of the low-cost business model, they expect him to continue to build Level's positive momentum.

Vincent Hodder has previously been at Viva Aerobus and Jetstar, he also spent three years at Bain & Co where he worked for airline clients in Australia and South Africa. Hodder holds a BA in Commerce and an MBA from Melbourne Business School, University of Melbourne and will take up his new role in September this year.  

America's top three airlines cave to China's rule

United changed its site

The top three US airlines have all caved in to Chinese pressure and dropped all mention of Taiwan from its booking sites.

The Chinese government has warned of sanctions, fines or the inability to do business in China if airlines didn't remove any mention of Taiwan from airlines sites around the world.  It had set a deadline of today 25th July for all airlines to comply or risk not being able to fly to China. 

The Taiwan issue is a sensitive one, China see's it as a wayward state or province of China, whilst others view Taiwan as a self-governing independent state, a country in its own right.  Earlier this year, Chinese authorities demanded that airlines in particular, not refer to Taiwan as a non-Chinese territory on their websites. 

Wizz celebrates Varna success and complain to the EU over French ATC strikes.

Wizz Air, Bulgaria’s largest airline and the largest low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, recently celebrated its first year of operations at its Varna base, which also saw the airline carry more than a million passengers to and from the beautiful black sea resort. 

The Varna base employes more than 40 direct jobs, and scores of others indirectly that support the growing route network, which currently amounts to 9 routes, in 8 countries and 29 weekly flights.  Wizz Air started its operations in Bulgaria 13 years ago and since then, has continuously invested in its ever-growing network. Wizz Air, Bulgaria’s leading airline has 8 based aircraft in the country, one in Varna and seven in Sofia. 

Owain Jones, Chief Corporate Officer of Wizz Air, said, "Varna is a special city for me.  I was here to announce our base in 2016, I was here to celebrate the opening of the base in 2017 and now today I’m delighted to be with the Varna team as we celebrate one year of operations of our Varna base as well as carrying more than 1 million customers to and from the city." 

Ryanair bully Irish staff again - threatening to relocate planes away from bases where staff take strike action

The Irish based Ryanair has made another bold move to bully its staff into accepting a deal in a  series of disputes over pay and conditions.

The airline is threatening to axe more than 300 cabin crew and pilot jobs from its main Irish base in the dispute that has been dragging on for months. The low-cost high-fee airline has already said it will cut the number of aircraft in Dublin from 30 to 24 for this coming winter season. The budget airline, whose boss Michael O'Leary thinks pilots are just glorified bus drivers, has already issued the mandatory 90-day consultation redundancy notice to 100 pilots and over 200 cabin crew, saying they won't be required after the end of October. 

Passenger numbers continuing to rise at Ontario International Airport.

That lovely Southern Californian international airport of Ontario have reported that more than 2.4 million passengers travelled through its doors during the first six months of 2018. That's an increase of more than 11% over the same period last year!

From January through June, total passenger volume rose to 2,435,043, 11.6% more than the first half of 2017. Of those, more than 2,340,000 were domestic travelers and over 94,000 were from international points.

Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines now form a single joint venture

Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines announced in Amsterdam recently, the merger of their existing joint venture agreements. The aim is to create even stronger links between the partners and offer customers smoother, seamless travel solutions.

By connecting the four airlines’ networks, the joint venture offers customers a wide choice of destinations connecting Europe (Paris and Amsterdam) to China (Beijing*, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Xiamen). Transfer and connection times are also optimized.

A European carrier will be the first to lease Hi Fly's A380

It didn't take the team at Hi Fly long to find a carrier wishing to lease the shiny colourful A380 the wet lease specialists recently added to its all Airbus fleet.  Indeed, less than 24 hours after the presentation of the Airbus A380 to the industry at the Farnborough International Airshow and the start of related marketing activities, Hi Fly has agreed its first wet lease contract for the A380 with an undisclosed, but well established European Carrier. 

There is no indication on the which airline has snapped up the first lease for the double-decked beauty, complete with its beautiful new paint job. All we know at this stage is that aircraft will be flying long-haul sectors during the summer period with possible extension into winter. Hi Fly also remain tight-lipped as to which direction those long-haul flights would be operating in from Europe, would it be transatlantic or the Far East? However, one aviation correspondent told us she thinks the first client for Hi Fly's A380 is Norweigan!

Heathrow's Expansion is going backwards.....

If you thought the government giving the go-ahead for the third runway at London Heathrow was the final say on the matter before construction would start, then you'll be sorely disappointed.  Five London boroughs are joining forces to call for a judicial review of the government's approval of the scheme that would greatly increase the airports already maxed-out capacity. 

Hammersmith, Fulham, Wandsworth, Hillingdon and Richmond and the leading voices in the review demands. They've already advised the Department for Transport (DfT) of their intention to take legal action. Plus they are supported by the council for neighbouring Windsor & Maidenhead, the constituency of one Mrs T May! 

WestJet pulling out of Sudbury

WestJet has decided to call a halt to its Toronto - Sudbury service with effect from 27th October this year, citing poor performance. 

The service is currently operated under the WestJet Encore brand on Bombardier Q400 aircraft three times a day, the airline has confirmed it will axe all three flights. 

Both Air Canada and Porter will continue to operate flights between Sudbury and Toronto's airports of Pearson and Billy Bishop, respectively. Although Air Canada may now reverse its proposed plan to reduce services to one a day from the end of March next year in light of WestJet's decision.

Greater Sudbury Airport thinks it is unfortunate that WestJet were dropping the service, "Our team intends on working together to mitigate any negative impacts this may have over the next few months” said Greater Sudbury Airport CEO, Todd Tripp. "We are committed to servicing our community, and ensuring this transition period it is as smooth as possible.”

Cash strapped MoD to sell off the home of the Red Arrows-

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed today that the home of the RAF's premier aerobatic display team, The Red Arrows is to be sold off by 2022.

 RAF Scampton is where the world-famous display team is based, which will be closed in 2022 and sold off as the MoD needs to make savings of at least £3billion by the year 2040.  RAF Scampton has a long and illustrious history, not only being the UK base of the Red Arrows, it was also home to 617 Squadron as they prepared for the daring Dambusters raid during World War II. It was also a home for the famous Vulcan bombers at the height of the cold war. Currently, around six hundred people work at RAF Scampton, however, as that number is made up of service personnel, civilian contractors and civil servants, undoubtedly there will be jobs losses. The MoD has so far refused to say how many jobs would be axed due to the spending cuts. 

The MoD has also confirmed the RAF is already looking for a new home for The Red Arrows, however, the future for the display team beyond 2022 is in doubt. One option that is being considered, we have been told, is relocating the team to its winter practice base in Cyprus on a year-round basis. 

Hopping over to Hong Kong on a roo.......

The leading Australian airline, Qantas, has said it will deploy its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on routes to Hong Kong from December this year.

Brisbane to Hong Kong from 19 December 2018
Melbourne to Hong Kong between 13 December 2018 until 29 March 2019
Sydney to Hong Kong from 30 March 2019.

The changes are timed with the arrival of Qantas’ eighth Dreamliner and will join the national carrier’s A330 and A380 aircraft that also fly to Hong Kong.

Swoop releases domestic winter schedule

One of the newest Canadian airlines, Swoop, has released its domestic winter schedule this week as well as welcoming its third aircraft.

The new aircrafts inaugural flight will be from Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) to Edmonton International Airport (YEG), departing 25th July 2018 at 7.10am Service between Edmonton, AB and Abbotsford, BC will be offered three-times daily.

Swoop started its flying operations on 30th June 2018 and seems to be bedding in well with the Canadian public with regularly full flights. "Swoop has been endorsed by Canadian travellers in the way that matters most, they are buying seats," said Michael Claeren, Senior Leader of Revenue and Pricing. "With strong sales going into the fall and full aircraft throughout the summer, we are proud to offer non-stop ultra-low-cost flight options from coast-to-coast."

American Airlines, TSA Testing New State-of-the-Art Screening Technology in New York

 The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), working collaboratively with American Airlines, is demonstrating a new computed tomography (CT) scanner at the Terminal 8 security checkpoint at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Research and development efforts have shown that CT

 is the most consequential technology available today for airport checkpoints worldwide.

State-of-the-art CT checkpoint technology is an enhancement to today’s two-dimensional (2-D) X-ray technology platforms scanning equipment, which is used at the majority of security checkpoints worldwide. Because CT technology is three dimensional (3-D), this new checkpoint technology has the potential to provide better visibility and allow the operator to rotate the bag’s image 360 degrees to show the contents of carry-on items at every angle. CT provides the capability to virtually see beyond unwanted clutter and greatly enhances the ability to visually inspect the contents of carry-on bags for explosives and other prohibited items.

Icelandair introduce 'Customer Experience' division during structural review.

Icelandair is introducing a whole new division, 'Customer Experience' which will assume responsibility for all aspects of the company's operations relating to customers, as it undergoes a major restructuring. 

Birna Ósk Einarsdóttir, will lead the new division which among other things will be responsible for on-board services, frontline services, the customer loyalty programme, ancillary revenue and product development.

10 Ways to Improve The Customer Journey

The operations of Icelandair’s Sales and Marketing division and Icelandair Cargo will be lead by the Chief Commercial Officer. Gunnar Már Sigurfinnsson, who has been MD of Icelandair Cargo for the last ten years. He served as SVP of Sales and Marketing at Icelandair from 2005-2008. Following the changes, Sales and Marketing will assume responsibility for the Company’s sales in all markets, marketing affairs, revenue control, pricing, route network and distribution.

Icelandair Group CEO Björgólfur Jóhannsson said, “We have in recent months been working on an extensive analysis of the Company’s business, its strategy and future focus. A large group has been involved in this work over the past months, including some 600 employees of the Company. The changes we are making now are the results of this work. The objective is to sharpen still further the focus in our sales and marketing, on the one hand, and services to customers on the other hand, thereby strengthening the Company for the future.”

BA Steward sold sex on stopovers!

A senior cabin crew member for British Airways has been supplementing his income whilst away on overseas layovers as a male prostitute it's been reported this week.

The airline has confirmed that the cabin manager has had his wings clipped, at least on a temporary basis. 'We have removed a member of cabin crew from duty pending further investigation. "We expect all our staff to maintain the very highest standards and levels of professionalism at all times." A spokesperson said on Monday. 

The man, who hasn't been named, apparently advertised his services online, based them around his flight rota and raked in as much as £800 for an overnight stay with a client. At the same time, he was still being paid by British Airways on the overseas stopovers.

Royal Air Maroc cancel more flights over 'Social Tensions'

The strike action by pilots at Royal Air Maroc is having a devastating effect on the airlines normal flying schedule.  The carrier has cancelled dozens of flights since the unrest came to ahead on 20th July. On Monday the airline cancelled four flights, however, Tuesday the carrier has so far cancelled 12 flights and there may be more to come.

Here's the current list of flights that have been cancelled or at risk of cancellation or delay. 

Jeju Air gets first 737-800 Next Generation

Jeju Air celebrated the delivery of the airline's first direct-buy Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft from Boeing today during a ceremony at the Seattle Delivery Center. 

Jeju Air will now become the first low-cost carrier in Korea to own and operate a Next-Generation 737-800.  "This milestone delivery marks the beginning of a new era for Jeju Air as we continue to revolutionize Korea's dynamic commercial aviation industry," said Seok-Joo Lee, President and CEO of Jeju Air. "Owning and operating our own airplanes will further differentiate Jeju Air and our local competitors. We are fully prepared to introduce this new airplane into our expanding fleet and they will play an integral role in our growth strategy."

This delivery marks the first of three Next-Generation 737-800s the airline has on order with Boeing. Based in Jeju Island and serves 40 domestic and international routes with approximately 150 daily flights. The carrier is also a founding member of the Value Alliance, the first pan-regional low-cost carrier alliance formed in 2016 comprising of eight airlines based in Asia.  

ATR at Farnborough 2018

Hokkaido Air System Company, part of the JAL Group Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ATR for the purchase of two firm ATR 42-600s with an option for a third. 

It is planned that Hokkaido Air will begin operating these aircraft from 2020 to replace the airlines fleet of aging Saab 340's.  The carriers President, Yoichiro Kuwano said, “The ATR 42-600 benefits from a wide cabin, comparable to that of medium-sized aircraft and will significantly improve cabin comfort for our passengers. Also, the aircraft has extensive experience with operations in cold winter, which will increase the reliability of the operation in cold Hokkaido. With this new aircraft and the safe operation system we’ve established, we will continue to provide reliable and comfortable travel to local businesses and communities.”

WoW heating up Iceland's price war.

Iceland's popular low-cost airline WOW air is stepping up its price war with  Icelandair with the introduction of special $99 one way fares from a number of US cities to its Keflavík International Airport hub.

The low price deal is available from Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, New York, Pittsburg and San Francisco. Travel is valid in August, September and October.   "We are excited to invite visitors from the United States to experience all that Iceland has to offer in the fall," said Skúli Mogensen, founder and CEO of WOW air. "We continue to see demand for our affordable transatlantic offerings and we hope that Americans can take advantage of these low prices and enjoy Iceland in the coming months."

However, you'll have to be fast if you want to take advantage of that fare, for it only applies to 800 seats, on select flights, for travel between 6th August and 26th October and is subject to availability.  

Icelandair recently cited the increased capacity across the Atlantic and the reduced peak-season fare trend as reasons for a predicted reduction in its EBITDA for 2018. 

New Monterey - Denver service to start 4 Oct

The Monterey Peninsula Airport District and United Airlines have announced a new twice daily non-stop service between Monterey Regional Airport and Denver International Airport, starting in October this year. 

The new service from Monterey will connect California's Central Coast with the airline's Denver hub offering connections to 100 other destinations throughout the US Midwest and East Coast. It will also complement United's existing flights between Monterey and Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Denver flights 

"I'd like to thank United Airlines for their commitment to the Central Coast market as demonstrated by today's exciting announcement," said Carl Miller, Chairman of Monterey Peninsula Airport District.

"We are pleased to respond to the needs of our customers by expanding our presence in Monterey and offering our customers more service and more opportunities to connect to United's domestic and international route network," said Janet Lamkin, United's President of California. 

The flights will be operated by SkyWest under the United Express brand on a CRJ200 Regional Jet, flights are scheduled to depart Monterey at 0738 and 1303 arriving Denver at 1120 and 1645 respectively. On the return, the flights leave Denver at 1116 and 1900 landing in Monterey 1317 and 1900

Showing off easyJet's first A321neo

The low-cost airline easyJet took its first brand new Airbus A321neo to the Farnborough International Airshow last week, to show off the new bright bird. 

easyJet CEO Johan Lundgren was joined by UK Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling, Airbus CEO Tom Enders and President of CFM International Gaël Méheust at Farnborough to celebrate the delivery of the A321neo which - with a 235 seat configuration -  is easyJet’s largest capacity aircraft now in its fleet. The aircraft was flown into the airshow by an all-female flight crew.

 Just over a year ago easyJet announced an agreement with Airbus to convert 30 existing A320neo orders to the A321neo aircraft with a 235-seat configuration, part of the existing easyJet Airbus agreement dating from 2013.  

The first easyJet A321neo is based at London Gatwick Airport and will fly to popular destinations such as Malaga, Alicante and Palma. The aircraft has around 30% more seats on board compared to an A320 and 50% when replacing an A319.

Johan Lundgren, easyJet’s CEO said, “We are delighted to mark the delivery of our first A321neo aircraft today. This larger aircraft will enable us deliver our strategy of securing and growing our number one positions at Europe’s leading and slot-constrained airports.  It will also provide easyJet with the lowest operating costs in the single-aisle aircraft category with unit cost savings which are estimated to be up to 9% better than an A320neo and around 21% better than an A319.