Airline news digest: 22-28 June 2024
Our regular rundown of the biggest airline stories from the past seven days
FAA plan to change ‘public charter’ rules raises questions for small communities
The US Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to update the rules governing certain “public charter” flights is raising concerns that the new standards could come at the expense of flights to small cities. At least 21 cities in the US Essential Air Service (EAS) subsidy programme are served by airlines operating ...
Will Qatar Airways become latest player in Virgin Australia stakeholder story?
Reports that Qatar Airways is in talks to acquire up to 20% of Virgin Australia should come as little surprise given both the latter’s history of attracting airline suitors as well as the Gulf carrier’s interest in building its Australian presence.
How Abra and Volotea are joining forces as Air Europa ‘remedy takers’ at Madrid
Their joint-venture agreement aims to create a new ‘hub solution’ at the Spanish capital, should they be granted remedies under a European Commission decision
‘The sleeping giant must be awakened’: Saudia eyes return as Middle East major
The Saudi flag carrier is undertaking a modernisation push – from a new corporate identity, to new aircraft and cabin products – as it aims to grow in size after years of laying low.
Sun Country sacrifices short-term passenger growth for long-term cargo play
Sun Country expects its cargo segment to soon become a near-equal contributor to the company’s bottom line, when compared with its passenger operations.
Week 26 2024: Aer Lingus latest to face industrial action
While many airlines are in their quiet periods ahead of the second-quarter earnings season, unions are continuing to make some noise, most recently in the case of Aer Lingus.
Airline news digest: 15-21 June 2024
Our regular rundown of the biggest airline stories from the past seven days
How Qantas plans to turn Perth into its second-biggest gateway
Established flag carriers in developed markets might be accustomed to piecemeal network changes rather than big expansion moves, but Qantas Group is on a rare mission that might just fall into the latter category.
Japan Airlines makes the most of imbalanced demand return
While Japan Airlines has enjoyed a strong pick-up in its financial performance since markets reopened after the pandemic, the carrier’s network chief Ross Leggett notes it is doing so against the backdrop of markedly changed travel patterns.