United Airlines is cancelling its summer seasonal service between San Francisco and Xi’an, China. Effective today, the flight has been removed from the schedule. In an internal memo, United blamed poor yields for the decision to abandon service– In...
It’s Raining Poop! New Delhi Residents Blame Airlines for Toxic Downpour
Residents near Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi are complaining of human waste dropping from the heavens. Many are fingering airlines as the culprit… A great debate has arisen whether it is bird poop or human waste. I’d...
Senate Version of Tax Cut Bill Eliminates Tax Hike on Gulf Carriers
The final tax cut bill has not reached the President’s desk yet, but the U.S. Senate has wisely cut a ridiculous tax increase levied on foreign airlines from its version of the bill. Per the Los Angeles Times: Sen....
Would You Visit Saudi Arabia as a Tourist?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rapidly changing. In a bid to increase foreign visitors, you’ll soon be able to obtain a tourist visa to one of the more isolated nations in the world. If I can generally summarize...
Next Generation Lufthansa Business Class Seat Revealed
Lufthansa will be the launch customer of the 777-9 in 2020. While Lufthansa has opted to forgo first class on its new aircraft, also called the 777X, it will offer an updated business class product. Up until now, we’ve...
UK’s Obscene Airport Taxes Rising Again
Obscene is a strong and harsh word. It means offensive to moral principles; repugnant. I don’t use the word casually. Yet I do use it to describe the ridiculous APD departure tax from the United Kingdom…that will soon grow...
Air China Cancels Service to North Korea
Air China has suspended its service to Pyongyang (FNJ), North Korea, effective immediately. Air China cites a lack of demand as the reason behind the route cancellation, but I question that. Earlier this week U.S. President Donald Trump added...
Here We Go Again…New Cuba Travel Restrictions
The Trump Administration has rolled out a series of new restrictions on travel to Cuba, once again closing off the island to many Americans. If you were planning a holiday to Cuba under the guise of a “people to...
Lightning Fast Internet Coming to Etihad
By late next year on Etihad, you may be able to stream YouTube videos and Netflix from the comfort of your seat. The Gulf carrier hints high speed internet is coming with speeds up to 50 Mbps. Dubbed Wi-Fly,...
Lufthansa Wants to Make Rome Fiumicino a Hub
Despite another lifeline from the Italian government, Alitalia is still struggling…and Lufthansa wants to take over several Alitalia routes. Speaking at the Lufthansa Group’s 3rd Quarter Earnings Call, CEO Carsten Spohr stated Lufthansa would develop a hub at Rome Fiumicino...
Fuel Prices Rise. Airfare Next?
After an extended period of tranquility stretching several years, fuel prices are on the rise. Will that soon lead to higher airfare? USA Today reports during the first nine months of the year: • American Airlines said Thursday that aircraft...
U.S. Air Force May Recall 1,000 Pilots. Impact on Airlines?
The United States Air Force is seriously short of pilots to fly combat missions. Now President Trump is making it easier for the USAF to recall pilots. How will this impact the pilot shortage facing the U.S. and world...
Airbus and Trump Win, Boeing and Bombardier Lose
Bombardier will sell the majority of its C Series program to Airbus. Although talks have been ongoing for months, they took on a new urgency in light of the blistering 300% duty slapped on by U.S. regulators. The new...
Lufthansa Will Take Over 80% of Air Berlin, Launch New Longhaul Routes
Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr announced his company will take over the majority of Air Berlin’s assets, including 81 aircraft. Speaking to reporters, Sphor said Lufthansa would invest at least €1.5BN and offers jobs to at least 3,000 (and possibly more...
Uh Oh: Hyatt Reveals Credit Card Breach
Chuck Floyd, Global President of Operations of Hyatt, just sent out an email to Hyatt guests noting a credit card breach that occurred earlier this year. Importantly: Breach took place between March 18, 2017 and July 02, 2017 11 countries...
A “Unique Experiential Trial” at United Clubs
United Airlines is experimenting with the food and drink offerings at four United Clubs in the USA. In what it calls a “unique experiential trial” and “quick win” initiative, the carrier launched changes on September 30th at United Clubs...
JetBlue Mint Service Coming to Palm Springs
JetBlue Mint Class sets the standard for domestic transcontinental service. Residents and visitors of Palm Springs will be able to fly Mint Class to/from New York for a brief period later this year. JetBlue serves Palm Springs seasonally and...
UPDATE: Turkish Airlines Offers Refunds, Assures Transit Passengers
Right in the middle of the diplomatic row between Turkey and the United States is Turkish Airlines. The carrier serves nine U.S. cities and is the clear loser in the mutual decision to suspend visa issuance, essentially halting tourism...
Retaliation: Turkey Eliminates U.S. Tourist Visas, Barring Entry for Most U.S. Citizens
Apparently the old adage, “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face” is not taught in Turkey. Today, Turkey suspended the issuance of visas to U.S. citizens, effectively killing all U.S. tourism. I love Turkey, but the nation...
Emirates CEO: We Need More A380s!
Emirates President Sir Tim Clark told a Dutch newspaper that his carrier needs more A380s, even in the face of fierce competition. “The potential market remains huge. We need even more A380s,” said Clark. But is that really viable, let...
