Some days in the airline industry, it seems a neverending stream of negative publicity. Here are a few things we caught over the last few days. It fails to inspire us. (Note: In every one of our roundups, links to a news source are provided for each item. Feel free to click through for more…
The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. Airlines are expected to start making announcements this summer about the offering of in-flight internet connections. While Aircell is temporarilly out of the game for in-flight cellular communications due to the recent FCC decision not to adjust its ban, Aircell plans to install equipment to establish a wi-fi…
Spirit today announced nonstop service from its hub in Ft. Lauderdale to Guatemala City, Guatemala once daily effective May 10th. Commercial passenger service will be terminating in Lake Havasu City, Arizona effective May 6th. Mesa Airlines, which provides service from the airport to Phoenix and Las Vegas. A Mesa analysis on the Havasu airport showed…
Expressjet launched its new service operated under its own name, as opposed to operating for a larger carrier today with the launch of service from Kansas City, Omaha(Eppley Airfield), Austin, Boise, LA/Ontario, Spokane, and Tucson. Further service will commence over the coming weeks/months. As part of its rollout, the company is offering nonstop service in…
Delta has entered into an agreement with Wheeltug plc to assist in developing a new system that might enable pilots to back away from gates with a tow tug, and to taxi without using jet engines. This would reduce fuel consumption on the ground, and may reduce airline ground congestion by assisting in airplane mobility.…
Virginia Buckingham of the Boston Herald this week wrote a misleading article accusing Jetblue of a bait and switch. She had a bad experience on a flight and blames Jetblue for the situation. We felt the need to correct her misleading statements and errors. Buckingham flew from Washington-Dulles to Logan and comments, “Instead of the…
We follow the Consumerist closely, especially when fellow aviation blogger Mark Ashley from Upgrade: Travel Better is guest-blogging. Here is a selection of airline-related stories from their files. An American Airlines pilot was acquitted of the charge of attempting to operate an airplane under the influence of alcohol. He denies trying to co-pilot the plane,…
On Monday, April 2, Expressjet and LA/Ontario International Airport will join together to announce the beginning of scheduled service, which is considered the largest expansion in the airport’s 84 years. United’s service from Washington-Dulles Airport to Rome will be beginning this weekend. Flight 966 will depart Dulles on April 1, and return as flight 967…
Avianca, the flagship carrier of Colombia, announced an order for 10 787s. Later this week, Air Canada will be picking up its first Boeing 777, which will kick off its wide-body modernization program. Over the next two years, Air Canada will receive 19 777s, as well as 45 100-seat Embraer 190s. Delta announced service from…
Authorities are holding 272 passengers from Continental flight 98 from Hong Kong to Newark Liberty Airport because several passengers appeared to have flu-like symptoms. The plane arrived around 2PM local time, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has sent a representitive to meet the passengers before they are allowed to enter Customs &…
As USAToday reports, the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Rep. James Oberstar(D-MN), has said that the code of conduct that the airlines agreed to seven years ago to avoid increased industry regulation should be updated. He also said that the Dept. of Transportation(DOT)Â should be given more power to investigate abuses and levy heavy…
Roger Wu of USA Today reported that Harmony Pharmacy and Health Center opened its first drugstore this month at Terminal C at Newark Liberty Airport. In addition to filling prescriptions, a nurse practitioner will be available to write prescriptions to treat ailments such as allergies, bronchitis, colds, flu and sinus infections. Flu shots, blood pressure…
USA Today reports that FCC Chairman Kevin Martin is recommending the agency drop its plan to lift the ban on cellphone use on aircraft. We went on record as against it, cellphones being disruptive to the environment of the aircraft. Cellphones are disruptive enough when everyone uses their normal voice to talk on them in…
Master Lock, the world’s largest maker of padlocks, issued a press release last week. Since it introduced them in 2004, sales of its Travel Sentry-approved locks have jumped 50 percent annually. As they put it… Increased security threats and recent, well-publicized reports of baggage pilferage at airports have fueled growing demand for locks that let…
intends to connect to more of upstate New York. Delta will be adding 22 Delta Connection flights, operated by Big Sky Airlines using 19-seater Beechcraft 1900D aircraft, effective April 8th. The flights will connect customers in Albany, Massena, Ogdensburg, and Watertown to Boston, with additional nonstop service between Albany and Watertown with continuing service to…
ABX Air today announced that it agreed to buy a 767-223 aircraft formerly operated by American, which it will convert to freight operation. ABX has 35 767 aircraft in its fleet. Reuters reported earlier this week that Boeing may increase production rates for the 787 to accomodate demand. The company expects to build 112 in…
The Associated Press reports that a United flight from Chicago to Portland, Oregon was diverted to Salt Lake City on Friday after Kenneth R. Bullard of Jacksonville, FL attacked his son during an argument about the son’s girlfriend. Bullard had been drinking before and during the flight, and the flight attendants had to restrain him.…
The European Union Transport Ministers have unanimously, as required, backed the Open Skies pact with the United States. At Britain’s request, however, there will be a five month delay beyond what was previously advised, with full implementation taking effect March 30, 2008 instead of Ocotber 28, 2007. The EU may withdraw the agreement by 2010…
Reuters reported yesterday that Virgin America will be able to win government approval to operate if they replace their chief executive and increase its independence from the Richard Branson’s Virgin Group. In December, the DOT ruled that Virgin America’s “close relationship with the U.K.-based Virgin Group indicates that the carrier is not under the actual…
A Jetblue plane departing West Palm Beach for JFK returned to Palm Beach International after a piece of its engine cover fell off. Flight 830 took off around 6AM, and the pilot felt the plane vibrate and requested a return to the airport. Jetblue procedures require the pilot to return to the airport if he…
For those of you who want to feel like you were there…which alas we here at Flight Wisdom could not be….The Cranky Flier was present for the arrival of the LAX A380 earlier today. Click here to catch a look at his report… “It’s definitely not the best looking plane around, but man is it…
Courtesy of Business Week, a list of airports that meet FAA standards for the A380. Anchorage Denver Dallas-Fort Worth New York-JFK Los Angeles(LAX) Orlando(MCO) Miami San Francisco Washington-Dulles Memphis(Cargo Only) Louisville(Cargo Only) Ontario, CA(Cargo Only)
The Associated Press reports that thousands of US Airways passengers are on their third day waiting to reach their destinations. Many passengers were diverted to the airlines’ hub in Charlotte and they were still, as of this evening, trying to find spaces for 100,000 passengers systemwide whose flights were grounded on Friday. Flights today were…
Boeing has started negotiations with airlines around the world over the future design of the popular 737 as it prepares to dominate that market. Boeing is already dominating the market for larger jets, exceeding rival Airbus’s orders. Airline input is essential in producing a new product that sells. Over six thousand 737s have been sold…
We are not surprised that the Imams thrown off a flight last November are now suing for discrimination. While US Airways told them that they were banned, forcing them to take another airline home, they now claim that was a miscommunication and they are welcome back on the carrier. US Airways, however, stands behind its…