Delta is counting down to the start of its new service to Dubrovnik on Friday, July 2, offering U.S. travelers more opportunities to reclaim the joy of travel this summer in one of Europe’s most intriguing nations.
Croatia is the first new European country to which Delta will begin service since the start of the pandemic. Its customers are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to discover the country. The airline will operate four weekly nonstop services between Dubrovnik and New York-JFK, with departures on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Flights are operated in conjunction with Delta’s European partners Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic.
Data from the World Travel and Tourism Council reports that tourism represents 25 percent of Croatia’s GDP. Pre-pandemic, the number of U.S. tourists to Croatia was on the rise, with more than 550,000 visitors in 2018 – a 23 percent increase over 2017, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Meanwhile, the Croatian Bureau of Statistics reported that 10 percent of all visitors to Dubrovnik came from the U.S. in 2019, which is the second-largest source market.
Customers flying from Croatia can connect at Delta’s JFK hub to more than 30 cities across the U.S. within four hours of arrival, enabling them to reach their final destination the same day. The service also provides cargo opportunities for freight forwarders to conveniently transport goods between the nations.
In line with local entry guidelines, all customers must show proof of full vaccination status, have a negative PCR test or proof of recent COVID-19 recovery before boarding in the U.S. While the U.S. is open to visitors from Croatia, Delta recommends that customers check entry requirements before travel. Details are available on the Delta Discover Map on delta.com. The airline continues to offer more flexibility than ever to plan and rebook tickets with an industry-leading travel credit extension for all tickets expiring in 2021 and all tickets purchased in 2021 through Dec. 31, 2022.
Virgin Galactic has completed its third spaceflight and the first ever from Spaceport America, New Mexico. Today’s flight sees New Mexico become the third US state to launch humans into space. VSS Unity achieved a speed of Mach 3 after being released from the mothership, VMS Eve, and reached space, at an altitude of 55.45 miles before gliding smoothly to a runway landing at Spaceport America.
On VSS Unity’s flight deck were CJ Sturckow and Dave Mackay, while Kelly Latimer and Michael Masucci piloted VMS Eve. CJ, who flew as pilot-in-command, becomes the first person ever to have flown to space from three different states. The crew experienced extraordinary views of the bright, blue-rimmed curvature of the earth against the blackness of space. New Mexico’s White Sands National Park sparkled brilliantly below. Their experience today gives Virgin Galactic’s Future Astronaut customers a glimpse of what lies ahead.
Virgin Galactic fulfilled a number of test objectives during the flight, including:
Carried revenue-generating scientific research experiments as part of NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program.
Collected data to be used for the final two verification reports that are required as part of the current FAA commercial reusable spacecraft operator’s license.
Tested the spaceship’s upgraded horizontal stabilizers and flight controls and validated EMI reductions.
Following the flight, and in line with normal procedures, Virgin Galactic will conduct a review of all test data gathered and thoroughly inspect the spaceship and mothership. Once the team confirms the results, the Company plans to proceed to the next flight test milestone.
To celebrate the first human spaceflight from New Mexico, the Zia Sun Symbol of New Mexico’s state flag was placed prominently on the exterior of the Spaceship. In addition, we flew green chile seeds, which are synonymous with the state’s rich agricultural and culinary history.
BRISBANE, 15 April 2021: Virgin Australia Group has announced fast-tracked plans to acquire new aircraft, create more frontline jobs and grow its network to further support domestic tourism.
The recovery efforts include the reintroduction of 10 additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft and the planned return of more than 80 per cent of the airline’s pre-pandemic domestic capacity by mid-June. Network operational changes will also allow the airline to redeploy Boeing 737 aircraft to other parts of its network over the coming months.
After a year of rolling state-based restrictions, pent-up travel demand is supporting the launch of several new and expanded services and frequencies on key leisure and business routes. Virgin Australia Group is committed to maintaining a market share consistent with its pre-COVID position.
Commitment to Jobs
The creation of more roles at the Company will see more than 220 cabin crew return to the skies from the airline’s discontinued long-haul international, ATR regional and Tigerair Australia operations. The new recruits will join one of 15 cabin crew training schools over the next two months.
In addition, a major recruitment drive to fill more than 150 new cabin crew roles, including an expression of interest for future positions has also begun today, with applications from other Virgin Australia employee groups being assessed as a matter of priority. External expressions of interest can be made via the airline’s careers website.
Fleet and Network
The Company has finalised arrangements to re-introduce 10 Boeing 737-800 aircraft which had previously been operated by Virgin Australia, with further aircraft under investigation. The first three aircraft will join the airline’s mainline fleet this month while the remainder are set to progressively enter service by October.
The Company is finalising wet lease arrangements with Alliance Airlines to operate Fokker 100 services on behalf of Virgin Australia between Brisbane-Alice Springs and Brisbane-Mt Isa from 19 April 2021. The move will allow Virgin Australia to explore more efficient ways of managing capacity and frequencies to support choice and convenience for regional customers.
Using an Airbus A320 aircraft, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) will also move to operate select services on mainline routes between Perth-Darwin, Perth-Broome and Perth-Adelaide from next month. These arrangements will support the redeployment of the Boeing 737 aircraft to other markets.
Between now and the June school holidays, the airline will add more than 220 return flights per week to its schedule, offering new and extended seasonal services and expanded frequencies on key business and leisure routes. Trans-Tasman services to Queenstown are set to recommence ahead of school holidays on 18 September 2021.
MIAMI – March 8, 2021 – Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines this week takes off with three new, nonstop routes from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Cancun, Mexico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. In addition, next month, the airline will launch its maiden service to Central America from Miami with nonstop flights to Guatemala City and San Salvador.
Frontier now offers 28 nonstop destinations from Miami, including six international routes. The new flights to the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico represent Frontier’s commitment to expanding travel opportunities to exciting destinations while maintaining its ‘Low Fares Done Right’ approach.
“We’re pleased to expand in Miami with new flights to Cancun, Punta Cana and St. Thomas,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial, Frontier Airlines. “Frontier has grown rapidly at Miami International in recent years and we look forward to launching our first flights to Central America next month with nonstop service to Guatemala City and San Salvador. We’re bringing our ultra-low-fares and customizable travel options model to these new flights to offer our customers unprecedented affordability and value to these highly sought destinations.”
Virgin Australia has today revealed its Lounge of the future, with the opening of its highly anticipated Adelaide Airport Lounge. Designed by Brisbane’s WMK Architecture, the 283-seat Adelaide Lounge completes Virgin Australia’s network of seven domestic lounges across major airports around Australia. All future Lounge refurbishments around the domestic network will be done in line with this new and fresh design thinking.
The Lounge is true to the Virgin Australia brand, creating a warm, authentic and inviting environment for frequent flyers.
The contemporary design includes a breeze block feature wall upon entry, with canopy ceilings, before ceramic tiling leads guests into a large light-filled space, with the centre walkway leading guests to numerous dining and seating areas. Ambient lighting, bright greenery and Australian sustainable furniture completes the Lounge, making it a relaxed, inviting and uncomplicated place, to refresh and recharge in a delightfully Virgin way.
Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the new lounge was the first of many new and exciting products for customers following the airline’s re-launch.
Adelaide Lounge features
The Coffee Bar: An eye-catching central café seating area, transforming from a place to unwind over a coffee during the day, turning into a wine bar at night.
The Cellar Door Hub: With some of Australia’s most awarded wineries on the doorstep of Adelaide Airport, Virgin Australia has created a feature space for South Australian wineries to bring their cellar door to the Lounge for seasonal wine tasting.
Distinct dining areas: Separate dining areas with diverse functionality have been built adjacent to servery areas to cater to all guest’s eating preferences, including large social tables, and banquette seating for more private dining.
A Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Sydney has played host to the airline’s first-ever mid-air wedding today, for Melbourne couple, Elaine Tiong and Luke Serdar.
Stunned passengers, onboard flight VA841, looked on as Elaine walked down the aircraft aisle wearing a striking white ensemble, before Australian actress, singer and now well-known wedding celebrant, Tottie Goldsmith, solemnised the nuptials, with the couple officially tying the knot at 40,000 feet, as the aircraft flew over Canberra in the ACT.
Dubbed, a Wedding in the Sky, Elaine, 35, a stylist, and Luke, 36, an electrician, who hail from Prahran in Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs, said they were looking for an unconventional wedding without the fuss.
“We actually had planned to marry onboard a Virgin Australia flight on Valentine’s Day, but we had to postpone when the Victorian lockdown came into play just 24-hours before the big day, so after a false start, we couldn’t be happier to finally tie the knot today,” said Luke.
As a result of strict COVID-19 regulations, the couple first kissed as husband and wife upon disembarkation of the aircraft in Sydney, where they were finally able to remove their face masks.
Virgin Australia is well-known for their mid-air celebrations. From onboard marriage proposals, to Australia’s first-ever fashion show on a passenger flight, to achieving a Guinness World Record with the Black Eyes Peas performing at 41,000 feet, and now a Wedding in the Sky.
Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines today announces new daily nonstop flights between Orlando and Phoenix, plus the resumption of its popular San Diego route beginning in March 2021. To celebrate this new service, Frontier is offering fares as low as $69*, which are available now at FlyFrontier.com.
“Frontier is taking off in the new year with an unprecedented level of service at Orlando International Airport, which now includes daily flights to Phoenix, one of 60 destinations that Frontier will fly nonstop from Orlando in March,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial, Frontier Airlines. “Orlando continues to be incredibly popular with travelers across the spectrum, from vacationing families to adventure seekers, and Frontier offers unparalleled affordability for flyers visiting the Theme Park Capital of the World.”
New route from Orlando International Airport (MCO):
SERVICE TO
SERVICE START
SERVICE FREQUENCY
INTRO FARE
APPLICABLE DAYS FOR INTRO FARE:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
March 11, 2021
Daily
$69*
Tuesday and Wednesday
Returning route from Orlando International Airport (MCO):
SERVICE TO
SERVICE START
SERVICE FREQUENCY
INTRO FARE
APPLICABLE DAYS FOR INTRO FARE:
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
March 7, 2021
Daily
$69*
Tuesday and Wednesday
These two routes join new Frontier nonstop routes from Orlando that start in February to Cancun, Miami, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, St. Thomas, and Wilmington.
Frequency and times are subject to change, so please check FlyFrontier.com for the most updated schedule.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Alaska Airlines [NYSE: ALK] announced that the carrier is buying 23 more 737-9 airplanes, building on its original order and an agreement last month to acquire new 737-9s through lease. The new deal brings Alaska Airlines’ total 737 MAX orders and options to 120 airplanes, which will give the fifth largest U.S. carrier the scale, efficiency and flexibility to expand as air travel recovers.
“We are extremely proud to be announcing this transformative agreement with Boeing,” said Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group. “We believe in this airplane, we believe in our strong partnership with Boeing, and we believe in the future of Alaska Airlines and the incredible opportunities ahead as we climb our way out of this pandemic.”
Alaska Airlines, a longtime Boeing 737 operator, placed an order for 32 737-9 jets in 2012 as part of its fleet modernization program. The 737-9 is a member of the 737 MAX family that is designed to offer more fuel efficiency, reliability and flexibility in the single-aisle airplane market. Last month, Alaska Airlines announced it is expanding its commitment to the 737 MAX program by leasing 13 new 737-9s while selling some A320 jets it had taken on through its acquisition of Virgin America.
The new agreement announced today will add 23 firm orders for the 737-9 and more options for future purchases. In all, Alaska will have 52 options which, if fully exercised, would take the carrier to as many as 120 737 MAX airplanes. The airline said the deal moves it toward a more efficient, all-Boeing mainline fleet that will “enhance the guest experience, improve operational performance and support the company’s growth.”
“We could not ask for a better partner than Boeing and we are delighted to be standing side by side with them as we work together to get our economy back on its feet,” said Tilden.
Alaska Airlines and Boeing leaders announced the agreement during a signing ceremony at Boeing’s delivery facility in Seattle, flanked by a new 737-9 that will be among the first such jets to be operated by Alaska Airlines. In observance of COVID-19 restrictions, both companies limited attendance at the event and addressed the pandemic that has severely affected air travel, expressing confidence in the fundamental strength of the industry and long-term passenger demand.
“Alaska Airlines has done a tremendous job of weathering the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, and is well positioned to return to its growth trajectory and strengthen its standing as one of the top U.S. airlines. With Alaska’s industry-leading reputation for safety, sustainability and customer service, we are honored they have chosen to invest in their future with a significant purchase of additional Boeing 737 airplanes,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are grateful for Alaska’s trust and partnership. Our team is focused on delivering their first 737 MAX jets and helping ensure a safe and seamless entry into service.”
Alaska Airlines says the 737 – equipped with new, more fuel-efficient engines and improved aerodynamics – will use 20% less fuel and reduce emissions by 20% per seat compared to airplanes it replaces. The airline will configure the jet with 178 seats in a three-class configuration. The plane can fly 3,550 nautical miles, about 600 miles more than its predecessor. This additional capability will allow airlines to offer new and more direct routes to passengers. Every airplane will feature the new Boeing Sky Interior, highlighted by modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead storage bins.
Learn more about Alaska’s confidence in the safety and certification of the MAX at alaskaair.com/737MAX.
Delta Airlines planes sit at ATL airport in Atlanta
CHICAGO (Reuters) – Delta Air Lines <DAL.N> and American Airlines <AAL.O> said on Monday they are permanently dropping domestic change fees, mirroring an announcement by rival United Airlines <UAL.O> on Sunday in a push to woo back travelers.
U.S. airlines are burning through millions of dollars daily as the coronavirus pandemic hits passenger air travel, which is hovering around 30% of what it was a year ago, forcing more customer-friendly policies to encourage people to start traveling again.
Atlanta-based Delta said the elimination of change fees is effective immediately and includes tickets purchased for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. American’s change also covers flights to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
The new policies do not cover any of the three airlines’ basic economy tickets.
Low-cost rival Southwest Airlines <LUV.N> has never charged a change fee for its tickets.
Delta, United and American were already waiving change fees through the end of the year to give travelers more flexibility in an uncertain environment.
The fees represented around 2% to 3% of their total revenues in 2019, though analysts said the overall financial impact going forward will be limited as focus remains on generating bookings.
Delta collected $830 million in ticket cancellation and change fees last year, American $819 million and United $625 million, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
(Reporting by Tracy Rucinski; Editing by Chris Reese and Cynthia Osterman)
The only thing constant is change and at United Airlines, some of the fees associated with changes related to flying are gone for good. The carrier announced today that it is permanently getting rid of change fees on all standard Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S., effective immediately. And starting on January 1, 2021, any United customer can fly standby for free on a flight departing the day of their travel regardless of the type of ticket or class of service, a first among U.S. carriers, while MileagePlus Premier members can confirm a seat on a different flight on the same day with the same departure and arrival cities as their original ticket if a seat in the same ticket fare class is available.
United is also extending its waiver for new tickets issued through December 31, 2020, to permit unlimited changes with no fee. This policy applies to all ticket types issued after March 3, 2020 and is valid for domestic and international travel. With these improvements, no U.S. airline gives their customers more flexibility when booking – and changing – their travel plans than United Airlines.
“Change is inevitable these days – but it’s how we respond to it that matters most. When we hear from customers about where we can improve, getting rid of this fee is often the top request,” said Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, in a video message to customers. “Following previous tough times, airlines made difficult decisions to survive, sometimes at the expense of customer service. United Airlines won’t be following that same playbook as we come out of this crisis. Instead, we’re taking a completely different approach – and looking at new ways to serve our customers better.”
The new change fee policy applies to all standard Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S. 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and customers will not be limited in the number of times they adjust their flights.
Additionally, United is giving customers more flexibility to change their flights on the day of their travel so they can head home if a meeting ends earlier or enjoy a few more hours on vacation. With the ability to list for same-day standby for free, customers will now have an option to take a different flight with the same origin and destination airports as their original itinerary if space is available at departure. This enhanced option will be available to all customers for travel within the U.S. and to and from international destinations beginning on January 1, 2021. Customers who want to switch flights will be able to add themselves to the standby list through United’s award-winning mobile app, on united.com or at the airport no later than 30 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and one hour before departure on international flights.
The carrier is also improving the travel experience for its MileagePlus members including waiving all redeposit fees on award travel for flights changed or cancelled more than 30 days before departure and allowing all MileagePlus Premier members to confirm a different flight on the day of their travel. As a way to thank MileagePlus Premier members for their loyalty, beginning January 1, 2021, all Premier members will be able to confirm a seat for free on a different flight with the same departure and arrival cities as their original ticket. This expanded option will allow MileagePlus Silver members and above to confirm a new seat in the same ticket fare class if space is available. Earlier this year, United announced that it will extend status for MileagePlus Premier and Global Services members through January 2022. United also reduced thresholds for Premier qualification by 50 percent for each status level, to make reaching an even higher status tier easier.
