Tag: entertainment (Page 4 of 5)

American Airlines Becomes the Only Carrier to Fly from the U.S. to the South Island of New Zealand

October 28, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

FORT WORTH, Texas — A trip to the breathtaking landscape of the majestic Southern Alps will become much shorter when American Airlines launches the only nonstop service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Christchurch, New Zealand (CHC), next October. The airline is also adding the only direct service between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Auckland, New Zealand (AKL), which will increase connecting opportunities for more customers across the United States. These routes are a direct result of the recently approved joint business with Qantas, which delivers new customer benefits like enhanced codeshare opportunities and increased frequent flyer benefits for American and Qantas customers.

The gateway to the South Island

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and as the only carrier to operate this route, American will introduce its customers to one of the world’s most unique destinations.

“The South Island sums up everything that our customers are looking for in New Zealand — adventure, culture and wildlife found no where else,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Senior Vice President of Network Strategy. “We want to make their lifelong dreams a reality and bring New Zealand’s beauty even closer as the gateway to the South Island where you can drive, hike, cruise and fly to a variety of classic New Zealand experiences.”

American will fly to CHC three times per week from October 2020 through March 2021 on a Boeing 787-8. The 787-8 features 20 Flagship Business seats and 28 Premium Economy seats, providing additional comfort for the 13-hour flight. The aircraft offers a variety of entertainment options for customers, with access to power at every seat, live television, and hundreds of movies, music, games and TV shows.

LAX to CHC creates unique one-stop connections to the South Island not previously available by any other carrier. Qantas and Jetstar will connect passengers from CHC on to Wellington and Melbourne — some of the most popular destinations in the Pacific.

A new way to New Zealand

American currently operates seasonal service from LAX to AKL and will add new service from DFW next year. Flights will be operated with American’s state-of-the-art 787-9, with 30 Flagship Business seats and 21 Premium Economy seats. New flights from DFW to AKL will enable new one-stop connections to New Zealand from more than 70 cities across the United States.

“Now, we’re able to get customers from places like Louisville, Savannah or Monterrey, Mexico, all the way to New Zealand with just one stop,” said Raja.

As American enhances its commitment to the region, seasonal LAX to AKL service will resume earlier next year — Oct. 7 — adding three weeks of service to the increasingly popular destination.

“The South Island is a must-see for any international visitor to New Zealand,” said Stephen England-Hall, Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive. “Thanks to the new nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Christchurch and Dallas-Fort Worth to Auckland, it’s is now easier than ever before to experience all that unique and welcoming New Zealand has to offer.”

Benefits of the Qantas Joint Business

American and Qantas recently received final approval to form a joint business, which promises significant customer benefits not possible through any other form of cooperation. The carriers have already rolled out improved frequent flyer benefits, including higher earning rates for points and status credits on each airline’s network, and have expanded codeshare routes on each other’s network. Qantas will also increase from six weekly flights between Sydney, Australia (SYD), and DFW to daily service by mid-2020. Additionally, Qantas announced new service from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Brisbane, Australia (BNE), which will launch in February and April respectively. Qantas will have its code on American’s new flights to New Zealand, giving Qantas frequent flyers more opportunities to earn and redeem Qantas points and status credits on American. Next year, American and Qantas will provide the most service to Australia and New Zealand from the United States.

LAX–AKL flights beginning in Oct. 2020 will be available for purchase starting Nov. 9. New LAX–CHC and DFW–AKL flights will be available for purchase starting Nov. 30.

What does this mean at LAX?

American and its partners serve more destinations to Asia/Pacific from LAX.
Customers traveling through LAX can take advantage of the most premium amenities of any carrier with three Admirals Club lounges, Flagship Lounge and Flagship Dining.
The new route launches a few months after the American Airlines Plaza opens at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The 298-acre world-class sports and entertainment destination is just three miles from the airport.

What does this mean at DFW?

In addition to new routes, American continues to invest in airport construction and development to deliver a world-class customer experience.
Customers can get cozy in five Admirals Club lounges and recently opened Flagship Lounge and Flagship Dining.
American’s growing network connects customers across the globe to more than 225 destinations in 31 countries from DFW.

Allegiant Travel Company Schedules Q3 2019 Earnings Call

October 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) has scheduled its third quarter 2019 financial results conference call for Thursday, October 24 at 5:30 p.m. EDT. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available through the company’s Investor Relations website at http://ir.allegiantair.com/. The webcast will also be archived on the “Events & Presentations” section of the site.

Allegiant Travel Company

Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with premier leisure experiences – from vacations to hometown family entertainment. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant serves more than 450 routes across the country, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. Allegiant’s Sunseeker Resorts subsidiary is currently under construction with its inaugural resort property, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor in Southwest Florida – a unique waterside integrated resort like no other. And a growing group of Allegiant Nonstop family entertainment centers offer state-of-the art indoor games and attractions to thrill seekers of all ages. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF.

Allegiant Air Reports August 2019 Traffic

September 10, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Allegiant Travel Company (ALGT) today reported preliminary passenger traffic results for August 2019.

Allegiant Travel Company

Las Vegas-based Allegiant is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with premier leisure experiences – from vacations to hometown family entertainment. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant serves more than 450 routes across the country, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. Allegiant’s Sunseeker Resorts subsidiary is currently under construction with its inaugural resort property, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor in Southwest Florida – a unique waterside integrated resort like no other. And a growing group of Allegiant Nonstop family entertainment centers offer state-of-the art indoor games and attractions to thrill seekers of all ages. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF

ALGT/G

Note: This news release was accurate at the date of issuance. However, information contained in the release may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

Tunisair Express Acquires Three ATR 72-600’s

September 6, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, 5 September 2019 – Tunisair Express and ATR, the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer, today confirm a firm order for three ATR 72-600s. The aircraft will renew Tunisair Express’s regional fleet and supply essential connectivity, both domestically and internationally.

The market-leading modern ATR turboprops support airline operations by burning 40% less fuel and emitting 40% less CO2, compared to a regional jet. The ATR -600 cabin will also introduce the best onboard experience to Tunisair Express passengers, including the ATR’s Cabinstream™ In-Flight Entertainment system, enabling passengers to enjoy their flight by accessing a range of multimedia content on their personal electronic devices.

Tunisair Express Director General, Yosr Chouari, said: “We have had a long and strong partnership with ATR since the early 1990s, and we are pleased to introduce the modern ATR 72-600 into our fleet thanks to the support of the Tunisian Government and parent company Tunisair. When deciding on a fleet renewal strategy, it was clear that the combination of its unbeatable economics and most eco-responsible performance made the ATR the best choice for our regional network. Furthermore, we are sure that our passengers will greatly appreciate the modern, spacious cabin with its widest-in-class seats and the new cutting edge Cabinstream™ technology giving our passengers an exceptional on board experience.”

ATR Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Bortoli, commented: “The decision of Tunisair Express for three new ATR 72-600s is a further endorsement of our product and validates our policy of continuous development. With a dispatch reliability of 99.7%, its effectiveness in hot conditions, and its performance perfectly suited to the operations envisaged by Tunisair, the ATR is the ideal aircraft to continue supplying essential connectivity throughout Tunisia and beyond its borders.”

ATR’s Market Forecast sees a demand for 350 new turboprops over the next 20 years for the Africa and Middle-East region. Regional aviation provides essential connectivity around the world. A 10% increase in regional flights generates additional increases of 5% in tourism, 6% in regional GDP and 8% foreign direct investment. Turboprops are key in connecting communities around the world: 36% of all commercial airports rely exclusively on turboprops and 50% rely, also exclusively, on regional aircraft.

About Tunisair Express:
Tunisair Express is a Tunisian public airline that is a subsidiary of the Tunisair group. It serves the Tunisian domestic network as well as nearby international destinations. The company also offers a charter service, notably to European tour operators. Tunisair Express as created in August 1991, under the name Tuninter and operated its first flight in March 1992. The company transports over 300,000 passengers every year across its network. The renewal of its fleet will allow Tunisair Express, to both reinforce its domestic and neighbouring services from Tunis, as well as open new routes.

Airbus Delivers First A330neo in Hi Fly Livery

September 3, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Hi Fly, the privately-owned Portuguese wet lease specialist operating an exclusive all-Airbus fleet, has taken delivery of a new A330neo on lease from Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL). The aircraft is configured with 371 seats in a two-class layout, with 18 high-comfort lie-flat business class seats and 353 economy seats. All seats are equipped with the latest-generation in-flight entertainment system, and mood lighting is available throughout the aircraft.

The A330 will be deployed to further expand Hi Fly’s long-haul wet lease and charter operations worldwide. Hi Fly operates an all-Airbus fleet of 20 aircraft including four A320 Family aircraft, 15 A330/A340 Family aircraft and one A380.

As a wet lease specialist, Hi Fly provides aircraft on lease for short notice airline operations, with crew, maintenance and third-party insurance provided in a service-ready package.

The A330neo Family is the new-generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900. The A330neo Family aircraft shares 95% commonality with the previous A330.

It builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption by 25% per seat versus previous generation competitors and increasing range by up to 1,500nm compared to the majority of A330s in operation.

The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and new A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets. The cabin provides the comfort of the new Airspace amenities including state-of-the-art passenger inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity systems.

Regulator Marine Goes Standard with Garmin Electronics

July 29, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

North Carolina boatbuilder will exclusively offer Garmin electronics as standard fit on all offshore sportfishing center consoles in 2020

Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN), today announced that Regulator Marine has selected Garmin to be its premier electronics supplier to outfit its full line of offshore sportfishing center console boats beginning model year 2020. Garmin electronics will be standard equipment on all Regulator boats ranging from 23 to 41 feet, including the new Regulator 26XO center console crossover, the company announced at its annual dealer meeting, July 23-25.

“It’s truly an honor to know that every new Regulator boat leaving the factory will include Garmin electronics,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Garmin and Regulator share a passion for designing and engineering products without compromise, and we’re confident that having our award-winning electronics onboard will meet and exceed the needs of the Regulator customer.”

“We are honored to offer our customers what we believe are the finest electronics available today. Every new 2020 model year Regulator will come standard with a Garmin electronics package. From quality to innovation, our customers want it all and we know from our years of experience working together, that Garmin is the perfect fit,” said Joan Maxwell, Regulator Marine president and co-founder.

Regulator will be factory-installing the award-winning GPSMAP^®8600 chartplotter series, offering display sizes ranging from 12 to 17 inches, with models 28-feet and over offering dual 16- or 17-inch displays. Built for mariners who demand high performance, ease-of-use and feature integration, the GPSMAP 8600 series offers premium features like built-in sonar, preloaded BlueChart^® g3 cartography with Navionics data, IPS touchscreen displays, full network capabilities and more. Each boat will also come standard with a Garmin VHF marine radio. Other electronics selected by Regulator include the GMR™ xHD2 open array radar series and the award-winning Reactor™ 40 Hydraulic Autopilot with SmartPump, Garmin’s most responsive autopilot system with AHRS technology. Several fishing and convenience upgrade packages are also available to ensure customers can choose additional electronics to fit their needs.

Garmin is the world’s leading marine electronics manufacturer¹ and was recently named Manufacturer of the Year for the third consecutive year by the NMEA, an honor given to the most recognized marine electronics company for support of products in the field. Garmin’s portfolio includes some of the industry’s most sophisticated chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar technology, high-definition radar, autopilots, high-resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation, audio, entertainment and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and ease-of-use. Other Garmin marine brands include FUSION® Entertainment, Navionics—a premier supplier of navigation charts, and EmpirBus™. To learn more, visit www.garmin.com/marine.

About Garmin International Inc.  Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin, GPSMAP, BlueChart and FUSION are registered trademarks and GMR and Reactor are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2018, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at:

http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html

American Airlines to Raise Funding for Stand Up To Cancer

July 1, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to add a loved one’s name to one of its planes in honor of those who are cancer survivors, current cancer fighters and those who lost their battle with cancer. Anyone who makes a donation of $25 or more to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) during the month of July can add the name of a person they stand up for to an American Airlines Airbus A321. The plane, which will begin flying this fall, will be wrapped with a special SU2C design that includes names submitted.

The campaign launches July 1 with a digital and television ad featuring Stand Up To Cancer Ambassador and superstar Tim McGraw alongside six American team members from across the U.S. Tim as well as each team member in this new campaign has been personally affected by cancer, either as a survivor or a co-survivor caring for a loved one fighting the disease.

“Every family in America has a cancer story, my own family included. Too many of us have lost our parents, children, spouses and friends to this terrible disease,” McGraw said. “I’ve been so touched by the stories of the American Airlines team members I’ve met over the past month and I’m honored to lend my voice to this campaign to help create a world where all cancer patients can become long-term survivors and have more time with the people they love.”

As part of the company’s multi-year, multi-million dollar collaboration with SU2C, 100% of donations received will go to support Stand Up To Cancer’s collaborative cancer research programs.

“Our national collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer was driven by their proven approach to cancer research and our corporate purpose to care for people on life’s journeys. In a few short years, we’ve seen donations contribute to scientific breakthroughs and more access to meaningful clinical trials,” said Elise Eberwein, Executive Vice President of People and Communications at American. “Today, we ask anyone who has been impacted by cancer join us in our shared goal to make every cancer patient a long-term survivor.”

American team members in Los Angeles and Nashville participated in the campaign, which includes pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, Customer Service agents and Fleet Service team members.

To honor its own team members, the first names added to the plane will be those of American team members who self-identified as cancer survivors or are currently battling cancer.

“We are so honored to team up with American Airlines in this empowering campaign, which offers anyone who’s been affected by cancer the chance to join our mission, publicly honor a loved one and stand up to cancer,” said Rusty Robertson, a co-founder of Stand Up To Cancer. “American Airlines continues to be a tremendous supporter of SU2C, and the critical dollars raised by this incredible campaign expands our mission to accelerate the pace of cutting-edge research and innovative cancer treatments to save lives now.”

To make a donation to SU2C and add a name to this special plane, visit aa.com/standup between July 1–31, 2019. Donors can visit aa.com/standup again in late September to see the location of their submitted names on the plane before it begins flying in September. Terms and conditions apply.

About Stand Up To Cancer

Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) raises funds to accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now. SU2C, a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established in 2008 by film and media leaders who utilize the industry’s resources to engage the public in supporting a new, collaborative model of cancer research, and to increase awareness about cancer prevention as well as progress being made in the fight against the disease. Under the direction of our Scientific Advisory Committee, led by Nobel Laureate Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D., SU2C operates rigorous, competitive review processes to identify the best research proposals to recommend for funding, oversee grants administration, and ensure collaboration across research programs.

Current members of the SU2C Council of Founders and Advisors (CFA) include Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Robertson, Sue Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, Ellen Ziffren, and Kathleen Lobb. The late Laura Ziskin and the late Noreen Fraser are also co-founders. Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, has served as SU2C’s president and CEO since 2011.

For more information on Stand Up To Cancer, please visit StandUpToCancer.org.

About Tim McGraw

His unparalleled career includes 43 number one radio singles, 16 number one albums and countless industry awards and accolades. His unique chart achievements include having three singles in the Top 20 of the radio charts on multiple occasions, as well as having two singles spend over 10 weeks at number one. His last solo project spawned one of the biggest hit singles of all-time, “Humble and Kind,” whose message continues to impact fans around the world including a Spanish version sung by McGraw. He has routinely been cited as one of the biggest touring artists in the history of country music.

Delta Rolls Out Latest Cabins to Europe and South America

June 25, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

By Aimee Greaves

Upgraded Boeing 767-400s will have new Delta One business class seat.
Delta Premium Select also expands to more markets.

Delta Air Lines will offer improved cabin experiences for customers starting this fall through the launch of its new business class seat offering more comfort and privacy, plus the expansion of its international premium economy cabin, Delta Premium Select to new markets in Europe and South America.

The new cabins will be fitted on the 767-400 fleet and bring all four branded seat products – Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin – to this aircraft for the first time. The aircraft have initially been scheduled on select flights between Atlanta and London Heathrow starting November 12, 2019, followed by a number of additional European and South American markets. Select flights to London, Zurich and Brussels on this aircraft will be available for purchase starting this weekend with additional markets for sale in the coming weeks.

Here is a full overview of the markets the new 767-400 aircraft will fly:

Route (airport code)	Effective Dates
Atlanta (ATL) – London Heathrow (LHR)	Nov. 12
New York-JFK (JFK) – London Heathrow (LHR)	Nov. 16
Boston (BOS) – London Heathrow (LHR)	Nov. 20
New York-JFK (JFK) – Zurich (ZRH)	Dec. 8
New York-JFK (JFK) – Brussels (BRU)	Jan. 30
Atlanta (ATL) – Brussels (BRU)	Feb. 22
New York-JFK (JFK) – São Paulo (GRU)	2Q 2020
Detroit (DTW) – London Heathrow (LHR)	2Q 2020
Minneapolis (MSP) – London Heathrow (LHR)	2Q 2020
Portland (PDX) – London Heathrow (LHR)	2Q 2020
Atlanta (ATL) – Munich (MUC)	2Q 2020
New York-JFK (JFK) – Nice	2Q 2020
Atlanta (ATL) – Zurich (ZRH)	2Q 2020
Atlanta (ATL) – Buenos Aires (EZE)	2Q 2020

”Our investments in our Boeing 767-400 fleet reflect our continuous effort to elevate each aspect of the international customer experience,” said Steve Sear, Delta’s President — International and E.V.P. — Global Sales. “We understand that our customers want to curate their own travel experience and offering four cabins allows for more choice while continuing to align our products across the Delta fleet.”

Delta is investing millions of dollars in its widebody long-haul fleet to give customers greater choice when they travel. The 767-400 refit follows the introduction of the Delta One suite and Delta Premium Select on its Airbus A330-900neo, Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

Here are some more details on Delta’s new cabins:

Delta One

The cabin will feature a new seat customized for this aircraft, which offers extra privacy through high sides and a divider between the two middle seats in the 1-2-1 configuration. There will be 34 seats in total.
The memory foam-cushion seats will also feature personal stowage areas, customizable ambient lighting and 18″ wide, high-resolution in-flight entertainment screens.
New self-service area for customers to enjoy snacks and beverages at their leisure throughout the flight.

Delta Premium Select

Delta’s premium economy cabin, Delta Premium Select, will have 20 seats in a 2x2x2 configuration.
It is a separate cabin between Delta One and Main Cabin, offering customers dedicated service, plated meals on Alessi serviceware, TUMI branded amenity kits, and LSTN noise-canceling headsets.
Seats, with memory foam cushions, will be 19″ wide with up to 38″ pitch and 7″ recline. The seats will also feature an adjustable leg rest and footrest, along with a larger IFE 13.3″ screen than found in Comfort+ and Main Cabin.

Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin

New, wider seats with memory foam cushions and adjustable headrests for improved comfort on long-haul flights.
10.1” seatback screens to enjoy the 1,000+ hours of entertainment available on-demand via Delta Studio.

Furthermore, the aircraft will also be fitted with Delta’s own in-flight entertainment system created by Delta Flight Products. The first-of-its-kind system combines wireless technology with state-of-the-art tablet displays mounted into the back of the seat. The system debuted on Delta’s A220 fleet and is also rolling out on the new A330-900neo fleet before coming to the 767-400 aircraft as part of the interior refit.

In addition to the expected customer experience and cost benefits, wireless IFE also helps reduce the airline’s environmental impact. The wireless streaming technology enables the reduction of about one pound of wiring per seat when installed on an aircraft. This means Delta’s modified 767-400 fleet will save about 1,330 metric tons of carbon emissions annually.

Visit the Delta link below for a video presentation of the new cabin layouts!

https://news.delta.com/delta-rolls-out-latest-cabins-europe-and-south-america

Eldorado Resorts to Buy Caesars in Reported $18 Billion Deal

June 23, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. casino operator Eldorado Resorts Inc has agreed to merge with Caesars Entertainment Corp in a cash and stock deal that values its peer at about $18 billion including debt, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

The agreement comes three months after Reuters reported that Caesars had agreed to give Eldorado access to its books under pressure from billionaire investor Carl Icahn, who earlier this year was awarded seats on Caesars’ board.

The deal, which is expected to be announced on Monday, values Caesars at close to $13 a share, according to the sources. The combined company’s ownership would be split roughly between Eldorado and Caesars shareholders, the sources said.

The sources asked not to be identified because the matter is confidential. An Eldorado spokesman said the company did not comment on rumors or speculation. Caesars did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The combination of the two companies would create a serious competitor to larger casino industry players, such as Las Vegas Sands Corp, Wynn Resorts Ltd and MGM Resorts International.

Caesars’ shares closed on Friday at $9.99. The company, which emerged from bankruptcy in 2017, operates casinos with the Harrah’s and Horseshoe brands. It had 53 properties in 14 U.S. states and five countries outside the United States at the end of December.

Eldorado has a market value of $4 billion. It also had long-term debt at the end of March of $3.1 billion. It owns and operates 26 properties in 12 U.S. states.

(Reporting by Greg Roumeliotis; Editing by Peter Cooney)

Spirit Airlines Adds Two New California Routes to Las Vegas

June 20, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Partners with Airport to Debut First Self Bag Drop System

MIRAMAR, Fla., June 20, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spirit Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Las Vegas, continues its investment in the Entertainment Capital of the World with the addition of two new cities to the Spirit network: Burbank and Sacramento. On June 20, Spirit launched nonstop flights between McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF), each running three times daily. Spirit will now have 55 daily departures from Las Vegas to 29 different destinations.

In partnership with McCarran International Airport, Spirit Airlines also debuted the airport’s first automated self-service bag drop system. Located in the ticketing concourse of Terminal 1, it allows Guests to expedite their check-in experience by paying for and tagging their own bags on the airport’s kiosks. Travelers then proceed directly to newly installed automated bag belts to present their identification and drop their bags. Automated self-service bag drop systems, widely adopted in Europe, highlight the airport and airline’s shared vision of allowing more Guests to customize and control their travel experience.

“We are pleased to partner with Spirit Airlines as we pilot this new automated self-service bag drop system at McCarran International Airport,” said Director of Aviation Rosemary Vassiliadis. “As a 100 percent common-use airport, we have a long history of introducing new, customer-focused technologies geared toward enhancing the passenger experience. We look forward to this rollout with Spirit and to expanding this service to more areas of our operation in the near future.”

“Our growth and investment in Las Vegas has been an ongoing mission for Spirit Airlines,” said Mike Byrom, Spirit Airlines’ Vice President of Airport Services. “Our partnership with McCarran International Airport to install the first automated self-service bag drop system in Las Vegas is a clear message that we are thinking about every facet of our Guest experience with innovative and forward-thinking solutions to elevate our service.”

In addition to Sacramento and Burbank, Spirit will soon be adding Nashville to its network, which will include nonstop service to and from Las Vegas. As of July 2019, Spirit will have grown nearly 50 percent in Las Vegas compared to its capacity only two years earlier. The airline now employs more than 1,000 people in Las Vegas, and Spirit’s rapid expansion has created nearly 300 additional jobs in the last two years.

“We’re delighted by the growth of direct service to Las Vegas by our partners at Spirit Airlines,” said Chris Meyer, Vice President of Global Sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “In the past year, Spirit has added direct service from five new markets, conveniently and affordably connecting both business and leisure travelers to our destination. Whether you’re visiting for work or play, Vegas changes everything by taking every experience to a new level, and we’re thrilled about the opportunity to continually reach more travelers across the country.”

VIDEO B-ROLL: https://youtu.be/eLchQp1X5wg

About Spirit Airlines:

Spirit Airlines (SAV E) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows every Guest to pay only for the options they choose — like bags, seat assignments and refreshments — something we call À La Smarte. We make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. Our Fit Fleet® is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We operate more than 600 daily flights to 76 destinations in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving the communities we serve. Come save with us at spirit.com. At Spirit Airlines, we go. We go for you.

The gateway to the South Island

A new way to New Zealand

Benefits of the Qantas Joint Business

What does this mean at LAX?

What does this mean at DFW?

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