Tag: las vegas (Page 4 of 5)

Spirit Airlines Looking at Airbus and Boeing Planes for Growth, Debuts WhatsApp

August 26, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) – Spirit Airlines <SAVE>, a fast-growing, low-cost U.S. carrier that flies an all-Airbus SE <EADSY> fleet, is looking at both the Airbus A321neo and a larger Boeing Co <BA> aircraft to fuel its growth, Chief Executive and President Ted Christie said on Monday.

“The A321neo is certainly something we’re looking at, but we’re also in conversations with Boeing about their larger airplane too, so it’s all on the table,” Christie said at an aviation conference.

(Reporting by Tracy Rucinski; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)

MIRAMAR, Fla., Aug. 26, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spirit Airlines, the fastest growing airline in the United States, continues its commitment to invest in the Guest experience with an industry-leading technology to connect with its Guests via the messaging application WhatsApp. Beginning in September, the technology, powered by global conversational commerce solutions provider LivePerson, will open a new direct line of communication between Spirit’s English and Spanish-speaking Guest Relations and Reservations teams and the millions of Spirit Guests in the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America, who already use WhatsApp every day.

“We launched this service to better connect with our Guests, both domestically and abroad, as many have told us that they would rather communicate on a familiar and convenient service like WhatsApp,” said Bobby Schroeter, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Spirit Airlines. “We know WhatsApp is incredibly popular in the United States, but also in the more than two dozen destinations we serve in the Caribbean and Latin America. From travel updates to adding a bag to your reservation, this new messaging service allows Guests to communicate with us in English and Spanish and to opt in to WhatsApp messaging. It is all part of our goal to elevate and improve our Guest experience.”

The launch of WhatsApp support comes as a direct result of Spirit’s new partnership with LivePerson, a global leader in conversational commerce solutions. Beyond WhatsApp, the partnership also makes it possible for Spirit Guests who call to get immediate support by opting to begin a messaging conversation with Spirit representatives instead.

These new Guest solutions will also leverage LivePerson’s new AI-powered Maven Assist capability, which recommends the optimal next actions for human agents to take, including surfacing content or suggesting virtual assistants capable of responding to a Guest’s intent. Guests will still retain the ability to message with a live representative at any time during the process to address questions, comments and situations that are best suited for a live specialist.

“We’re excited to enable this new connection for America’s fastest growing airline, providing a powerful, engaging way for Guests to connect with Spirit on their own time,” said Rick Winnard, Global Head of Gainshare Programs at LivePerson. “Guests want to be able to ask questions, add products, and get immediate help without waiting, and with Spirit we’re making it possible for them to do so in the messaging channels they prefer.”

In addition to new WhatsApp and messaging support, Spirit will continue to serve its Guests via its social media channels, on Twitter and Facebook. Over the past two years, Spirit has heavily invested in the Guest experience touching all aspects of the journey, including on-time performance, Guest care technology, and in-flight products.

Allegiant Airlines Announces Aircraft Base in the Lehigh Valley

August 21, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Aug. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — State and local officials joined executives from Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) today as the company announced plans to establish a two-aircraft base at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Allegiant’s growth plans in the state include creating at least 66 new, high-wage jobs.

The Las Vegas-based company is investing $50 million to establish its new base of operations, which will house two Airbus aircraft. The company, which focuses on linking travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class leisure destinations, plans to begin its base operations at Lehigh Valley International Airport on February 12, 2020. Lehigh Valley will become the airline’s 18^thaircraft base.

The Lehigh Valley is a two-county region in eastern Pennsylvania consisting of 62 municipalities and three cities; Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. Located one hour north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes west of New York City, the Lehigh Valley is the 69th largest metropolitan region in the United States, with a $40.1 billion GDP that is larger than that of two entire states, Wyoming and Vermont. With more than 15,000 businesses contributing to an incredibly diverse industry base, Lehigh Valley is the fastest growing and third most populous region in the state of Pennsylvania, with a population of more than 670,000 residents. Site Selection named the Lehigh Valley one of the top five fastest-growing regions with under a million people in the United States in 2018, and the fastest-growing region of its size in the Northeast U.S. for a third consecutive year.

Speaking at today’s announcement were Hilarie Grey, managing director of corporate communications for Allegiant Travel Company, Tom Stoudt, executive director at LVIA, Don Cunningham, president & CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and Pennsylvania Senate Majority Appropriations Chairman Pat Browne (R-Lehigh). Senator Browne secured a state grant to help offset capital costs of the expansion at LVIA and make the Lehigh Valley airport a more attractive option for Allegiant’s growth.

“Lehigh Valley International Airport continues to be a vital asset for the Lehigh Valley and a significant driving force for our growing economy. Today’s announcement ushers in a new era of leisure and commercial travel possibilities for the airport and our region,” Senator Browne said. “I applaud Allegiant for recognizing the importance LVIA plays in air travel and for choosing to expand their presence at the airport. I commend their commitment to creating additional high-paying jobs, capital investment and potential expansion of routes along with their continued dedication to being involved partners with the community. I was pleased to work with Allegiant on this endeavor to enhance our airport and provide state financial support to ensure the Lehigh Valley was able to secure this important opportunity.”

“Lehigh Valley is a perfect location for a permanent base, which will further establish Allegiant as a hometown airline in eastern Pennsylvania,” said Keith Hansen, vice president of government affairs for Allegiant. “It has been a great area for Allegiant, where passenger demand has grown steadily over the years. As a base airport, having locally-based aircraft and crews will give us a host of options for both new service and expanded operational hours. This will mean more opportunities for affordable, convenient travel for local residents and visitors to the area.”

“Excitement is sky high throughout the Lehigh Valley with the news of an Allegiant Crew Base landing at ABE,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority. “Since day one, Allegiant has demonstrated a strong commitment by providing air travelers affordable options and also have supported impactful regional initiatives. Now, they’ve created employment opportunities for this region which makes your neighborhood airport a more critical economic asset.”

Allegiant began operating at ABE in 2005 and currently offers seven non-stop routes – to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando/Sanford, St. Pete-Clearwater and Punta Gorda, Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee and Savannah, Georgia. Allegiant currently carries more than 280,000 annual passengers through Lehigh Valley.

Allegiant, which employs more than 4,300 team members across the U.S., plans to immediately begin hiring pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and ground personnel to support the operations. The majority of the new positions are expected to offer salaries that are more than double the state’s average wage. Interested applicants may apply online.

“The convenience and success of the Lehigh Valley Airport is a critical factor in both the economic and population growth of the Lehigh Valley,” said Don Cunningham, president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. “Allegiant Air selecting the Lehigh Valley to expand its operation and to add a large group of maintenance and flight crew employees is another indicator of the Lehigh Valley’s economic growth and the increased activity at the Lehigh Valley Airport.”

Delta, Virgin Atlantic to Boost Summer Flying in 2020

August 18, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Delta introduces its first daylight trans-Atlantic flight, and airlines join forces at London’s Gatwick Airport for first time.

Three new flights will see Delta increase capacity between the U.S. and U.K. by 15 percent
New 767-400 and A350 aircraft flying on key JFK, Boston and Los Angeles routes

Delta is boosting its transatlantic schedule between London-Heathrow and its coastal hubs in Boston and New York-JFK next summer, adding 15 percent capacity compared to 2019. Alongside joint venture partner Virgin Atlantic, the two airlines will increase capacity across the Atlantic by nearly 10,000 seats per week compared to this year, offering customers unrivalled customer experience and more choice than ever before.

“Delta and its partners offer an unmatched global network that’s capable of taking Boston and New York customers to more worldwide destinations than ever before,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Network Planning. “Our investment at these airports and in these communities continues to deepen as we grow our flight offerings and live up to our commitment to connect the world better than any other airline.”

More flights to Heathrow

Beginning March 28, 2020, Delta will increase its JFK-Heathrow services to three daily year-round frequencies, with Virgin Atlantic operating five, maintaining a convenient eight-flights-daily schedule. The new Delta frequency will mark the airline’s first-ever daylight trans-Atlantic flight and will complement the existing daylight service offered by Virgin Atlantic.

Click the link for the full story! https://news.delta.com/delta-virgin-atlantic-boost-summer-flying-between-us-and-uk-2020

Alaska Airlines Announces New Service Between Paine Field and Spokane

August 15, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Nonstop route will connect Eastern Washington and Everett with daily roundtrip flight

SEATTLE, Aug. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Airlines announced today it will launch daily nonstop service between Spokane International Airport and Paine Field-Snohomish County Airport in Everett on Nov. 4. Tickets are now on sale, just in time for holiday travel. Spokane becomes the 10^thdestination served by Alaska at the new terminal in Everett.

Spokane will become the 10th destination served from Everett's Paine Field in early November.

“When it comes to flights at Paine Field, our guests have been eager for one city to be added above all others right now – they said make it Spokane,” said David Besse, our manager of network planning. “We believe this route will be very popular, easily connecting family and friends, workers and businesses, between two dynamic regions of the state.”

Effective Date	City Pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency	Aircraft
Nov. 4, 2019	Everett-Spokane	7:55 p.m.	9:10 p.m.	Daily	E175
Nov. 5, 2019	Spokane-Everett	7:40 a.m.	8:55 a.m.	Daily	E175

“The announcement of scheduled service to Paine Field by Alaska Airlines fulfills one of the most important air service priorities for our region,” said Nancy Vorhees, Chair of the Spokane Airport Board.

Larry Krauter, CEO of Spokane International Airport added, “This new service to Paine Field will directly benefit the aerospace industry sector as it continues to expand in our region and create time-saving efficiencies for our business community overall. We’re thankful to Alaska for its commitment to the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene region!”

Alaska started commercial service at Paine Field on March 4, 2019. In that short time, flying in and out of Everett has become a popular, convenient option for many travelers, especially those who live north of Seattle who don’t want to drive to Sea-Tac Airport. As of late July, nearly 300,000 guests have flown Alaska’s flights at Paine Field.

“This is exciting news,” said Arif Ghouse, Paine Field Airport Director. “One of the questions I’ve been asked the most over the past few months is when service might start to Spokane. There will be considerable interest in the new flight.”

All Alaska flights at Paine Field are operated by Horizon Air with jet service using the Embraer 175 aircraft, which features a three-class cabin. From Paine Field, guests can currently fly to eight destinations: Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Orange County, California; Phoenix; Portland, Oregon; San Diego; San Francisco; and San Jose, California. Alaska recently announced Palm Springs will become its ninth destination from Everett, with tickets already on sale.

Alaska’s guests can connect with its Global Partners at gateway airports on the West Coast – such as Los Angeles and San Francisco – to fly to more than 900 destinations around the globe. Flyers can also earn and redeem miles with the airline’s highly-acclaimed Mileage Plan program.

Alaska Airlines and its regional partners fly 46 million guests a year to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. Alaska Airlines ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America” in the J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study for 12 consecutive years from 2008 to 2019.

British Airways Sale, a Pair of Club World Seats From £2019

August 12, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Today British Airways has launched a sale offering a pair of Club World (business class) seats from just £2019 return.

There are a range of destinations available for £2019 return for two, including top US destinations such as New York, Miami, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Washington and Dallas. Further afield the £2019 fare for two will take travellers to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Other destinations are available for marginally more including Beijing, Hong Kong and Bangkok for £2998, Mumbai, Chennai, Lagos and Abuja for £2999, Antigua for £2305, Barbados for £2332 return and Toronto for £2399.

BA Holidays deals are also available, including:

Dubai: Club World flights plus three nights at a 4* hotel from £1069 per person
New York: Club World flights plus three nights at a 4* hotel from £1199 per person
Las Vegas: Club World flights plus three nights at a 4* hotel from £1149 per person
Dominican Republic: Club World flights plus seven nights all-inclusive at a 4* hotel from just £1359 per person

And there are deals to be had in other cabins too with two First class seats to New York and Miami respectively available from £3019.

Members of the airline’s Executive Club will benefit by saving with Avios part payment, securing the same £2019 deal for two people travelling together in Club World by paying just £619 return and 261,000 Avios.

Travel is for selected dates between August 13 and September 30, 2019 and customers need to book by August 19.

To book please visit ba.com/luxury-offers.

Ends August 12, 2019

Notes to editors:

Full terms and conditions can be found at ba.com/luxury-offers.
The sale runs between 12pm today, August 12, 2019 and 11.59pm on August 19, 2019.
Flights and holidays are subject to availability.

Bombardier Launches the Learjet 75 Liberty

July 2, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

July 2, 2019 Montréal Aviation, Business Aircraft, Press Release

Newest Learjet gives light jet passengers the freedom to stretch out with a six-seat configuration in the category’s longest cabin
The Learjet 75 Liberty is a step up for light jet operators, delivering better performance for the same operating costs as the competition
With a list price of $9.9 million U.S., the Learjet 75 Liberty puts the world’s best light jet within reach of more customers than ever
The Learjet 75 Liberty is expected to enter service in 2020

Bombardier is proud to unveil the Learjet 75 Liberty, offering more light jet operators than ever before the opportunity to step up into the iconic platform that launched business aviation in America.

Passengers who step into the six-seat Learjet 75 Liberty will have the freedom to stretch out in the only Executive Suite in the light jet category, aboard a stunning cabin that delivers the quietest and smoothest ride.

The Learjet 75 Liberty will be offered at a list price of $9.9 million U.S., with first deliveries expected in 2020. This exceptional value proposition represents a new frontier for the Learjet brand.

“The Learjet 75 Liberty represents a step up for customers in the light jet segment, with unprecedented spaciousness and Bombardier’s renowned smooth ride,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Aviation. “The newest member of the Learjet family delivers a flight experience that eclipses the competition.”

The Learjet 75 Liberty offers better performance at the same operating costs as competitor aircraft. The Learjet 75 Liberty is the fastest aircraft in the light jet segment and has a greater reach than the competition. Its range of 2,080 nautical miles can connect Las Vegas to New York, Seattle to Washington, D.C., and Mexico City to San Francisco, nonstop.*

Featuring a flat floor throughout the cabin, a standard pocket door between the cockpit and the Executive Suite providing the quietest flight experience and a Gogo ATG 4G solution for seamless connectivity, the Learjet 75 Liberty offers an environment tailored for productivity.**

The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft is certified to the FAA’s more stringent Part 25 regulations, applicable to commercial airliners, unlike most competitors in the light jet category that are certified to Part 23 regulations.

Learjet aircraft are preferred by pilots for their impressive handling characteristics and outstanding performance. The Learjet 75 Liberty will feature the advanced Bombardier Vision flight deck, and include the recently announced Garmin G5000 avionics upgrade.

Proudly assembled by a world-class team in Wichita, Kansas, Learjet aircraft represent the pinnacle of American ingenuity.

“I’m extremely proud that the Learjet 75 Liberty will be built in Wichita, where the Learjet dream first took flight,” said Tonya Sudduth, Vice President of Operations and Wichita Site, Bombardier Aviation. “Our Wichita facility today has a diverse mandate supporting Bombardier’s extensive fleet of business aircraft, but to introduce the newest member of this iconic brand is of special significance to our team.”

California Pacific Flights To Las Vegas & Mesa Set To Begin

November 13, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

California Pacific, the new airline with a string of false starts, is finally up and running. After launching flights on November 1st between its home base of Carlsbad, California and San Jose, Reno and Las Vegas, the airline is now set to start flights November 15th to both Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona, and Las Vegas.

Mesa Gateway is coming off a record September with its fifth consecutive month of record-setting passenger activity. The secondary airport in the “Valley of the Sun” is now gearing up for a number of additional airlines set to arrive in time for the 2018 holiday season. In addition to California Pacific, Canadian low-cost carriers Flair Air and Swoop will also be starting flights this winter. The airport will soon be serving 47 different destinations via 5 different airlines.

In October, the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority announced that two brand new privately funded hangars would soon be built at the airport. This should lead to increased private and business operations out of the airport. Construction of new office space is also on the agenda, as the airport authority seeks to continue the momentum of its expanding operations.

Image from www.mycpair.com

Wynn Resorts Shares Plunge 15% On Macau News

November 8, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

Shares of Wynn resorts (WYNN) dove more than 15 percent Thursday after the casino operator’s chief executive said the company is seeing a “slowdown” at its Macau location.

Though CEO Matthew Maddox said results were strong during China’s seven-day Golden Week holiday, attendance since then has been “choppy” during the week and “sporadic” on the weekends.

Click the link below for the full story!

Wynn Resorts shares plunge 15% on Macau news

Sun Country Airlines Starts Rapid Expansion

October 3, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

Sun Country Airlines has started on its rapid expansion plan following its acquisition by funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management, LLC (NYSE: APO), which was announced last December. It’s starting flights to Florida out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport this week to both Fort Myers, beginning today, and to Tampa, beginning this Friday. Fares on both of these routes are starting out for as little as $39 and $49, each way. Sun Country has been operating out of the DFW Airport to Minneapolis/St. Paul since 2000. The airline also added DFW to Las Vegas flights earlier this year, in addition to its route to Cancun. Flights from dallas to Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, will begin this November.

However, there’s much more to Sun Country’s expansion than just Dallas!

For a complete list of all of Sun Country Airlines route expansions and other news, please click on the link below!

Sun Country Airline News

Norwegian 787 Dreamliner fleet expanding, will add Las Vegas

May 25, 2016 / WIL BALDWIN

Norwegian 787 Dreamliner fleet will be expanding, airline to add flights between Las Vegas and London Gatwick Airport. Norwegian Airlines announced yesterday that it will lease two additional new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from CIT Aerospace. The two additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2018. The company is currently on track to have a fleet of 42 787 aircraft by 2020. The European discount airline also announced yesterday that it will be adding service between Las Vegas and London Gatwick Airport beginning this winter. The round trip flights will be flown by a Boeing 787-9 aircraft with the service operating on Monday’s and Thursday’s.

Watch Norwegian 787 takeoff from Barcelona Airport

Norwegian 787 Taxi & Takeoff

Watch Norwegian 787 takeoff from Barcelona Airport

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