Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of three different distinct hotels across the United States. The new properties include the Grand Hyatt Nashville, Hotel Kansas City, part of The Unbound Collection, and the Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia.
The Grand Hyatt Nashville
“Hyatt remains committed to thoughtfully growing our full-service portfolio of brands across the United States,” said Pete Sears, Americas group president, Hyatt. “Hyatt’s purpose of care and our ability to offer guests a customized experience is at the center of these exciting new openings. We believe there is a strong pent-up demand for travel and these new Hyatt hotels are well positioned to offer locally inspired programming, curated experiences and elevated services which our loyal members and guests expect from Hyatt.”
Hotel Kansas City, part of the Unbound Collection
The Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia is a brand new built 332-room upscale lifestyle hotel that includes 22 suites centrally located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia. The hotel features contemporary guest rooms and amenities, with more than 5,000 square feet worth of meeting space, a lobby bar and restaurant with American cuisine, and a grab and go market.
Located in Philadelphia’s desirable Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, the location is steps away from tree-filled parks, outdoor gardens, splendid architecture, upscale dining, boutique shops, and a robust nightlife. Located eight miles from Philadelphia International Airport, Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia connects travelers with popular Philadelphia historical and cultural attractions in the museum district and Independence National Historic Park.
– Adding Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Cancún, Mexico to Schedule
– JetBlue Planning to be the Largest Carrier in Connecticut by 2021
JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced it is expanding service in Hartford, Conn., with four new nonstop routes between Bradley International Airport (BDL) and Los Angeles (LAX), Las Vegas (LAS), San Francisco (SFO) and Cancún, Mexico (CUN)*. These routes are part of JetBlue’s strategy to add routes with high potential for leisure demand, and will set the airline up to be the largest carrier in Connecticut by 2021.
Last week, Connecticut simplified its travel advisory enabling all travelers visiting or returning to the state to provide a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within 72 hours prior to or upon arrival to avoid the state’s 14-day quarantine.
“We are excited to roll out these new routes connecting Hartford to some of our largest leisure destinations, bringing more low fares and great service to Connecticut residents,” said Scott Laurence, head of revenue and planning, JetBlue. “We are proud to play our part in support of Gov. Lamont’s economic recovery plan. We see great long-term potential for our business in Connecticut, as it becomes an increasingly attractive place to live and work. Additionally, the simplified travel advisory gives clarity to everyone who needs or wants to travel through Bradley International Airport.”
“One of Connecticut’s best competitive assets is its international airport in such close proximity to so many of our communities and employers,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “This strengthening of the partnership with JetBlue shows once again how important Bradley International Airport is to our present and our future. More routes, and a strong international airport are key to Connecticut’s success.”
“We are thrilled that JetBlue has taken the step to strengthen their presence and route network at Bradley Airport with this impressive launch of four new cities,” said Kevin Dillon, executive director, Connecticut Airport Authority. “JetBlue is an important partner for us, and we are very pleased to see that the airline recognizes the potential of the Bradley Airport market. We are confident that our strengthened partnership will provide major benefits for Connecticut travelers, JetBlue, and Bradley Airport.”
JetBlue has built a sizeable presence in Hartford with up to 12 flights per day pre-pandemic and has been instrumental in adding new routes and lowering fares for state residents. When the routes launch in the coming months, JetBlue will have the most nonstop destinations from Bradley International Airport of any carrier.
Service between Bradley International Airport (BDL) and:
Cancún, Mexico (CUN)*Launching November 19, 2020
Los Angeles (LAX)Launching December 18, 2020
Las Vegas (LAS)Launching December 18, 2020
San Francisco (SFO)Launching December 18, 2020
The announcement for new Connecticut routes comes shortly after the airline revealed a lineup of two dozen all-new nonstop destinations, plus expanded Mint service in Newark and Los Angeles. Each route plays to JetBlue’s strengths in the airline’s focus cities, in Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean or on cross-country – or transcontinental – flying. Every market has been identified as one in which JetBlue anticipates increasing demand for leisure travel.
In anticipation of these recent network additions, JetBlue is readying some aircraft that have been temporarily parked. The airline is dedicated to remaining flexible, continuing to assess the airline’s network and allowing market demand to determine how long a particular route continues to operate.
As Delta works to restart service in line with the lifting of travel restrictions, potential vaccine availability and the gradual return of demand, customers will see more trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights to top business and leisure destinations for the winter 2020-2021 and summer 2021 seasons. While the airline expects pre-COVID level recovery for international flying to continue to lag U.S. domestic, Delta plans to add over 50 transoceanic flights next summer, compared to the summer 2020 schedule.
Delta will focus its strengths in its core markets and with the support of its partners, offer customers a wide array of onward connections.
“While significant hurdles remain in the global fight against the pandemic, we are ready to connect customers to the people, places, opportunities and experiences they’re longing for,” said Joe Esposito, S.V.P. – Network Planning. “Customers flying internationally can look forward to a modernized fleet featuring our latest cabin products and a travel experience that prioritizes their health and the health of our employees from check-in to baggage claim.”
As customers consider future travel, whether international or domestic, Delta’s multi-layered approach to their health and safety ensures peace of mind throughout the travel journey. These include, but are not limited to:
– Sanitizing all aircraft with electrostatic spraying before departure and extensive pre-flight disinfection of high-touch points throughout the aircraft interior.
– Using state-of-the-art air circulation systems with HEPA filters that extract more than 99.99% of particles, including viruses.
– Blocking all middle seats and limiting the number of customers per flight through Jan. 6, 2021.
– Requiring face masks throughout the airport, in Delta Sky Clubs and on board the aircraft
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Emirates has announced it will resume its A380 operations to Toronto starting 16 August, taking its A380 network to six cities.
The airline continues to gradually expand the deployment of its double-decker aircraft in line with market demand and operational approvals.
The iconic Emirates A380 will begin serving travellers on flights to Toronto starting 16 August. The airline has so far resumed A380 operations to Amsterdam, Cairo, Paris, London Heathrow and Guangzhou (8 August) – taking its A380 network to six cities. The Emirates A380 experience remains a favourite amongst travellers for its spacious and comfortable cabins and the airline will continue to gradually expand its deployment in line with market demand and operational approvals.
Customers can fly the Emirates A380 from Dubai to Toronto five times a week. Flights can be booked on emirates.com or via travel agents. Emirates flight EK 241 will depart Dubai at 9:10 and arrive in Toronto at 15:05 local time. The return flight, EK 242 will depart Toronto at 21:45 and arrive in Dubai at 18:30 local time, the following day.
With safety as a priority, Emirates is gradually expanding its passenger services to 70 cities in August, returning to over 50% of its pre-pandemic destination network. Passengers travelling between the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia Pacific can enjoy safe and convenient connections via Dubai. Customers from Emirates’ network can stop over or travel to Dubai as the city has re-opened for international business and leisure visitors.
COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from.
Free, global cover for COVID-19 related costs: Customers can now travel with confidence, as Emirates has committed to cover COVID-19 related medical expenses, free of cost, should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel while they are away from home. This cover is immediately effective for customers flying on Emirates until 31 October 2020 (first flight to be completed on or before 31 October 2020), and is valid for 31 days from the moment they fly the first sector of their journey. This means Emirates customers can continue to benefit from the added assurance of this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination. For more details: http://www.emirates.com/COVID19assistance
Emirates will resume passenger services to Stockholm with weekly flights from 1 August, expanding its network in Europe to 22 cities, and connecting customers from Europe to the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa.
The restart of Stockholm flights means that all Emirates gateways in Scandinavia will have resumed services by August, with flights to Oslo resuming from 4 August and services to Copenhagen being in operation since June.
This will take the airline’s passenger network to 63 destinations in August, offering customers around the world more convenient connections to Dubai, and via Dubai.
Flights between Stockholm and Dubai will operate once a week on Saturdays. Emirates flight EK157 will depart Dubai at 08:40 and arrives in Stockholm at 13:10. The return flight EK 158 leaves Stockholm Arlanda Airport at 15:05 and arrives into Dubai International Airport at 23:20. All times are local.
The flights will be operated with the Emirates Boeing 777-300ER and can be booked on emirates.com or via travel agents.
Dubai is open: Customers from across Emirates’ network can now to travel to Dubai as the city has re-opened for business and leisure visitors with new air travel protocols that safeguard the health and safety of visitors and communities. For more information on entry requirements for international visitors to Dubai, visit: www.emirates.com/flytoDubai
Flexibility and assurance: With the gradual re-opening of borders over the summer, Emirates has revised its booking policies to offer customers more flexibility and confidence to plan their travel. Customers whose travel plans are disrupted by COVID-19 related flight or travel restrictions, can simply hold on to their ticket which will be valid for 24 months and rebook to fly at a later time; request travel vouchers to offset against future Emirates purchases, or request refunds via an online form on Emirates’ website or via their travel booking agent.
Health and safety first: Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers. For more information on these measures and the services available on each flight, visit: www.emirates.com/yoursafety
Travel restrictions: Customers are reminded that travel restrictions remain in place, and travellers will only be accepted on flights if they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries. Visit: www.emirates.com/travelrestrictions
Alaska Airlines, Inc.’s board of directors today elected Brooke Vatheuer to the new position of vice president strategic performance – Seattle, where she will lead the airline’s growing, hometown hub at Sea-Tac International Airport.
Vatheuer, who previously served as senior vice president of operations and planning for Horizon Air, will be a champion for Alaska’s guests and employees as it continues to grow its operations at Sea-Tac. Vatheuer will be accountable for the guest experience, operational metrics, gate space areas, ground staffing, air space management and employee engagement at Sea-Tac. The new leadership role reflects the airline’s continued focus on Seattle as a center of national and global connections for guests traveling for both business and leisure.
Vatheuer has more than a decade of experience at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. She started with Alaska in 2007 as an internal auditor and quickly took on new positions and leadership roles in the following years, including managing director of audit programs. In 2017, she joined Horizon Air as vice president of finance and planning where she oversaw operational performance, led strategic planning and continued to improve processes, collaboration and engagement among Horizon’s frontline employees.
“Brooke is a talented executive with a lengthy history of experience at Alaska Air Group managing people and operations,” said Gary Beck, Alaska’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “She has an astute understanding of the airline business. Her work in audit, finance, analytics, strategic planning and as the head of operations at Horizon Air enables her to deeply appreciate the intricacies of an effective operation. Our guests can look forward to an improved experience at Sea-Tac airport.”
Vatheuer earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington, as well as a master’s degree in professional accounting. She is a certified public accountant.
Alaska Airlines and its regional partners fly 47 million guests a year to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,300 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. With Alaska and Alaska Global Partners, guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 800 destinations worldwide. 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. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).
Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announced plans to establish a base of operations at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA). The Las Vegas-based company will invest $50 million to establish the new base in Concord, creating at least 66 high-wage jobs and housing 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 in Concord on October 7, 2020. Concord-Padgett Regional Airport will become the airline’s 21st aircraft base.
Located minutes from Charlotte, Concord is one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, with a robust business infrastructure and a diverse workforce. Home to some of North Carolina’s top tourist destinations, including NASCAR’s famed Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills, the city boasts a historic downtown district and a wide variety of entertainment and leisure activities for visitors and local residents. Concord is the largest city in Cabarrus County, with a population of more than 94,000.
“Since Allegiant’s first flight from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in 2013, their growth has been truly remarkable,” said Concord Mayor Bill Dusch. “We are very pleased that Allegiant has selected Concord for a new base of operations, which brings new jobs and travel opportunities for the citizens of Concord and the Charlotte region. We look forward to continue developing our partnership with Allegiant in the future.”
“We’re excited about making Concord a permanent base, and further establishing Allegiant as a hometown airline for this high-performance city,” said Keith Hansen, Allegiant’s vice president of government affairs. “With a growing and diverse population seeking affordable vacation travel, and as a regional destination for race enthusiasts, arts fans and more, Concord is an ideal location for an Allegiant base. Having locally-based operations will mean opportunities for expanded hours, as well as more – and more frequent – flight offerings for residents and visitors alike.”
“This decision reaffirms that what began as a wonderful opportunity for a growing destination has grown into a committed relationship,” said Concord-Padgett Regional Airport Aviation Director Dirk Vanderleest. “My staff and I are humbled by this opportunity and milestone for USA. We look forward to working hand in hand with Allegiant Air to ensure that both residents and visitors alike are recipients of excellent customer service and expanded vacation opportunities.”
“Allegiant took Cabarrus County’s tourism industry to the next level with commercial air service and we’re proud to offer our support as they continue to grow,” said Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau President & CEO Donna Carpenter. “Visitor spending reached over $469 millionin Cabarrus County in 2018. These enhancements will fuel that figure, generating tax revenues that will positively impact the local economy and quality of life in our community.”
Allegiant began operating at USA in 2013 and currently offers seven non-stop routes: one to the Mardi Gras City of New Orleans and six to premier Florida destinations, including Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando/Sanford, Palm Beach, Punta Gorda and St. Pete-Clearwater. Since establishing service, Allegiant has flown more than one million passengers through Concord, including 353,000 in 2019 alone.
“Cabarrus County’s investment in Allegiant emphasizes the power of collaboration,” said Cabarrus CountyBoard of Commissioners Chair Steve Morris. “Our support of projects related to the Concord-Padgett Regional Airport boosts the economic stability of all municipalities in our county and throughout the region.”
Both the Concord City Council and Cabarrus County Commissioners approved three-year economic development grants for the expansion. Based on a portion of the increased tax investment, the grant amount from the City of Concord would not exceed $48,649 and $75,001 from Cabarrus County.
“The establishment of this base really reinforces Allegiant’s commitment to our community,” said Cabarrus Economic Development Existing Industry Director Page Castrodale. “It sends a message that Cabarrus County is the right place to do business.”
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.
New service to Dallas/Fort Worth and Columbus, Ohio, on fuel-efficient Airbus A220s.
Expanded service to 12 U.S. cities.
Delta will operate daily service to London-Heathrow, Europe’s top international market, in 2021.
70% of flights on larger, mainline aircraft, enhancing customer comfort and experience with seat-back entertainment and WiFi.
Upgraded, next-generation aircraft in top business and leisure markets.
Delta is committed to offering Seattle customers more options for summer travel than ever before with the launch of new, three-times daily service to Dallas/Fort Worth, new nonstop service to Columbus, Ohio, and expanded service to 12 popular destinations: Anchorage; Atlanta; Austin; Boise, Idaho; Boston; Bozeman, Mont.; Kansas City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Spokane, Wash.; Tampa; and Washington-Dulles.
These additions mean Delta will offer 190 daily departures to 56 destinations this summer from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Dallas/Fort Worth marks Delta’s second Texas destination from Sea-Tac, building on the Austin service launched in 2017.
As Seattle’s global carrier, Delta plans to launch nonstop service to London-Heathrow in 2021. The route expands the airline’s lead of offering the most global destinations from Seattle than any other airline, with London joining Delta’s existing nine international markets. The service also complements partner Virgin Atlantic’s twice-daily service and offers customers the choice of three daily flights.
“Our customers’ demand for new destinations, award-winning service, commitment to seat-back entertainment and superior reliability are what drives Delta’s continued growth in Seattle,” said Tony Gonchar, Delta’s Vice President — Seattle. “With our extensive partner service from Seattle on Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Korean Air and Aeromexico, customers can expect a seamless journey across the globe.”
New summer destinations and expanded service for Seattleites
Delta’s overall domestic summer service from Seattle includes top leisure and business destinations.
Starting June 8, Delta will launch:
Three daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth
New daily flight to Columbus, Ohio
A second flight to Austin
A second flight to Orlando
These flights to Dallas, Columbus and Austin will operate on Airbus A220 aircraft; the Orlando service will operate on a Boeing 737-900. The schedules will operate as follows:
Flight
Departs
Arrives
Dallas/Fort Worth-Seattle (new service)
7:15 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
Dallas/Fort Worth-Seattle (new service)
2 p.m.
4:15 p.m.
Dallas/Fort Worth-Seattle (new service)
5:30 p.m.
7:45 p.m.
Seattle-Dallas/Fort Worth (new service)
7:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m.
Seattle-Dallas/Fort Worth (new service)
10:45 a.m.
4:45 p.m.
Seattle-Dallas/Fort Worth (new service)
5:30 p.m.
11:30 p.m.
Columbus-Seattle (new service)
7:15 a.m.
9:25 a.m.
Seattle-Columbus (new service)
10:30 p.m.
6 a.m.
Austin-Seattle (existing flight)
6:30 a.m.
8:57 a.m.
Austin-Seattle (added frequency)
3:20 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
Seattle-Austin (added frequency)
8:30 a.m.
2:40 p.m.
Seattle-Austin (existing flight)
6:20 p.m.
0:24 a.m.
Orlando-Seattle (existing flight)
7 a.m.
10:27 a.m.
Orlando-Seattle (added frequency)
7 p.m.
10:10 p.m.
Seattle-Orlando (existing flight)
9:30 a.m.
5:49 p.m.
Seattle-Orlando (added frequency)
10:30 p.m.
6:55 a.m.
These new offerings join more service expansions previously announced, including:
Tampa service beginning in March
A fourth daily flight to Boston
A second flight to Kansas City and Washington, D.C. (IAD) beginning this summer
Twice daily flights to Bozeman, Mont.
More flights and seats to Anchorage, Atlanta, Boise, Las Vegas, and Spokane, Wash., including a convenient evening service for Atlanta business travelers
13 daily flights between Washington’s Reagan National and Newark Liberty mostly aboard the world’s only two-cabin 50-seat regional aircraft – the Bombardier CRJ-550 starting March 29
New jet offers first class seating, Wi-Fi, more leg room and enough space for every customer’s roller bag
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines today announced a new hourly shuttle service between Washington’s Reagan National Airport and New York/Newark Liberty International Airport. United will operate the world’s only two-cabin 50-seat regional aircraft – the Bombardier CRJ-550 on most flights. The CRJ-550 is designed for business and leisure travelers who want true-first-class seating, Wi-Fi, more leg room and enough space for every customer to bring a roller bag on board.
With this new shuttle service, United will now offer more travel opportunities between these two cities than any other airline in the world. Tickets for the 13 daily flights between New York/Newark and Washington, D.C. will be available for purchase beginning January 18 and service starts on March 29.
“Our customers who regularly travel between Washington, D.C. and New York – one of the busiest routes in the country – have told us they value convenient flights and a comfortable ride above all else,” said Sarah Murphy, United’s senior vice president of United Express. “With our new shuttle service aboard the one-of-a-kind CRJ-550, United Airlines is the only carrier to deliver both.”
The CRJ-550 is a first-of-its-kind jet boasting a wide variety of premium amenities, including:
10 seats in United First, 20 seats in Economy Plus, and 20 Economy seats
Space for every customer to bring a roller bag on board.
A self-serve refreshment center for United First customers featuring a wide assortment of snacks and beverages.
More overall legroom per seat than any other 50-seat aircraft flown by a U.S. airline.
The ability to stay connected while in flight with United Wi-Fi.
Every customer. Every flight. Every day.
United continues to strengthen its commitment to its customers, looking at every aspect of its business to ensure that the carrier keeps customers’ best interests at the heart of its service. In addition to today’s announcement, United recently:
Announced that MileagePlus award miles will never expire
Committed $40 million toward a new investment initiative focused on accelerating the development of sustainable aviation fuels and other decarbonization technologies
Established Miles on a Mission, a first-of-its-kind crowdsourcing platform which gives customers a simple way to donate miles to non-profit organizations and charities in need of air travel
Launched ConnectionSaver, a digital tool dedicated to improving the experience for customers with connecting flights
Instituted PlusPoints, new upgrade benefits for MileagePlus Premier members
Gave Economy customers a choice of complimentary snacks on domestic flights
Made DIRECTV free for every customer on more than 200 aircraft
United Airlines logo. (PRNewsFoto/United Airlines)
Sun Country will start cargo service with a big first customer: Amazon
Minnesota airline will add 10 planes, 70 pilots under 6-year cargo service deal.
Amazon is hiring Sun Country Airlines to fly packages around the country, a windfall deal that thrusts the Minnesota carrier into the cargo business.
The six-year deal, announced Tuesday, will immediately create a massive expansion for Sun Country. From the first flights next spring, the new cargo service for Amazon Air will quickly grow to represent 20% of all of Sun Country’s flying.
It is the first time Amazon has hired a commercial passenger airline for air service.
Sun Country will add 10 airplanes to its fleet and hire an additional 70 pilots to its existing force of 350. The Twin Cities-based airline will also hire more maintenance workers and 20 to 30 headquarters staffers to support Amazon Air operations.
“These are pretty highly compensated positions. … We are very excited about this,” Jude Bricker, Sun Country’s chief executive, said Tuesday. “This is going to be a great growth opportunity for our company, and the important thing for the Twin Cities is it will make us a better airline for Minnesota leisure travelers.”
Amazon is hiring Sun Country to fly shipments under its Amazon Air business. The six-year deal puts Sun Country into the scheduled cargo business for the first time. It will hire 70 pilots to fly the routes.
