Tag: frequent (Page 1 of 5)

Emirates and Azul expand partnership

January 15, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Dubai, UAE, January 15, 2024 – Emirates and Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras S.A. (Azul) have taken their partnership to new heights with the launch of a reciprocal loyalty program offering. Emirates Skywards and TudoAzul frequent flyer members can now earn and redeem Miles across a joint network of more than 290 destinations worldwide. The two carriers launched a codeshare partnership in 2021 to provide customers enhanced connectivity to/from eight cities in Brazil to Emirates’ global network via Sao Paulo.

More opportunities to earn Miles

Under the agreement, Emirates Skywards members can earn Miles while traveling across Azul’s network of more than 150 destinations. Skywards members earn up to 1 Skywards Mile per mile flown in Economy class, and up to 1.5 Skywards Miles per mile flown in Business Class. Members can also redeem flight rewards on Azul Economy Class on emirates.com (starting from 8,000 Miles for a one-way reward ticket) and Azul Business Class (starting from 17,500 Miles for a one-way reward ticket). The partnership will also enable TudoAzul members to earn Miles across Emirates’ global network of more than 130 destinations, across six continents. Azul members can also enjoy flight rewards on Emirates Economy and Business Class cabins.*

Connecting Brazil to the world

Emirates currently operates a daily A380 service to Sao Paulo, featuring its highly lauded Premium Economy cabin. The airline also operates a Boeing 777-300ER service between Dubai and Rio de Janeiro, which also connects travellers onwards to Buenos Aires. The codeshare agreement with Emirates and Azul allows customers to connect to/from Rio de Janeiro, Santos Dumont (SDU), Belem (BEL) Belo Horizonte (CNF), Cuiaba (CGB), Curitiba (CWB), Juazeiro Do Norte (JDO), Porto Alegre (POA) and Recife (REC) airports on flights operated by Azul to Emirates flights from Sao Paulo (GRU) to Dubai and beyond with a single ticket.

Qantas Group provides market update

September 24, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

September 25, 2023, Qantas Airways Ltd ADR (OTC-QABSY) – The Qantas Group provides the following update to inform the market of a material increase to investment in customer improvements, continued strength in travel demand and the impact of elevated fuel prices.

CUSTOMER IMPROVEMENTS

The Group will invest a further $80 million in customer improvements across FY24 in addition to the $150 million previously budgeted, which will be funded from profits.

This additional investment is aimed at addressing a number of customer ‘pain points’ through improvements such as better contact centre resourcing and training, an increase in the number seats that can be redeemed with Frequent Flyer points, more generous recovery support when operational issues arise, a review of longstanding policies for fairness and improvements to the quality of inflight catering.

Qantas is also working to accelerate some initiatives already underway, such as the re-platforming of the Qantas app. More detail on these actions will be shared in coming weeks.

DEMAND LEVELS

Overall travel demand remains strong, with trading conditions in the first quarter of FY24 similar to the last quarter of FY23.

Qantas and Jetstar expect to carry more than 4 million passengers over the September/October school holidays and football finals period on almost 35,000 domestic and international services. This compares with around 3.7 million passengers on approximately 28,000 services over the same four week period last year.

Latest survey data shows that travel remains a top spending priority among Qantas Frequent Flyers over the next six months, well ahead of entertainment, renovations and homewares[1]. The Group greatly appreciates the continued support from customers choosing Qantas and Jetstar.

FUEL, FX AND FARES

Fuel prices have increased by around 30 per cent since May 2023, including a 10 per cent spike since August. This is driven by a combination of higher oil prices, higher refiner margins and a lower Australian dollar.

If sustained, this is expected to see the Group’s 1H24 fuel bill increase by approximately $200 million to $2.8 billion after hedging[2]. A further $50 million impact is expected due to non-fuel related foreign exchange changes.

The Group will continue to absorb these higher costs, but will monitor fuel prices in the weeks ahead and, if current levels are sustained, will look to adjust its settings. Any changes would look to balance the recovery of higher costs with the importance of affordable travel in an environment where fares are already elevated.

CAPACITY AND NETWORK UPDATE

New aircraft deliveries and wet-leasing arrangements will help Qantas and Jetstar boost international capacity by 12 percentage points by the end of the calendar year – an increase of almost 50 additional flights a week.

This includes Qantas resuming its Sydney-Shanghai services and starting two new routes, Brisbane-Wellington and Brisbane-Honiara, as well as a new Jetstar service from Brisbane to Tokyo.

Both international and domestic capacity for 1H24 is materially unchanged from estimates given in late August 2023.

FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK

The Group remains in a very strong financial position, including its debt levels and continued strong revenue intakes.

The on-market share buyback of up to $500 million announced on 24 August 2023 is now 10 per cent completed. Shareholder approval will be sought at Qantas’ upcoming AGM to increase the headroom for further share buybacks that the Board may choose to do in future in line with the Financial Framework.

[1] QFF sentiment tracker,n=2,019.Data collected between 1 August 2023 and 31 August 2023. Sample of QFF members from Red Planet panel. Based on respondents’ intended changes to upcoming spending across different categories.

[2] Assumes 1H24 underlying into-plane market reference price of approximately A$191 per barrel.

First Time Ever! Southwest Airlines Launches Buy One, Get One 50% Off Base Fares Promotion for Upcoming Travel

August 1, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Dallas, Texas, August 1, 2023 – Today, Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) launched a buy one, get one 50% off base fares promotional offer. This exciting offer is valid for only a short time—now through Aug. 3, 2023, and Customers can book their upcoming August and September travel and even save on a future trip to kick off 2024.¹

“We’re so grateful for the loyalty our Customers share with Southwest every day and we know they’re ready to make some travel plans in 2024,” said Jonathan Clarkson, Vice President of Marketing at Southwest Airlines. “This extra discount on our already low fares enhances the value of our frequent flights, flexible policies, and the unmatched friendliness of our People. We hope it underscores our gratitude for the relationship between Southwest and those who choose to fly with us.”

To qualify, Rapid Rewards® Members must:¹

Register for the promotion and purchase a Southwest® revenue flight (one round trip or two one-ways), starting today through Aug. 3, 2023; and
Travel by Sept. 30, 2023.

To use the promotion code Members must:²

Book new travel using the 50% off promotion code beginning Oct. 17, 2023, through Nov. 23, 2023; and
Travel Jan. 8 2024, through March 6, 2024. (Travel blacked out Feb. 15, 2024, through Feb. 19, 2024; Feb. 23, 2024, through Feb. 25, 2024; and March 3, 2024.)³

Visit Southwest.com® for the full list of terms and conditions.¹

Virgin Australia and All Nippon Airways launch expanded partnership

July 23, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

July 2023 – Virgin Australia and Japan’s largest airline, ANA, All Nippon Airways, have today announced a significantly expanded partnership to include increased levels of codeshare co-operation in addition to a series of member loyalty benefits and seamless travel across both carriers’ networks.

From today, Velocity Frequent Flyer members can earn Points and Status Credits when travelling on ANA operated flights across more than 130 destinations in the global ANA network including Japan, Asia, North America and Europe.

For the first time, guests can also book airfares on ANA operated flights between Australia and Japan at virginaustralia.com.

The announcement follows the launch of Virgin Australia’s inaugural service between Cairns and Tokyo (Haneda) last month. The airline’s partnership with ANA will unlock benefits across 12 domestic connections for travellers within Japan, including Sapporo, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka-Itami, Kochi, Osaka-Kansai, Kumamoto, Nagoya, Nagasaki, Oita, Okinawa and Miyazaki.

Icelandair becomes new Airbus customer with order for 13 Airbus A321XLR

July 6, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, 06 July 2023 – Icelandair, the main Icelandic airline based in Keflavik, has placed a firm order for 13 Airbus A321XLR. The order makes Icelandair a new Airbus customer. The airline is also planning to lease four A321LR’s.

With its extra long range, the A321XLR will allow Icelandair to seize new market opportunities. The aircraft will also enable the airline to reduce its operating costs, support its sustainability targets and at the same time offer its passengers the best in cabin comfort.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step forward from the A320neo responding to market needs for even more range and payload, and creating more value for the airlines. It will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more range than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. For passengers, the A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide the best travel experience, while offering seats in all classes with the same high-comfort as on a long-haul wide-body, with the low costs of a single-aisle aircraft. By the end of May 2023, the A320neo Family had accumulated more than 8,750 orders from 136 customers worldwide.

HK Express Receives First Airbus A321neo

April 3, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Airbus announced the successful delivery of its first Airbus A321neo to the low-cost carrier HK Express, a member of Cathay Pacific Group (OTC: CPCAY), based in Hong Kong.

This milestone marks the first of 16 A321neo aircraft for HK Express and features the airline’s latest livery, with vibrant shades of purple and white. In addition, the aircraft’s winglets and empennage spots an “e” shaped journey symbol, which evokes the start of a pleasant journey with HK Express.

HK Express’ A321neo is powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines and can seat up to 236 passengers in Airbus’ award-winning Airspace cabin, which brings unique lighting displays, more personal space and a sleek design to improve passenger experience.

HK Express is an all-Airbus operator, with its current fleet comprising 27 A320 Family aircraft, including 11A321ceo, 10 A320neo, five A320ceo and its first A321neo.

The A321neo is part of the A320neo Family, which incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets, together delivering more than 20 percent fuel and CO2 savings, as well as a 50 percent noise reduction.

To date, the A320neo Family has received more than 8,600 firm orders from over 130 customers worldwide.

All New Gulfstream G800 Makes First Flight

June 29, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

SAVANNAH, Ga., June 28, 2022 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced the all-new ultralong-range Gulfstream G800 successfully completed its first flight, officially launching the flight-test program of the industry’s longest-range aircraft. Announced in October 2021, the G800 is the latest addition to Gulfstream’s next-generation fleet to take flight and make progress toward customer deliveries.

The G800 departed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 9:00 a.m. and landed there two hours later. In keeping with Gulfstream’s commitment to sustainability leadership in aviation, the aircraft made the flight using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel.

The G800 can fly 8,000 nautical miles/14,816 kilometers at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm/12,964 km at Mach 0.90 with class-leading fuel-efficiency, thanks to the combination of the Gulfstream-designed, advanced high-speed wing and all-new, high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines.

The G800 is equipped with Gulfstream’s next-generation Symmetry Flight Deck and dual head-up displays featuring the new Combined Vision System, which includes Enhanced Flight Vision System and Synthetic Vision System imagery, further enhancing safety and pilot situational awareness.

All New Gulfstream G800 Makes First Flight

First Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 Gets Ready for Delivery

June 3, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

The Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 with the registration D-ABPA and the future name “Berlin” will be delivered to Lufthansa following certification by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) this summer.

The ultra-modern long-haul “Dreamliner” aircraft will consume an average of around 2.5 liters of kerosene per passenger and 100 kilometers flown. That is around 25 percent less than their predecessor aircraft. The CO2 emissions are also improved accordingly.

The Boeing 787-9 “Berlin” will have an improved cabin product – including direct aisle access for all guests in Business Class. Following several weeks of planned cabin refurbishments at Lufthansa’s maintenance in Frankfurt, the aircraft will be deployed initially on domestic German routes for training purposes. The first intercontinental scheduled destination of the Lufthansa “Dreamliner” will be Toronto.

In total, the Lufthansa Group has ordered 32 Boeing “Dreamliner” with delivery between 2022 and 2027.

Delta Debuts Dazzling Terminal C Facility at New York LaGuardia Airport

June 1, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

Delta is celebrating its latest investment in New York as it prepares to open its new Terminal C at LaGuardia Airport to customers on June 4, a massive milestone in the $4 billion program to transform and modernize one of the airline’s key hubs.

Delta accelerated construction timelines during the pandemic to deliver this facility to New York customers even faster than anticipated. The airline will fully complete the entire four-concourse terminal by the end of 2024, almost two years earlier than originally planned.

Ultimately, Terminals C and D will consolidate into one state-of-the-art facility, spanning 1.3 million square feet and featuring 37 gates across four concourses. Delta continues to double down on its vision for the future of travel, building airports of the future that are comfortable, easy to navigate and part of an effortlessly connected journey, capable of absorbing and supporting new innovative experiences as technology evolves. Recently, Delta also revealed the completion of the first major phase of its $2.3B Sky Way at Los Angeles International Airport.

In addition to a gleaming central headhouse and concourse, LGA will house the largest Delta Sky Club in the system, with architectural touches that evoke New York City from the turn of the 20th century, such as harlequin-patterned screens and rich warm metals. With seating for nearly 600 guests to relax and recharge over a sprawling 34,000 square feet (in its end state), the Club features a gourmet kitchen, premium bar, two food buffets and two hydration stations.

Sky High Aviation Receives First of Two Embraer E190 Jets

June 1, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

São José dos Campos, Brazil, June 1, 2022 – Sky High Aviation, an airline based in the Dominican Republic, has taken delivery of its first Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) E190 passenger jet. This makes the air carrier the only E-Jet operator based in the Caribbean. The first of two E190s being provided by regional aircraft lessor, TrueNoord, arrived last week at Las Americas José Francisco Peña Gómez airport after transition works were completed at Embraer’s MRO facility in Macon, Georgia, USA. The second E190 is to be delivered to Sky High later this month.

The addition of the E190s will bring a new level of comfort for passengers and open new international routes from the region. Sky High currently operates a fleet of two 50 seater Embraer ERJ 145s flying to 10 island destinations in the Caribbean. The E190s have been configured in a comfortable dual-class layout with 98 seats and will serve Sky High’s existing destinations as well as opening new international routes to the United States, Central and South America.

Juan Chamizo Alonso, President of Sky High Aviation, said, “It’s a huge differentiator for us to be the only operator in the region with E-Jet capability, and a great way to celebrate our first 10 years of operations. The addition of the larger, more modern and capable E190 is the next step in our development and our offering to our customers. The E190 is the perfect aircraft to help manage demand in peak times, as well as to open and maintain the international routes essential for our continued development as a leading Caribbean operator.”

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