Tag: Springs (Page 1 of 2)

Qantas Adds Seven New Routes, Puts Dreamliner on Domestic Route

May 24, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Qantas customers can now book seven new domestic routes and travel on more widebody aircraft between major capital cities to help meet strong demand for domestic travel across Australia.

The new routes – Townsville to Adelaide/Melbourne/Sydney, Adelaide to Cairns/Hobart, Sydney-Uluru and Perth-Gold Coast – provide direct connections and reduce travel time for customers. They bring the total number of routes Qantas and Jetstar have added since the start of the pandemic to 45.

Five of the routes will be operated by Embraer E190 regional jets as part of QantasLink’s partnership with Alliance Airlines. The first Qantas flights operated by the 94-seat E190s took off today between Adelaide, Darwin and Alice Springs.

Customers will also see more widebody aircraft with Business Suites on flights between the East Coast capital cities into Perth and Darwin.

Usually used for long haul international flights including Perth-London, the 236-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will begin operating up to nine Sydney to Perth flights per week.

Widebody Qantas Airbus A330-200 aircraft, which serviced international routes into Asia, will operate on more flights into Darwin from Sydney and Brisbane, and also into Perth from Sydney and Melbourne. These will be added to the A330s already flying on east-west routes.

The additional flying will see Qantas’ capacity exceed 100 per cent of pre-COVID levels in the coming months and the Group’s market share around 70 per cent.

Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David said the new routes would support the growing demand for domestic tourism.

NEW ROUTES

Route	Start Date	Return flights per week	Aircraft
Adelaide – Townsville	August 2021	3 per week	E190
Adelaide – Cairns	August 2021	4 per week	E190
Adelaide – Hobart	September 2021	Up to 7 per week	E190
Sydney – Townsville	September 2021	7 per week	E190
Melbourne – Townsville	September 2021	7 per week	E190
Perth – Gold Coast	September 2021	3 per week	B737
Sydney – Uluru	March 2022	5 per week	B737

Fares are available from today with Qantas offering special fares including $139 on Adelaide-Hobart, $179 on Sydney-Townsville and $229 Perth-Gold Coast. Special fares are available at qantas.com or through Travel Agents, until 11:59pm 27 May, unless sold out prior.

The new flights add to Jetstar’s existing services across six of the routes, providing a range of travel options for Qantas Group customers.

ADDITIONAL WIDEBODY FLYING

Route	Added or upgauged flights	Aircraft	Total weekly flights (all aircraft)
Sydney-Perth	Up to 9 per week	787 Dreamliner	34
Up to 4 per week	A330
Melbourne-Perth	Up to 24 per week	A330	37
Sydney-Darwin	Up to 7 per week	A330	12
Brisbane-Darwin	Up to 3 per week	A330	9

Virgin Australia Group Outlines Growth Plans to Support Tourism Recovery

April 19, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

BRISBANE, 15 April 2021: Virgin Australia Group has announced fast-tracked plans to acquire new aircraft, create more frontline jobs and grow its network to further support domestic tourism.

The recovery efforts include the reintroduction of 10 additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft and the planned return of more than 80 per cent of the airline’s pre-pandemic domestic capacity by mid-June. Network operational changes will also allow the airline to redeploy Boeing 737 aircraft to other parts of its network over the coming months.

After a year of rolling state-based restrictions, pent-up travel demand is supporting the launch of several new and expanded services and frequencies on key leisure and business routes. Virgin Australia Group is committed to maintaining a market share consistent with its pre-COVID position.

Commitment to Jobs

The creation of more roles at the Company will see more than 220 cabin crew return to the skies from the airline’s discontinued long-haul international, ATR regional and Tigerair Australia operations. The new recruits will join one of 15 cabin crew training schools over the next two months.

In addition, a major recruitment drive to fill more than 150 new cabin crew roles, including an expression of interest for future positions has also begun today, with applications from other Virgin Australia employee groups being assessed as a matter of priority. External expressions of interest can be made via the airline’s careers website.

Fleet and Network

The Company has finalised arrangements to re-introduce 10 Boeing 737-800 aircraft which had previously been operated by Virgin Australia, with further aircraft under investigation. The first three aircraft will join the airline’s mainline fleet this month while the remainder are set to progressively enter service by October.

The Company is finalising wet lease arrangements with Alliance Airlines to operate Fokker 100 services on behalf of Virgin Australia between Brisbane-Alice Springs and Brisbane-Mt Isa from 19 April 2021. The move will allow Virgin Australia to explore more efficient ways of managing capacity and frequencies to support choice and convenience for regional customers.

Using an Airbus A320 aircraft, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) will also move to operate select services on mainline routes between Perth-Darwin, Perth-Broome and Perth-Adelaide from next month. These arrangements will support the redeployment of the Boeing 737 aircraft to other markets.

Between now and the June school holidays, the airline will add more than 220 return flights per week to its schedule, offering new and extended seasonal services and expanded frequencies on key business and leisure routes. Trans-Tasman services to Queenstown are set to recommence ahead of school holidays on 18 September 2021.

Southwest Airlines Announces Myrtle Beach, Eugene, and Bellingham 2021 Service Plans

March 8, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE: LUV) today announced an intention to bring the flexibility and value of Southwest Airlines® to three more new airports in 2021. Southwest Airlines Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly today is sharing the following message with the Employees of Southwest:

I’m pleased to share with you all that today we’re announcing our intention to serve three more destinations and continue our focus on putting our aircraft to work to pursue more Customers and much-needed revenue.

And the destinations are (drum roll!) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Eugene, Oregon; and Bellingham, Washington—three very different and appealing locations to both serve our existing Customers and places where we feel Southwest can make a real difference for local travelers.

We’re looking to start Myrtle Beach service in time for summer vacations and we expect our arrival to appeal to travelers who currently drive to this very popular coastal area in the Southeast. ‘Golf bags fly free’* should be very popular for Myrtle Beach service!

Eugene is about two hours south of Portland, and it’s ripe for the Southwest Effect, our Hospitality, and our flexible policies, with no hidden fees, and low fares.

Southwest service in Bellingham positions us just south of metro Vancouver, British Columbia. Following the reopening of the Canadian border, we expect a return of the value-minded travelers who already drive to this alternative airport to escape high fares and taxes—and that’s very, very typical for Southwest destinations. Southwest provides a great value for them.

Service to both Eugene and Bellingham is something we’ve anticipated in the second half of the year.

That makes 17 new airports that either we have opened or announced since the pandemic began. And for those that have commenced service, they’re performing very well. In fact, we just shared with the airports serving Steamboat Springs and Telluride that we’re extending our service beyond the winter season to continue serving both through the summer of 2021.

Colorado Springs, Savannah, and our Long Beach service to Hawaii all start-up this coming Thursday.

That’s a lot of work, a lot of new destinations, and a lot of options for our Customers and so I want to thank all of the Teams that have a hand in continuing to grow the Heart of Southwest while better positioning us to capture more Customers as the travel demand rebounds.

*Golf bags fly free as one of two checked pieces of baggage offered to every Southwest Customer (weight and size limitations apply)

Alaska Air Announces New Flights Between California and Montana

March 4, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

SEATTLE, March 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Following on the heels of Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) recent announcement of Montana flights (http://planesintheair.com/southwest-airlines-service-to-destin-ft-walton-and-bozeman-to-begin-may-2021/), Alaska Airlines (NYSE: ALK) has today announced four new routes between California and Montana for the summer, increasing total jet service to seven nonstop routes between the two states.

The newest “Sun and Fun” additions will connect Los Angeles and San Diego with Kalispell, Montana, and connect San Diego and San Francisco with Bozeman, Montana. The Los Angeles and San Diego flights start May 20, and the San Francisco flight starts June 17. They’ll operate through Sept. 7.

This added summer flying builds on year-round service on three nonstop routes that connect San Diego with Missoula, Montana, and connect Los Angeles with Bozeman and Missoula.

Tickets for the new flights are available at alaskaair.com with one-way fares starting as low as $69 to and from Bozeman and as low as $89 to and from Kalispell.

Start Date	End Date	City Pair	Frequency	Aircraft
May 20, 2021	Sept. 7, 2021	Los Angeles – Kalispell	W, Sa	E175
May 20, 2021	Sept. 7, 2021	San Diego – Kalispell	M, F, Sa	E175
May 20, 2021	Sept. 7, 2021	San Diego – Bozeman	T, W, Th, Sa, Su	E175
June 17, 2021	Sept. 7, 2021	San Francisco – Bozeman	Sa	E175

The new routes will be served by the Embraer 175 jet, a jet aircraft with only window and aisle seating – no middle seats. On all the new routes, guests will enjoy award-winning service in a three-class cabin that includes First Class and Premium Class; Most Free Movies in the Sky with hundreds of movies and TV shows available for viewing on personal devices; free texting on most flights; and Wi-Fi connectivity for purchase.

Kalispell’s Glacier Park International Airport is in northwest Montana’s Flathead Valley, which encompasses the gateway to Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Flathead Lake — the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the definition of “Big Sky Country” and about 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, Bozeman offers fishermen and hikers an abundance of options. Fly fish for trout on the Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Missouri Rivers. Follow Highway 191 for views of snow-capped mountains in Gallatin Canyon.

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

Alaska Airlines serves six cities in Montana: Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell and Missoula.

Alaska Airlines serves 15 cities in California: Burbank, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Ontario, Orange County, Palm Springs, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Sonoma.

Southwest Airlines Service To Destin/Ft. Walton and Bozeman to Begin May 2021

February 25, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE: LUV) today announced the flexibility and value of Southwest Airlines^® now benefits both visitors and hometown travelers booking late spring and summer travel to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) in Florida and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana. Southwest^® service to both destinations begins in May 2021.

“We’re adding another destination in the West, our first in Montana, and bringing additional access to the beaches of Northwest Florida just as winter-weary families begin to dream of warm summer escapes in wide-open places,” said Andrew Watterson, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer. “Our arrival in these communities with daily service also ushers a new flexibility and everyday affordability for local travelers flying Southwest for fun, family, or work.”

DESTIN/FT. WALTON BEACH, FLA., DAILY SERVICE BEGINS MAY 6, 2021

Beginning May 6, 2021, Southwest will commence service to an 11^th airport in the Sunshine State, bringing a third option for beachcombers to access the Florida panhandle. Southwest Customers will be able to fly nonstop between Destin/Ft. Walton Beach and four destinations: Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Dallas (Love Field), and Nashville, bringing additional connecting or same-plane service to more than 50 cities, with added nonstop service to Chicago (Midway) beginning June 6, 2021. This new service is available for purchase now at Southwest.com:

Fly nonstop betweenDestin/Ft. Walton Beach and:	Initial daily service:	One-way fares as low as:
Baltimore/Washington (BWI)	1 flight each way	$79
Chicago (Midway) (beginning June 6)	1 flight each way	$79
Dallas (Love Field)	1 flight each way	$69
Nashville	3 flights each way	$69

The number of seats, days, and markets for these fares are limited. See a full list of fares, fare rules, and terms and conditions below.

BOZEMAN, MONTANA, DAILY SERVICE BEGINS MAY 27, 2021

In its 50^th year of service, Southwest Airlines adds another of the 50 states to its network, bringing low fares to the state of Montana on May 27, 2021. The addition of Bozeman will connect Customers with Big Sky country, bringing faster access to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky Ski Resort, Custer Gallatin National Forest, and Montana State University. Southwest Customers may now book travel to fly nonstop between Bozeman and both Denver and Las Vegas, and reach southern Montana from more than 50 other Southwest cities on same-plane or connecting service. This new service is available for purchase now:

Fly nonstop between Bozeman and:	Initial daily service:	One-way fares as low as:
Denver	2 flights each way(increases to 4 flights each way on June 6)	$39
Las Vegas	2 flights each way	$39

The number of seats, days, and markets for these fares are limited. See a full list of fares, fare rules, and terms and conditions below.

In 2020, Southwest added new service to Hilo, Hawaii; Cozumel, Mexico; Miami; Palm Springs, Calif.; Steamboat Springs; and Montrose(Telluride), Colo., to connect Customers with places and people they love. In 2021, Southwest began service to both Chicago (O’Hare) and Sarasota/Bradenton on Feb. 14. The carrier will begin service to both Savannah/Hilton Head and Colorado Springs on March 11; both Houston(Bush) and Santa Barbara, Calif. on April 12; Fresno, Calif. on April 25; Destin/Ft. Walton Beach on May 6; Bozeman, Mont. on May 27; and Jackson, Miss. on June 6.

Qantas Group Targets Domestic Growth with Alliance Airlines Capacity Deal

February 3, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

A new deal with Alliance Airlines will help the Qantas Group meet an expected surge in local tourism demand once the country moves beyond sudden COVID-related border closures. Alliance will provide the QantasLink network with flexible capacity using its recently acquired Embraer E190 aircraft – a 94 seat jet with a five hour range that is well suited to linking regional centres with smaller capital cities.

Initial routes that Alliance will fly are expected to include Adelaide–Alice Springs, Darwin–Alice Springs and Darwin–Adelaide. Passengers can expect an increase in frequency made possible by the size, range and economics of the E190 compared to the Boeing 737’s that are currently used on these routes; the 737’s will be redeployed elsewhere in Australia as part an ongoing ‘right aircraft, right route’ approach to the Group’s network.

Qantas has signed a three year deal with Alliance to access three E190’s based in Darwin and Adelaide. The timing will depend on the rate of recovery in travel demand but is currently expected to start in June 2021, once the vast majority of the Qantas Domestic flying has returned to pre-COVID levels.

The agreement also provides flexibility to access an additional 11 (for a total of 14) E190 regional jets, but also to switch off some (or all) of this capacity, depending on market conditions.

CEO of QantasLink, John Gissing, said the deal reflected the kind of flexibility needed to respond to opportunities without committing any capital.

The E190 offers 10 seats in Business Class and 84 seats in Economy, with a range of about 4,500 kilometres.

Qantas owns just under 20 per cent of Alliance Airlines.

Southwest Airlines Announces Four-Day $29 Wow Sale For Spring Travel

January 4, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) launched a four-day WOW Sale today through Jan. 7, 2021, 11:59 p.m., Central Time, with fares starting as low as $29 one-way. Customers can ring in the New Year with this huge sale and book their spring getaway for travel in March and April.

From the mountains to the beach, there is a perfect getaway for everyone. Hit the slopes at one of our new destinations in Colorado—Steamboat Springs, Montrose (Telluride), or Colorado Springs (starting March 11, 2021). Looking for something warmer? Feel the warmth of the sand by booking a trip to one of our beach destinations— Fort Lauderdale, Kahului (Maui), Long Beach, Calif. or Miami. Looking for something new? Customers can fly to one of these hidden gems— Palm Springs, New Orleans, or Raleigh/Durham.

“Southwest is ready to take Customers to their favorite spring travel destinations,” said Bill Tierney, Southwest Vice President of Marketing. “Whether it is hitting the slopes or soaking up the sun on the beach, Southwest is your ticket to the perfect getaway. With our legendary Hospitality, flexible policies, and low fares across our expanding network, we look forward to having our Customers onboard again when they are ready to get away.”

Hurry and book! Seats, days, and markets are limited. Blackout dates and 21-day advance purchase requirements apply. See a full list of fares, fare rules, and terms and conditions below and at Southwest.com. Examples of one-way low fares include:

As low as $29 one-way nonstop between Atlanta and Raleigh/Durham,
As low as $29 one-way nonstop between Denver and Salt Lake City,
As low as $29 one-way nonstop between Phoenix and Palm Springs,
As low as $39 one-way nonstop between Dallas and New Orleans,
As low as $89 one-way nonstop between Nashville and Sarasota,
As low as $99 one-way nonstop between San Diego and Hawaii.

These flights, as well as the Carrier’s published schedule through August 16, 2021, can be purchased at Southwest.com.

Southwest Airlines To Serve Fresno And Santa Barbara, California

December 16, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE: LUV) today shared its intention to bring service to Santa Barbara Airport and Fresno Yosemite International Airport in the second quarter of 2021.

“Our arrival in the Heart of California, both on the Central Coast and in the Central Valley, will round out nearly four decades of investment in our California Customers and communities,” Southwest Airlines Chief Commercial Officer & Executive Vice President Andrew Watterson said. “While other airlines seem to fall in and out of love with the state, we’re focused on increasing the reach of our low fares and flexible policies in places where we expect them to make a difference.”

“For years residents and businesses throughout Central California have expressed a desire for Southwest service and connectivity to their vast network of destinations and renowned customer service,” said Kevin Meikle, Director of Aviation for Fresno Yosemite International Airport. “Southwest will expand the Central Valley’s air transportation gateway to Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and we look forward to our new partnership with Southwest and their arrival in the spring.”

“We salute Southwest’s bold decision to enter one of the most vibrant and beautiful regions in California, bringing visitors to our sweeping coastline to experience our mild Mediterranean climate and distinctive Spanish-influenced architecture,” said Mayor Cathy Murillo of Santa Barbara. “For our residents, our partnership with Southwest will energize the economic rebound to come in 2021.”

Along with Palm Springs, which received its first Southwest flight on Nov. 19, 2020, the addition of Fresno and Santa Barbara will position Southwest Airlines as an option in 13 California airports before summer 2021, further deepening the carrier’s commitment to the Golden State. Southwest long has carried more air travelers to, from, and within California than any other carrier, a legacy sustained in the most recent reporting of U.S. Department of Transportation data on airline passengers traveling nonstop.

A Southwest Airlines jetliner taxis to a runway for take off at Denver International Airport as travellers deal with the effects of the new coronavirus Wednesday, June 10, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Southwest Airlines Announces Initial Flight Schedules For Chicago O’Hare And Colorado Springs

October 28, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE: LUV) today published its initial flight schedules for both Chicago O’Hare International and Colorado Springs Municipal airports as the carrier continues expanding to bring the value and Hospitality of Southwest closer to more travelers and offers more destinations to fly for leisure and business travel.

“Our low fares and friendly policies, like no change fees* and bags fly free**, mean more today as they give people the peace of mind to book travel beyond 2020. We’re growing the reach of Southwest as we add more destinations across the United States while bringing our warm Hospitality and iconic Customer Service to more people than ever before,” said Andrew Watterson, Southwest Airlines Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice President. “These additional investments in Chicago and Colorado provide even more convenience for our current Customers while also making it more convenient for new travelers to choose Southwest as we begin service from their preferred airport.”

*Southwest has never charged change fees. A fare difference might apply.
**Southwest allows travelers to check up to two bags for free (size and weight limits apply).

Chicago (O’Hare) service begins February 14, 2021
More than 35 years after landing at Chicago Midway International Airport, Southwest will expand its footprint in the Chicagoland area, adding complementing service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport starting Feb. 14, 2021. The carrier’s initial service will offer 20 departures daily from O’Hare, and the new service is available for purchase at Southwest.com with fares as low as:

– $39 one-way nonstop between Chicago (O’Hare) and Nashville (four times daily);

– $79 one-way nonstop between Chicago (O’Hare) and Baltimore/Washington (four times daily);

– $89 one-way nonstop between Chicago (O’Hare) and Denver (six times daily);

– $99 one-way nonstop between Chicago (O’Hare) and Dallas (Love Field) (four times daily)

– $109 one-way nonstop between Chicago (O’Hare) and Phoenix (twice daily).

The number of seats, days of week, and markets for these fares are limited. See full fares, and specific terms and conditions below and at Southwest.com.

During its more than three-decades of service to Chicago, Southwest has grown to become Chicago Midway’s largest airline while also employing more than 4,800 People in the city.

Colorado Springs service begins March 11, 2021
Southwest will also launch service from its fourth destination in Colorado when it takes off from Colorado Springs Municipal Airport on March 11, 2021. The new service links the Pikes Peak region nonstop with up to 13 flights a day to destinations across Southwest’s growing network. The new service is available now at Southwest.com with fares as low as:

– $29 one-way nonstop between Colorado Springs and Denver (four times daily);

– $59 one-way nonstop between Colorado Springs and Las Vegas (twice daily);

– $59 one-way nonstop between Colorado Springs and Phoenix (twice daily);

– $69 one-way nonstop between Colorado Springs and Dallas (Love Field) (three times daily)

– $89 one-way nonstop between Colorado Springs and Chicago (Midway) (twice daily).

Southwest continues growing across Colorado with new seasonal service to both Montrose (Telluride) and Steamboat Springs (Hayden) beginning Dec. 19, 2020. Just a few weeks later, on Jan. 3, 2021, Southwest will celebrate its 15^th anniversary of service to Denver where it now employs more than 4,000 People and currently offers up to 220 nonstop departures per day during peak travel periods.

Southwest Announces Three-Day $39 WOW Sale For Winter Travel

October 20, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) launched a three-day WOW Sale today through Oct. 22, 2020, 11:59 p.m., Central Daylight Time, with fares as low as $39 one-way. Customers can take advantage of this huge sale and book their next adventure.

“Southwest is ready to help Customers get away this winter,” said Bill Tierney, Southwest Vice President of Marketing. “With no change, bag, or cancel fees, and with low fares across our expanding network, winter plans have never looked this good.”

Seats, days, and markets are limited. Blackout dates apply. See a full list of fares, fare rules, and terms and conditions at Southwest.com. Examples of one-way low fares include:

– As low as $39 one-way nonstop between Miami and Tampa

– As low as $39 one-way nonstop between Denver and Steamboat Springs (Hayden)

– As low as $39 one-way nonstop between Burbank and San Francisco

– As low as $79 one-way nonstop between Nashville and Dallas

– As low as $99 one-way nonstop between Atlanta and New York (LaGuardia)

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