Emirates Airline Boeing 777-31H ER A6-EGO (msn 35598) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 963121.
Emirates will launch a daily route linking its Dubai hub with Edinburgh, Scotland starting on November 4.
In other news, Emirateshasalso announced the first set of destinations to be served by its A350 aircraft entering service in September 2024.
With 10 new A350s expected to join the Emirates fleet by March 31, 2025, the airline plans to deploy its latest aircraft type to 9 destinations in the coming months, offering customers its latest signature cabin experiences.
These first 10 Emirates A350 aircraft will offer three cabin classes, with 32 next generation Business Class seats, 21 seats in Premium Economy, and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats. All of these aircraft are earmarked to serve short to medium haul cities on the Emirates network, with Bahrain as its inaugural destination.
As the first Emirates A350s begin entering the fleet, the airline will offer customers more opportunities to experience its highly acclaimed Premium Economy product and sample its next generation Business Class cabins for the first time, particularly on short and medium haul routes in the Middle East and GCC, West Asia and Europe.
Newly delivered aircraft sporting the airline’s latest cabins will roll into scheduled service to the following cities:
In the Middle East/GCC
Emirates will operate its first A350 to Bahrain on the daily EK839/840 service from 15 September. Frequency of A350 services will progressively increase to cover two Bahrain services with the second service starting on 1 November.
The first Emirates A350 will land in Kuwait on the daily EK853/854 service on 16 September.
Muscat’s daily EK866/867 will be served by the A350 from 1 December.
In West Asia
The Emirates A350 will be deployed on EK502/503 to Mumbai from 27 October.
Ahmedabad’s daily EK538/539 will be served by the A350 from 27 October.
Colombo’s fourth daily service EK654/655 will be served by the A350 from 01 January 2025.
In Europe
Lyon will be served daily with the Emirates A350 from 1 December.
Bologna will be served by the A350 from 1 December.
Edinburgh will rejoin the Emirates network from 4 November, operated by the A350. More details to follow soon.
Emirates will announce more destinations in the coming months as new aircraft join its fleet.
Top Copyright Photo: Emirates Airline Boeing 777-31H ER A6-EGO (msn 35598) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 963121.
The Connecticut Airport Authority is excited to announce that Breeze Airways is launching five nonstop routes this month. Two of those seasonal routes started on May 2 between Bradley International Airport (BDL) and the following destinations:
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) The flights to Myrtle Beach will initially operate three days a week and then increase to five days a week starting in June. Flights to Cincinnati will operate three days a week. In addition to the two new routes launched today, Breeze will start flying nonstop to the following destinations from BDL this month:
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC (May 24)
New Bern, NC (May 24)
Orlando, FL (May 29) Additionally, Breeze will begin Breeze thru service from BDL to the following destinations:
San Diego, CA (Launched May 1)
Santa Ana, CA (May 29)
Previously Breeze Airways announced that it will be introducing five new routes, two seasonal resumptions and two route frequency increases.
Akron/Canton, OH, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA, and Westchester County-New York, NY will all receive new nonstop service to Myrtle Beach, FL. Westchester County will also see new service to Portland, ME, and the return of popular seasonal service to both Norfolk, VA, and Jacksonville, FL. Finally, two new routes will expand frequencies before they even inaugurate, with Hartford-Myrtle Beach, starting May 2, increasing from 3x to 5x weekly from June 21, and Westchester-Raleigh/Durham, starting May 3, increasing from twice to thrice weekly from June 26.
From Akron-Canton, OH to:
Myrtle Beach, SC (Summer seasonal, Wed and Sat, starting June 20, one way from $39*).
From Hartford, CT:
Myrtle Beach, SC (Sat, Sun, and Thurs, starting May 2, adding Fri and Mon from June 21).
From Jacksonville, FL to:
Westchester County-New York, NY (Summer seasonal resumption, Tues and Sat, starting June 22, one way from $49*).
From Myrtle Beach, SC to:
Akron-Canton, OH (Summer seasonal, Wed and Sat, starting June 20, one way from $39*);
Hartford, CT (Sat, Sun, and Thurs, starting May 2, adding Fri and Mon from June 21);
Westchester County-New York, NY (Wed, Thurs, Sat and Sun, starting June 20, one way from $59*); and
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (Summer seasonal, Thursdays and Sundays, starting June 20, one way from $49*).
From Norfolk, VA to:
Westchester County-New York, NY (Summer seasonal resumption, Mon and Fri, starting June 21, one way from $59*).
From Portland, ME to:
Westchester County-New York, NY (Summer seasonal, Thurs and Sun, starting June 20, one way from $49*).
From Raleigh-Durham, NC to:
Westchester-New York, NY (Mon and Fri, starting May 3, adding Wed service from June 26 through October); and
West Palm Beach, FL (Mon and Fri, starting June 21, one way from $49*).
From Westchester County-New York, NY to:
Jacksonville, FL (Summer seasonal resumption, Tues and Sat, starting June 22, one way from $49*);
Myrtle Beach, SC (Wed, Thurs, Sat and Sun, starting June 20, one way from $59*);
Norfolk, VA (Summer seasonal resumption, Mon and Fri, starting June 21, one way from $59*);
Portland, ME (Summer seasonal, Thurs and Sun, starting June 20, one way from $49*); and
Raleigh-Durham, NC (Mon and Fri, starting May 3, adding Wed service from June 26 through October).
From West Palm Beach, FL to:
Raleigh-Durham, NC (Mon and Fri, starting June 21, one way from $49*).
From Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA to:
Myrtle Beach, SC (Summer seasonal, Thursdays and Sundays, starting June 20, one way from $49*).
Top Copyright Photo: Breeze Airways Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N102BZ (msn 19000055) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 963120.
Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 N8739L (msn 60231) DAL (Jarrod Wilkening). Image: 963119.
Southwest Airlines today introduced Cash + Points1, a new flexible payment option for Rapid Rewards®2 Members. For the first time, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Members can now use a combination of points (starting with as few as 1,000 points) and other eligible forms of payment to purchase Southwest® flights on Southwest.com/cashpluspoints.
“We launched several enhancements to our award-winning program last year that made it easier to earn more points and achieve tier status, said Jonathan Clarkson, Vice President Marketing at Southwest Airlines. “This year, we’re continuing our commitment to lean into Customer preferences by giving them extra flexibility to make points go further by offering new ways to use their points.”
Business Travel Counts, Too!
Southwest also is launching new capabilities for Southwest Business Customers. Corporate Travel Managers can now use a combination of cash and Rapid Rewards Business points to purchase flights for their company’s travel using Rapid Rewards Business points3 through swabiz.com.
From Flights to Hotels
But wait, there’s more! Southwest Airlines® is going the extra mile and is now offering its Rapid Rewards Members the ability to use their Rapid Rewards points for hotel stays on hotels.redeemrapidrewards.com powered by Rocket Travel by Agoda. Additionally, Members booking travel with points can choose to pay for hotel bookings using only points, or a combination of cash and points, and can benefit from competitive rates for redeeming points for flights and hotel bookings at more than 400,000 properties worldwide.
“Our Purpose is to connect People to the places that matter most to them by offering a seamless travel experience,” said Phil Gouel, Vice President Travel Products at Southwest Airlines. “These enhancements allow Members additional opportunities to redeem their earned points for hotel stays, with more flexibility and more value.”
Top Copyright Photo: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 N8739L (msn 60231) DAL (Jarrod Wilkening). Image: 963119.
Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N986NK (msn 11643) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 961904.
Spirit Airlines, Inc. today reported first quarter 2024 financial results.
First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Quarterly results were in line with expectations despite a 230 basis point1 headwind from deferred recognition in earnings of a significant portion of the credits from Pratt & Whitney related to aircraft unavailable for service.
First Quarter 2024 (unaudited)
As Reported
Adjusted1 $(175.6) million
$(160.2) million
Total operating revenues $1,265.5 million $1,265.5 million
Operating income (loss) $(207.3) million
Operating margin (16.4)% (13.9)%
Adj. Operating income (loss), for AOG credits — $(146.6) million
Adj. Operating margin adj. for AOG credits — (11.6)%
Net income (loss) $(142.6) million
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $(1.30) $(1.46)
“While we reported a loss in the first quarter 2024, we are making progress towards our financial goals. I thank the entire Spirit team for their continued focus on running a reliable operation and delivering value to our Guests as we implement our go-forward standalone plan. There are numerous steps to rollout the plan in a successful, orderly fashion, but we are on track and we are excited to unveil the milestones to you over the coming months,” said Ted Christie, Spirit’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
“The competitive environment remains challenging due to elevated capacity in many of the markets we serve. Nevertheless, we are confident that the strategic changes we are implementing, together with our cost saving initiatives, will allow Spirit to compete effectively in today’s marketplace and drive continuous improvement in the years ahead.”
First Quarter 2024 Operations
Adverse weather and air traffic control related delays, particularly along the Eastern seaboard and in Florida, as well as continued civil unrest in Cap-Haitien and Port-au-Prince, Haiti negatively impacted the Company’s operational performance for the quarter.
• System completion factor of 98.7 percent 1
System controllable completion factor2 of 99.9 percent
Capacity increase of 2.1 percent year over year
Load factor of 80.7 percent, a decrease 0.1 pts year over year
Aircraft utilization of 10.4 hours, down 7.1 percent compared to the first quarter last year of 11.2hours, primarily due to aircraft unavailable for operational service due to PW1100G-JM geared turbo fan engine availability issues (“AOG”)
First Quarter 2024 Revenues
Spirit’s total revenue per available seat mile (“TRASM”) improved significantly from the fourth quarter 2023 to the first quarter 2024, increasing 4.9 percent sequentially. Sequential improvement in domestic TRASM was partially offset by continued pressures in the Company’s international markets, driven by elevated capacity increases by U.S. and non-U.S. based carriers to/from the U.S. and Latin America.
Total operating revenues of $1,265.5 million, a decrease of 6.2 percent year over year
Total revenue per ASM (“TRASM”) of 9.38 cents, a decrease of 8.2 percent year over year on 2.1percent more capacity
Total revenue per passenger flight segment (“segment”) was $117.03, a decrease of 8.1 percent yearover year
Fare revenue per segment was $48.08, a decrease of 16.3 percent year over year
Non-ticket revenue per segment was $68.95,1 a decrease of 1.4 percent year over year
First Quarter 2024 Cost Performance
Total operating expense of $1,472.9 million and adjusted operating expenses of $1,441.1 million1
Adjusted non-fuel cost of $1,034.7 million1
Average economic fuel price per gallon of $2.90
Total non-operating income of $50.3 million and adjusted total other expense of $31.4 million1
First Quarter 2024 Liquidity and Capital Deployment
Ended the quarter with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, short-term investment securities and liquidity available under the Company’s revolving credit facility of $1.2 billion
Completed sale-leaseback transactions of five previously owned and operated aircraft resulting in net cash proceeds of approximately $99.0 million
Received a $69.0 million payment from JetBlue related to the termination of the merger agreement
Total capital expenditures of $33.9 million“Over the last several months, our team has been engaged working on the first phase of our new standalone business plan. While we were hopeful for a successful merger with JetBlue, over the last year we have been working in the background to prepare for the possibility that the merger would not be allowed to proceed. The first phase of our standalone plan involved finalizing our AOG compensation agreement with Pratt & Whitney, reducing near term capacity to improve working capital, rightsizing the resources in the business to our expected lower level of capacity and additional liquidity improvements. We believe the combination of AOG compensation, aircraft deferrals and cost savings will improve our cash levels by $450-$550 million in 2024. All of this was done to prepare us for phase two of our go-forward evolution, which we plan to start rolling out over the coming months. The pending merger and engine AOGs have made the last year disruptive for our team, but we are on the cusp of making changes which we believe will position us on the road back to sustained profitability,” said Scott Haralson, Spirit’s Chief Financial Officer.”Also, Spirit’s advisors have started discussions with our loyalty bondholders and convert holders that come due in September 2025 and May 2026, respectively, and expect a resolution at some point this summer.”
First Quarter 2024 Fleet and NEO Engine Update
Took delivery of seven new aircraft (three A320neos and four A321neos)
Retired five A319ceo aircraft
Ended the quarter with a fleet of 207 aircraft
Reached an agreement with Pratt & Whitney regarding compensation for AOG aircraft through theend of 2024
AOG credits to be issued by Pratt & Whitney based on AOG days during the quarter were $30.6million, of which $1.6 million was recorded as a credit within maintenance, materials and repairs on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations, $16.2 million recorded as a reduction in the cost of assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with the remainder to be recognized as future reductions in the cost basis of goods and services purchased from Pratt & Whitney
Estimates that it will average about 25 AOG aircraft throughout the full year 2024
Estimates AOG credits to be issued by Pratt & Whitney for AOG aircraft in 2024 will be between $150million and $200 million
Spirit intends to discuss appropriate arrangements with Pratt & Whitney in due course for any SpiritAOG aircraft after December 31, 2024On April 8, 2024, Spirit announced that it reached an agreement with Airbus to defer all aircraft on order that are scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2025 through the end of 2026 to 2030-2031. These deferrals do not include the direct-lease aircraft scheduled for delivery in that period, one in each of the second and third quarters of 2025. There were no changes to the aircraft on order with Airbus that are scheduled to be delivered in 2027-2029. Spirit estimates the deferral of these aircraft will enhance its 2024 liquidity position by approximately $230 million.
Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N986NK (msn 11643) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 961904.
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FNWD (msn 60517) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963118.
WestJet Group CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, today addressed key stakeholders and community members with a fulsome update on the airline’s growth strategy and vision for Atlantic Canada at a special event hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Commemorating his first visit to Nova Scotia, von Hoensbroech spoke about the WestJet Group’s commitment to growing its presence across the region through critical air connectivity. With increased leisure opportunities, achieved through the resumption of transatlantic service and increased north to south air service providing access to popular sun destinations in the winter, along with enhanced east-to-west domestic air service better connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast, the WestJet Group’s strategy is coming to fruition across Atlantic Canada.
“It is incredible to be visiting Halifax for the first time, meeting with our remarkable partners and getting to experience the tremendous Atlantic Canadahospitality firsthand,” said von Hoensbroech. “We set out our growth strategy almost two years ago, and we are seeing it well in action across Atlantic Canada; our commitment to Halifax is strong as we work to meet demand and fuel Halifax’s tourism pipeline.”
Von Hoensbroech highlighted the WestJet Group’s milestone achievements in Halifax and current and upcoming network investments serving to enhance the city’s air connectivity, while bolstering the region’s visitor economy:
From left: Julie Shaw, Master Distiller, JD Shore, Jeff Chant, JD Shore, CEO, Halifax Distilling Company, Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority, Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, CEO and Patrick Sullivan, President & CEO, Halifax Chamber of Commerce. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
Propelling Halifax forward through partner collaboration and strategic investments
Taking the airline’s growth strategy to new heights in 2024 and beyond, the WestJet Group has accelerated on the following cornerstone achievements:
On April 28, 2024, the WestJet Group celebrated the takeoff of its inaugural service between Halifax and London Gatwick, the first of three critical transatlantic routes that will return to Nova Scotia’s capital this summer, bridging essential connections to global hubs, tourism and business economies.
This summer, Halifax will see a 31 per cent increase in seat capacity provided by the WestJet Group, compared to 2023.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport will have 90 weekly flights operated by the WestJet Group during peak summer this year; a 43 per cent increase in total weekly flights compared to 2023.
This map reflects WestJet Group capacity comprising WestJet and Sunwing Airlines service. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
Connecting Halifax to the world and the world to Halifax
From enhanced domestic service, seamlessly connecting the region to Western Canada, to providing highly sought after leisure connections, WestJet continues to transform Halifax’s air connectivity through the following network enhancements:
Fulfilling longstanding requests to expand Halifax’s connectivity to popular leisure destinations, the WestJet Group has answered the call with non-stop service between Halifax and three transatlantic destinations including, Dublin, Edinburgh and London (Gatwick) this summer, as well as year-round connectivity to Orlando and seasonal service to Cancun. Additionally, as an integral part of the WestJet Group, Sunwing Airlines will provide direct access from Halifax to key leisure destinations, including Cayo Coco, Montego Bay, Santa Clara, Puerto Plata and Holguin, Punta Cana and Varadero.
WestJet will ensure Halifax remains connected to Western Canada, with year-round connectivity to the airline’s global hub in Calgary, where guests are one flight away from an expansive list of international destinations, including Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan.
This year, the WestJet Group will provide direct connectivity to 18 unique destinations out of Halifax, including six domestic, one transborder, three transatlantic and eight sun destinations.
Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FNWD (msn 60517) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963118.
American Airlines Airbus A321-231 WL N167AN (msn 7013) (Medal of Honor) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 963117.
Serving in the military can be one of life’s toughest journeys as members of the Armed Forces navigate active service and veteran life. During Military Appreciation Month and throughout the entire year, American Airlines honors those who are serving and those who’ve served, including the more than 11,800 American team members who are veterans or currently serving in the National Guard or Reserves.
American offers a robust network of support for service members and veterans through its partner programs and offers generous benefits to service members and their families when traveling on both official orders and personal travel.
“Supporting our nation’s service members and veterans is part of our DNA at American Airlines,” said American’s Chief Operating Officer David Seymour. “As a veteran of the U.S. Army myself, I’m proud to be a part of a company committed to supporting our nation’s greatest heroes and their families, whether it be alongside the military organizations we support, donating charter aircraft for special missions, or caring for service members each time they fly with us.”
Through the airline’s Military and Veterans Initiatives program, the airline supports many programs and partnerships to honor, support and pay tribute to those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. The airline works with the Gary Sinise Foundation, the USO, the Medal of Honor Foundation and many other organizations to give back to those who serve our country.
Flagship Valor™
American’s fleet boasts an Airbus A321 with a livery design that includes three variations of the Medal of Honor. Flagship Valor™ is a flying tribute to the men and women whose brave actions are worthy of the prestigious Medal of Honor, and whose military service allows for the freedom to fly around the world.
Snowball Express
American partners with the Gary Sinise Foundation for the annual Snowball Express event that honors those who have lost a loved one while serving in the nation’s military or First Responders who have died in the line of duty.
Last year, more than 1,000 team members sent nearly 3,000 participants on donated charter aircraft to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, for an all-expense-paid experience where these families are united and can create new, happy memories during the holiday season.
Seats for Heroes
In January, American partnered with the Dallas Mavericks and Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse to bring more than 100 wounded, ill, and injured service members from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio to Dallas for dinner and courtside seats at a Mavericks game at the American Airlines Center. This is the 17th year American has provided chartered flights for the event.
Other annual Seats for Heroes events include VIP trips to Texas Rangers games, a suite at a Dallas Cowboys game, and a special experience with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Salute to the Troops
In the 14th annual event, American flew more than 80 wounded and ill service members from Washington, D.C., to Las Vegas for an all-expenses paid weekend filled with sight-seeing, dinners, and shows, to include a concert on Freemont Street by Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band.
Each spring, American flies 20 military families from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida, for a VIP experience at Walt Disney World Resort. In each of these families, either the service member or spouse is battling cancer.
Soaring Valor
Alongside the Gary Sinise Foundation, American bridges generations by bringing together World War II veterans and high school students on trips to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. Traveling on an American chartered aircraft, the living history lessons allow veterans to share their firsthand experiences with the next generation.
Military and veteran resource group for team members
American continuously works to support our team members as they make the transition to civilian careers or manage the dual responsibility of working at American while also serving in uniform. Our Veteran Military Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG) provides connections to others who have made the same shift to offer guidance and support.
American takes pride in honoring its commitments to military service members traveling on the airline, including:
Government or military fares, where available.
Free checked bag allotment for active U.S. military members traveling on orders and leisure travel and for dependents when traveling on orders.
Offering active-duty military priority boarding.
Complimentary access to Admirals Club® lounge locations to current U.S. military personnel in uniform during the day of travel on an American Airlines-operated flight, when space is available.
Waived pet charges for trained active military dogs traveling in the cabin if on official duty.
Discounted vacations for U.S. active-duty military, veterans, and their families through WeSalute+.
Top Copyright Photo: American Airlines Airbus A321-231 WL N167AN (msn 7013) (Medal of Honor) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 963117.
American Airlines aircarft photo gallery (Airbus):
MSC Air Cargo (AlisCargo Airlines) Boeing 777F I-MSCA (msn 68230) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 963105.
AlisCargo Airlines (Milan-Malpensa) is planning to relaunch cargo operations with the delivery of this brand new Boeing 777F freighter. It will be operated for parent MSC Air Cargo.
MSC acquired the majority stake of AlisCargo Airlines, a Milan-based air freight carrier in August 2023.
The parties confirmed that the transaction is a first step towards the acquisition of 100% of AlisCargo Airlines by MSC.
This transaction is yet another step to further developing MSC Air Cargo operations and creates a European gateway and transit point for MSC’s air cargo solutions.
MSC Air Cargo has been building up its air cargo offering through numerous strategic partnerships with sales agents and software providers. MSC Air Cargo provides a complementary solution to MSC’s core shipping services and operates two aircraft managed by Atlas Air Worldwide between Europe, Central America and Asia and will add two more in the next 6 months.
Following the completion of the operation, MSC Air Cargo will have a new operating license and a fleet of 5 wide-body aircraft within the next 12 months.
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a global leader in transportation and logistics, privately owned and founded in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte. As one of the world’s leading container shipping lines, MSC has 675 offices across 155 countries worldwide with over 180,000 employees. With access to an integrated network of road, rail and sea transport resources which stretches across the globe, the company prides itself on delivering global service with local knowledge. MSC’s shipping line sails on more than 260 trade routes, calling at over 520 ports.
AlisCargo Airlines is the only Italian airline entirely dedicated to the intercontinental transport of goods. The idea to create an Italian full cargo international airline was born from the vision of Mr. Domenico Alcide Leali that, with a group of managers with unquestionable competence in the aeronautical industry, has created a project based on values such as experience, professionalism and quality, aimed to support the expansion of Made in Italy worldwide. The Leali Group in 2006 also founded Lefay Resorts, a new innovative brand in the Italian luxury wellness hospitality. Lefay Resorts has quickly established itself as one of the leading wellness brand worldwide; the company currently owns and operates two resorts in Northern Italy and aims to further expand both domestically and in Europe.
Top Copyright Photo: MSC Air Cargo (AlisCargo Airlines) Boeing 777F I-MSCA (msn 68230) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 963105.
WestJet today has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union that represents WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. As a result of today’s lockout notice, a work stoppage could occur as early as Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 12 p.m. MT, unless a deal is reached.
“The decision to issue a lockout notice was not one that was made lightly, and we sincerely regret and apologize for the uncertainty this causes for our guests and the communities and regions that rely on us. Despite our unwavering commitment to reach a collective agreement, AMFA continues to show up to the bargaining table with unreasonable demands and expectations,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airline and Group Chief Operating Officer. “With AMFA publicly issuing a strike vote alert last week and publicly directing guests to fly with other carriers, we can’t allow the unpredictable nature and lack of progress to continue. We are left with no alternative but to issue a lockout notice in an attempt to bring this to a final resolution.”
The WestJet Group has been in active labour negotiations with AMFA since September 2023. The WestJet Group has presented an offer to AMFA that would make WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers the highest paid in Canada, with a cumulative wage increase of over 20 per cent across the span of the collective agreement. The offer would also deliver industry leading work-life balance standards and strong commitments to job security.
“We sincerely value the work and contributions of our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and our proposed agreement reflects this. We are unwaveringly committed to reaching an agreement to prevent travel disruption, however, we are equally prepared to protect the travel plans of our guests and to provide long-term stability and security for all employees at the WestJet Group,” concluded Pen.
Issuing a 72-hour lockout notice does not mean travel disruption will occur. However, in the coming days, the WestJet Group will take all necessary actions to manage the impacts as much as possible, including:
Beginning preparations to operate a reduced schedule.
Proactively managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the ability to communicate with guests in advance of their flight.
Providing flexible change and cancel options for those who wish to make alternative arrangements.
Sunrise Airways has announced the largest expansion of its route network to date with the addition of new intra-regional flights connecting four destinations within the Eastern Caribbean – Antigua, Dominica, St. Kitts, and St. Lucia.
The carrier will operate the new service beginning May 25, 2024 utilizing Embraer 120 (EMB-120) twin-turboprop aircraft, offering a maximum seating capacity for 30 passengers.
New Sunrise Airways flights within the Eastern Caribbean will operate six days per-week (every day except Tuesday). Two flights daily connect Antigua–Dominica and Antigua–St. Kitts, while Antigua–St. Lucia service will operate once daily.
News of Sunrise Airways’ expansion in the Eastern Caribbean follows the October 2023 announcement of the carrier’s first-ever flights to/from Miami. The carrier also serves an additional 12 gateways across six Caribbean and Central American destinations – Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Panama City, and St. Maarten – and has plans to expand further in the Eastern Caribbean in 2024 and beyond.
Sunrise Airways (IATA: S6, ICAO: KSZ) is a Caribbean-based regional carrier dedicated to providing safe and reliable passenger service connecting the West Indies as never before. The Sunrise Airways route network extends throughout the Caribbean, as well as into the United States (Miami) and Central America (Panama). New flights serving gateways throughout the Eastern Caribbean are planned for 2024–2025. The Sunrise Airways corporate headquarters and Service Oversight Center (SOC) are based at Toussaint Louverture International Airport (IATA: PAP, ICAO: MTPP) in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Sunrise Airways is privately-owned. Its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is noted Haitian businessman, philanthropist, and pilot, Philippe Bayard.
Great Airlines Series of books available on Amazon.
Delta unveiled its custom Airbus A350-900 Team USA aircraft livery in Toulouse, France on N521DN honoring the airline’s commitment to celebrate the athletes’ journeys and connect them with their dreams as the official airline of Team USA.
The Team USA-inspired A350 celebrates Delta’s eight-year partnership with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, which runs through the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Unveiling the Team USA aircraft for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 marks a major milestone for Delta’s support of Team USA as we look toward the start of competition in just a few months,” said Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Tillman. “This plane, designed by our in-house creative team, represents Delta’s commitment to Team USA and our partnership to elevate these athletes to reach their highest potential. As this plane flies around the world in the coming months and years, we hope it is seen as a symbol of hard work, dedication and the upward momentum to being the best that Team USA and Delta innately share.”
DELTA’S CHAIRMAN’S CLUB TAKES DELIVERY IN TOULOUSE
The celebration in Toulouse – home of Airbus’ global headquarters and where the plane was built and painted this year – had a special audience this year, with Delta’s Chairman’s Club – a peer-selected honoree group of the airline’s top 100 employees from divisions across the company – being a part of the reveal moment for the first time.
These employees, who are nominated by their peers and Delta’s most senior leaders, represent top employees from across the business. The honorees, which are selected annually, are chosen based on their merit and ability to exemplify the Delta brand each day. Each year, Chairman’s Club Honorees receive the distinction of flying on a new Delta aircraft home to Atlanta as recognition of their commitment and dedication to the brand. To celebrate the countdown to the Paris Games, the 2023 honoree class was able to unveil the brand-new Team USA livery design and be the first to fly on the newly minted plane. Members of the 2023 class were in attendance for the occasion.
“Team USA athletes are resilient and perseverant – much like Delta’s own people who work each day behind the scenes to connect the world,” said VP of Global Communications Gina Laughlin. “Celebrating this moment alongside our 2023 Chairman’s Club Honorees is only fitting as Delta’s people and Team USA work diligently each day to bring the best of themselves to their work. No one better understand what it means to Keep Climbing to the top.”
Delta’s Chairman’s Club Honorees will fly the aircraft back to Atlanta on May 3.
DESIGNING THE LIVERY
The custom livery was designed over several months by Alessandra Rabellino and Delta’s internal brand design team, Window Seat. The bespoke design boasts red, white and blue colors with ‘Team USA’ proudly written across its side and maintains elements of the Team USA Livery design for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, as a nod to the beginning of the partner journey, while also incorporating features that look ahead to Paris and beyond.
“We evolved one of the main features from the Beijing Livery – the jet stream – into the shape of the Eiffel Tower, symbolizing momentum as we countdown to Paris,” Rabellino said. “Being able to see the big reveal after the curtain drop was so exciting. But what is even more special is being part of this occasion alongside the Chairman’s Club Honorees who have such a big impact on our company – it’s a true honor.”
On May 2 Delta unveiled its custom Airbus A350 Team USA aircraft livery in Toulouse, France honoring the airline’s commitment to celebrate these athlete’s journey and connect them with their dreams as the official airline of Team USA. NBC’s Keir Simmons shared an exclusive look inside on TODAY.
ABOUT DELTA’S TEAM USA PARTNERSHIP
To further its commitment to Team USA, Delta has also proudly partnered with 15 Team USA athlete ambassadors for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. This group of inspiring athletes will join Delta on the road to Paris as the airline will support them both on and off the field of play, celebrating their stories of resilience and perseverance as they pursue their Olympic and Paralympic dreams.
Delta’s Team USA athlete ambassadors include U.S. Olympians and Paralympians, an Olympic hopeful and gold-medal winning legends, who will support the Games next year as spectators – some for the first time.
U.S. Olympic Athletes:
Allyson Felix, 11X U.S. Olympic medalist, Track and Field
Gabby Thomas, 2X U.S. Olympic gold medalist, Track and Field
Ilona Maher, U.S. Olympian, Rugby
Brooke Raboutou, U.S. Olympian, Sport Climbing
Jagger Eaton, U.S. Olympic bronze medalist, Skateboarding
Chase Kalisz, 2X U.S. Olympic medalist, Swimming
Victor Montalvo, U.S. Olympic hopeful, Breaking
Ashleigh Johnson, 2X Olympic gold medalist, Water Polo
U.S. Paralympic Athletes:
Brad Snyder, 8X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Para Swimming & Paratriathlon
Oksana Masters, 17X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Para Cycling & Para Cross-country ski
Kaleo Kanahele Maclay, 3X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Sitting Volleyball
Trevon Jenifer, 3X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Wheelchair Basketball
Roderick Townsend, 4X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Para Track and Field
Chuck Aoki, 3X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Wheelchair Rugby
Mallory Weggemann, 5X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Para Swimming
As Team USA’s official airline, Delta will manage travel for all U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milan 2026 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where it also is an inaugural founding partner.
The partnership with Team USA furthers Delta’s longstanding support for sport – and the airline’s proud history supporting Team USA and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Delta served as a past sponsor of its hometown in the Olympic and Paralympic Games Atlanta 1996 and Salt Lake City 2002.
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