Source: Air Canada Airline expands partnership with Neste for first SAF supply in Europe Air Canada completed its inaugural Montreal to Amsterdam flights on 3 June 2023, with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner using sustainable aviation fuel. Coinciding with the launch of Air Canada's second route from Amsterdam to Canada, the airline is further advancing initiatives in its Climate Action Plan by expanding its partnership with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) producer Neste in Europe to now incorporate Neste MY Sustainable Aviation FuelTM in some of its flights at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Use of SAF could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel's life cycle, compared to use of conventional jet fuel. This reduction is calculated based on a full lifecycle assessment. "We are thrilled [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that rapidly rising levels of blocked funds are a threat to airline connectivity in the affected markets. The industry's blocked funds have increased by 47% to $2.27 billion in April 2023 from $1.55 billion in April 2022. "Airlines cannot continue to offer services in markets where they are unable to repatriate the revenues arising from their commercial activities in those markets. Governments need to work with industry to resolve this situation so airlines can continue to provide the connectivity that is vital to driving economic activity and job creation," said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General. The top five countries account for 68.0% of blocked funds. These comprise: Nigeria ($812.2 million) Bangladesh [...]

Source: JetBlue JetBlue Airways Corporation and Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. announced that the airlines have entered into a definitive agreement under which JetBlue will divest all of the holdings of Spirit Airlines, Inc. at New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Frontier in connection with JetBlue’s planned merger with Spirit. These divestitures are part of JetBlue’s upfront commitments included in the merger agreement with Spirit and are conditioned on the closing of the JetBlue-Spirit transaction. “We are committed to ensuring our combination with Spirit preserves ultra low-cost carrier access in New York,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “We are pleased that this agreement with Frontier will maintain the same level of ultra low-cost carrier service at LaGuardia Airport.” “We’re pleased [...]

Source: Air Canada With the arrival of two flights in Europe today, Air Canada has inaugurated two strategic non-stop routes from its Montreal global hub to Europe. Air Canada's non-stop, year-round service to Toulouse is the airline's fourth destination in France and marks the only year-round service between North America and southwestern France, connecting two global aerospace centres, as well as two dynamic francophone cities. Additionally, Air Canada's seasonal services from Montreal to Copenhagen complement its year-round services to the Danish capital from Toronto. "We are very excited to  have launched our long-awaited, year-round new flights between our Montreal global hub to the French-speaking world, and Toulouse! Not only are we connecting two significant business cities in the international aerospace [...]

Source: British Airways British Airways has launched flights between London Heathrow and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen has become the latest destination to join British Airways’ network, with the inaugural flight touching down on the Anatolian side of Istanbul on Thursday 1 June 2023. The new route between London Heathrow (LHR) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) will operate four times per week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays on a mix of A320 and A321 aircraft. Increasing connectivities from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport has become a hub adding three more destinations this June to its extensive network. These include London Heathrow (LHR), Rhodes (RHO) and Mytilene (MJT), Greece. Sabiha Gökçen serves 154 destinations located across 51 countries via flights operated by [...]

Source: ITA Airways Today, June 2, Italian National Day, also marks the start of the new ITA Airways direct flight from Rome Fiumicino to Washington Dulles, with the entry into service of the new Airbus A330neo. The Washington destination inaugurates the expansion of ITA Airways' intercontinental network starting this summer 2023 season, supported by the introduction of the new Airbus A330neo, which will make its first commercial flight tomorrow. The Airbus A330neo is the ultimate reference in technology, digitalization, innovation, efficiency and design in the name of Made in Italy, reflecting the fundamental pillars of ITA Airways. The new Airbus, dedicated to the champion Gelindo Bordin, has been entirely configured for the national airline, with the award-winning Airspace cabin, the [...]

Source: Air Canada New lounge experience elevates downtown travel with premium amenities, food and beverages that bring more comfort and convenience to travellers Air Canada announced its newest Air Canada Café, in collaboration with Aspire, Swissport's premium lounge brand. Beginning June 1, eligible Air Canada customers departing from Toronto's downtown airport will have dedicated access to the only airline lounge at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) to enjoy elevated comfort and convenience before they fly.   The new Aspire | Air Canada Café marks the 27th lounge in Air Canada's lounge network and the sixth Canadian location for Aspire. It's a 133-seat modern respite at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport's domestic departures terminal. Quiet workspaces, a private meeting room and [...]

Source: Caribbean Airlines Caribbean Airlines Limited, the leading airline serving the Caribbean region, launched its highly anticipated Welcome Home campaign in Barbados. This exciting initiative aims to strengthen connections, enhance customer experiences, and foster cultural ties within the Caribbean community. The Barbados event took place at Copacabana, Bay Street, Bridgetown and was attended by hundreds including Prime Minister, The Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MP. International Soca star Machel Montano and Agent Sasco of Jamaica, delivered scintillating performances for the enthusiastic crowd. The Welcome Home campaign comprises three key elements, each designed to create a seamless and memorable travel experience. Firstly, Caribbean Airlines is focused on connecting the region like never before. With an extensive network and a commitment to expanding its reach, the airline [...]

Source: Turkish Airlines The international leading brand valuation organization Brand Finance has completed its 2023 research on the Strongest Airline Brands of the world. Turkish Airlines ranked 8th with 78.1 points. Flag carrier which was in the 31st position in this category in 2022, gained significant momentum and entered the top 10 this year. On the flag carrier’s rise in the rankings, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat said: "We are proud to have risen to 8th place in the Strongest Airline Brands ranking among global airlines. We are particularly pleased to have raised our brand ranking by 23 steps compared to 2022. I would like to thank all my colleagues who have contributed to this [...]