This week marked a significant moment for travel advisors as over 250 industry professionals gathered in Washington, D.C., for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Legislative Day. The event had a singular focus: lobbying for crucial legislation designed to alleviate the burdens placed on travel agencies in situations where refunds for canceled flights are
Airlines
The recent strike involving Boeing machinists has significant implications for the production of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft, with U.S. airlines poised to experience the most profound effects. Worker discontent over contract negotiations has led to halted production, particularly impacting expected aircraft deliveries for the remainder of the year. Analysts from Bloomberg Intelligence have highlighted
The recent announcement that Alaska Airlines is set to finalize its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion has ignited discussions about the potential ramifications for passengers, the airline industry, and the broader market dynamics. After receiving conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Alaska Airlines is on the verge of consolidating operations
Arajet, a burgeoning airline based in the Dominican Republic, is making significant strides in its quest to expand its service footprint. At the helm is CEO Victor Pacheco, who remains optimistic that the newly signed Open Skies treaty between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic will pave the way for Arajet to commence operations to
Recent developments in the ongoing negotiations between Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association mark a substantial achievement for both parties. A tentative labor agreement, spanning four years, has been reached that not only recognizes the invaluable contributions of over 5,400 pilots working for Air Canada and its subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, but also
United Airlines has announced a groundbreaking initiative that promises to enhance travel experiences by offering free WiFi across its entire fleet, including both mainline and regional aircraft. This ambitious plan, powered by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite technology, is set to provide high-speed internet capabilities on more than 1,000 planes in the coming years. The first phases
On Thursday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) introduced a proposed rule suggesting a delay in the full implementation of the Real ID program until 2027. Initially set to take effect on May 7, 2025, this initiative follows a long history of delays dating back to the original legislation passed by Congress in 2005. The Real
The recent decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to launch an investigation into the rewards programs of the nation’s largest airlines has elicited a spectrum of reactions. While consumer advocacy groups are lauding the move as long overdue, industry representatives and some critics assert that the government’s actions amount to regulatory overreach. This
In a meticulously conducted evaluation by Point.me, the Flying Blue loyalty program offered by Air France-KLM has emerged as the pinnacle of airline reward programs. This achievement not only illustrates the program’s comprehensive benefits but also enforces the notion that the value of a loyalty structure is paramount in attracting travelers. Close competitors in this
In recent times, the aviation industry has encountered a myriad of challenges and transformations, with Southwest Airlines emerging as a focal point of significant change. Typically recognized for its robust performance, Southwest has recently found itself in the spotlight due to increasing pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management. This investor’s involvement raises questions about
In the fast-paced world of aviation, leadership changes often signify more than just a shuffle in human resources; they embody a company’s response to industry pressures and shareholder expectations. Southwest Airlines, a prominent player in the airline industry, is currently under the spotlight as it navigates its forthcoming board overhaul. This shift comes in the
Avelo Airlines began its journey in the aviation industry with a strategic advantage at Tweed New Haven Airport, becoming the exclusive carrier and turning profits in the fourth quarter of the past year. This advantage, however, might be short-lived, as the arrival of Breeze Airways represents a new challenge in a previously uncontested market. Companies
As tensions mount between Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the prospect of a significant disruption in air services looms ominously on the horizon. With the current impasse in labor negotiations threatening to escalate into a strike or lockout, Air Canada has signaled its intent to start winding down operations as early
In recent years, the aviation industry has grappled with a significant rise in overheating incidents involving lithium-ion batteries. A report released by UL Standards on September 9 highlights that from 2019 to 2023, these incidents increased by an alarming 28%. Although such occurrences remain sporadic in the grand scheme of the roughly 180,000 flights that