The Air Travel Guide
International Airlines
Airline Jobs Continue To Decrease In The US
0671 days
The American Bureau of Transportation released some pretty gruesome airline employment numbers for the month of May. The industry has cut down nearly 12,000 full time employees from May of last year. Furthermore, the amount of part time employees has also decreased by 1,954.
These are some depressing numbers, especially considering that flight attendants, customer service agents, and ramp jobs are some of the most popular jobs in the United States. Here’s a graph of the results in the Dallas News.
| Airline | May 2010 | May 2009 | Change |
| AirTran | 7,955 | 8,114 | -159 |
| Alaska Airlines | 9,177 | 9,468 | -291 |
| American | 65,765 | 68,416 | -2,651 |
| American Eagle | 9,240 | 9,170 | 70 |
| Atlantic Southeast | 3,618 | 3,927 | -309 |
| Comair | 2,499 | 5,104 | -2,605 |
| Continental | 32,759 | 35,272 | -2,514 |
| Delta | 74,670 | 70,549 | 4,121 |
| ExpressJet | 5,518 | 5,339 | 179 |
| Frontier | 4,876 | 4,424 | 452 |
| Hawaiian | 3,451 | 3,330 | 121 |
| Jet Blue | 11,273 | 10,770 | 504 |
| SkyWest | 8,943 | 8,576 | 367 |
| Southwest | 34,613 | 35,411 | -798 |
| United | 43,621 | 45,620 | -1,999 |
| US Airways | 29,527 | 31,161 | -1,634 |
| Airline | May 2010 | May 2000 | Change |
| AirTran | 7,955 | 3,571 | 4,384 |
| Alaska Airlines | 9,177 | 9,175 | 2 |
| American | 65,765 | 110,633 | -44,868 |
| American Eagle | 9,240 | 8,614 | 626 |
| Atlantic Southeast | 3,618 | 3,341 | 277 |
| Continental | 32,759 | 40,037 | -7,278 |
| Delta merged | 74,670 | 123,672 | -49,003 |
| Frontier | 4,876 | 1,887 | 2,989 |
| Hawaiian | 3,451 | 3,139 | 312 |
| Jet Blue | 11,273 | 505 | 10,769 |
| Southwest | 34,613 | 27,940 | 6,673 |
| United | 43,621 | 94,599 | -50,978 |
| US Airways | 29,527 | 54,345 | -24,818 |
These are some pretty shocking numbers for those of us involved in the airline industry. What does this mean for customers? Reduced service and less flights to certain destinations. There have not yet been any Canadian airlines reporting their job numbers.
Boeing CEO Predicts Higher Demand For Airplanes
0672 days
The CEO of Boeing was in Farnborough, United Kingdom today to promote the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. However, he also took advantage of the press coverage by stating that “The market is clearly coming back and I feel very confident about how we are positioned to regain — and retain — leadership in this business.”
Jim Albaugh further stated that there are attractive options for short and long term improvement to their products, hinting that they’re prepared to use these options in the development of future aircraft.
Boeing says that they have over 3,000 orders for Boeing commercial aircraft as of the end of June. Furthermore, stats show that airline customers seem to be interested in the next generation Boeing 737 and 777.
Albaugh also took the time to comment on the progress of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, saying that “With hundreds of flights completed, we continue to make progress with the 787 Dreamliner and 747-8 Freighter in flight test and are focused on ensuring that both airplanes are ready to enter service so they start earning revenue for our customers.” The Dreamliner aircraft is expected to be shipped to the first customer in early 2011.
British Airways Releases Smartphone Check-in App
0672 days
British Airways has simplified their check-in process by releasing an App that will give customers the option to check-in via their smart phones. The app, which is available for iPhone, Android, and Blackberry devices, will allow users to use a mobile boarding pass. This pass can then be scanned at check-in, therefore, speeding up the boarding process.
If you’re an Executive Club member of British Airways, you’ll be happy to know that the app will also give details on your account and updates on flights. Other features include improved flight information, travel news, Twitter, FAQs, and access to the British Airways website.
British Airways was one of the first international airlines to release and App for customers during the launch of the Apple app store, with over a half a million people downloading it since then.
Chris Davies, head of digital marketing, said: “Mobility and convenience is key for our customers, so that no matter where they are, they can turn to their mobile phones to find the very latest information about flights, check in times and even access boarding passes allowing them to stay one step ahead.
The new app functionality is expected to be rolled out for both domestic and international destinations.
American Airlines and JetBlue Put Their Commercial Agreement Into Action
0672 days
Two of the top airlines in the United States are preparing to launch convenient connections to and from New York and Boston. This partnership will also include a frequent flier relationship further into the year. This will allow points from AAdvantage and TrueBlue plans to be transferable with each other when they fly special routes departing from JFK or Boston.
Starting on Tuesday, customers of both airlines will be able to book interline service in “non-overlapping markets from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Boston’s Logan Airport.” Tickets can be booked through travel agencies, major travel websites, phoning the airline reservation number, in addition to American Airlines ticket booths.
Through this agreement, passengers will have the ability to connect between at least 14 International destinations served by American Airlines and domestic destinations served by JetBlue. Furthermore, non of these routes overlap, meaning that both these airlines have avoided competing with each other for these routes.
Destinations served by American Airlines will include Barcelona, Brussels, Paris, Buenos Aires, Rome, Sao Paulo, Rio de Jeneiro, Tokyo, London, Madrid, Manchester, Milian, Tokyo, and Zurich.
JetBlue will be serving the following domestic destinations: Nantucket, Burlington, Buffalo, Denver, Houston, Washington, Jacksonville, New Orleans, West Palm Beach, Portland (Oregon), Phoenix, Portland (Maine), Richmond, Rochester, Fort Myers, Salt Lake City, Sarasota, and Syracuse.
“This new agreement with JetBlue complements both airlines’ networks and greatly benefits our respective customers,” said Gerard Arpey, Chairman and CEO of American Airlines. “It will also provide important opportunities for us to grow American’s international traffic into and out of New York and Boston.”
“We are pleased to extend our route network, offering customers well-timed international connections on American and introducing new customers to the award-winning JetBlue Experience,” said Dave Barger, CEO of JetBlue. “As the largest domestic carrier at JFK and Boston, and with our new home at Terminal 5 at JFK, we are in a natural position to take advantage of these important partnership opportunities.”
Unfortunately, this agreement wont be affecting any Canadian routes. However, if you’re willing to make the drive down to JFK or Logan Airport, you can be sure to get some good deals from both of these airlines.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Makes Its First International Appearance
0673 days
The Famborough International Airshow guests should consider themselves lucky today, as they were the first people to witness the Boeing 787′s international debut. Arriving at just after 9 AM local time, this will be the first of multiple international trips for the popular aircraft, which was arriving from a non-stop flight from Seattle.
“We took advantage of the flying time to conduct some flight testing on the way,” said Scott Francher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “We’re taking every opportunity to complete our testing requirements when we fly.”
The dreamliner aircraft is 20 percent more fuel efficient, compared to other aircraft in its category, and includes larger windows and extended foot space. However, the plane doesn’t come without controversy. It has been delayed for over two years, and is now expected to be delivered to its first customer in early 2011. However, it’s probably worth the delay to ensure passenger safety.
About 12 people were on the flight to Farnborough, including Captains Mike Bryan and Ted Grady. These people all were performing testing during the flight. No test results are expected to be released to the public.
There is a media briefing on the 787 schedule for 10 AM local time tomorrow. On Tuesday, the plane will leave Famborogh.
Delta Announces Fall Discounts To Popular Routes
0676 days
Delta has released a multitude of fare discounts to be put in place during the Fall of 2010. However, a majority of these savings will only be effective if you purchase your tickets 21 days in advance. Furthermore, Delta says that all tickets must be purchased before July 29, 2010, and the flight must be completed before November 17, 2010.
Some of the more popular discounts will include flights from Atlanta to Memphis, LA to San Francisco, and Minneapolis to Chicago, all being sold for $60 or less. Additionally, Delta has also added international discounts, including flights from Boston to Bermuda, New York to Athens and Salt Lake City to Paris. However, it should also be remembered that these prices are before taxes and fees.
Delta has made no mention as to whether they’re planning on extending this offer to other destinations yet, however, depending on sales, there is a suspicion in the industry that they may do so. It would definitely be nice if they added a few discounts to flights leaving Canada as well.
Boeing Forecasting $3.6 Trillion of Potential Airplane Sales
1676 days
Boeing stated earlier today in London that they expect there to be a market for $3.6 trillion worth of commercial aircraft throughout the next 20 years. They say that because of an increasing demand for newer planes is growing, along with a rebounding economy. The 48th release of this report says that there will be a market for nearly 31,000 new commercial passenger and freighter airplanes.
Boeing also stated that airline traffic is expected to increase 5.3 percent annually, with China and Southwest Asia leading the way.
Randy Tinseth, who’s the vice president of Boeing Commercial Airplane marketing, says “Today, about one-third of all airline traffic touches the Asia-Pacific region, and as a result of the growth in this market, by 2029 almost 43 percent of all traffic will be to, from, or within the region,”
As mentioned, Boeing expects that many airlines in North America will be purchasing replacement commercial airplanes, as older jets are becoming less fuel-efficient. However, in The Middle East, travel has been growing substantially, showing the potential for a huge increase in commercial airplane market growth.
This will be a huge battle for Boeing, as Airbus has gained a large amount in market share over the last decade. It will be interesting to see which airline will grab the largest chunk of the $3.6. trillion. Additionally, the new Boeing 787 will provide some of that much needed competition to the Airbus A380.
Alitalia Is Shipped Its First A330-200
0676 days
Alitalia got its very first Airbus aircraft today; the A330-200. Configured to fit 181 economy passengers, 21 premium economy, and 28 business class, this aircraft is expected to be deployed to some of Alitalia’s transatlantic destinations.
“The high efficiency and low operating costs of the A330 made it the perfect platform for the launch of our new Classica Plus”, said Andrea Stolfa, Alitalia’s Executive Vice President Marketing, Revenue Management & Network. “And with our new business class full flat seats updating the Magnifica class, our passengers will be treated to the best service in the skies, featuring a wide range of upscale Italian brands: food, wines and travel accessories.”
The Airbus A330-200 is the first of two aircraft that is expected to be shipped to Alitalia this year. Being one of the most popular aircraft being used by airlines, Airbus has managed to sell over 1,000 different orders, with close to 700 of them already being delivered.
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