An expanded transatlantic joint venture between Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic has been given final approval by the US Department of Transportation. The airlines claim the new partnership would offer “the most comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits”.
After being denied in its quest to form a joint venture with LATAM Airlines Group and American Airlines – and then seeing rival Delta Air Lines take a stake in LATAM – International Airlines Group is strengthening its position on transatlantic services to South America with the acquisition of Air Europa. Routesonline looks at the current state of play on Europe – Latin America routes.
Air France-KLM and China Eastern's joint venture is to be enlarged to include Virgin Atlantic. As well as the new partnership, it has also been confirmed that regional airline Flybe, which was acquired earlier this year by a consortium that includes Virgin Atlantic, will re-brand as Virgin Connect.
Air France-KLM has ordered 60 Airbus A220 aircraft to replace the A318s and A319s on Air France’s short- and medium-haul network. The group has also confirmed that its remaining A380s will leave the Air France fleet by 2022.
Air France is to reduce capacity on short-haul routes and trim its domestic network amid increasing competition from high-speed trains and low-cost carriers.
Europe’s biggest carriers, including Lufthansa, Ryanair, British Airways and easyJet, will be attending the event to negotiate their future route networks.
This week: China Eastern’s first A350-900; Lufthansa to reduce capacity growth; Chile court approves LATAM agreements; Air France-KLM CEO; United inaugurates new services and more.
Routesonline provides an update on the operations of the Airbus A380. We also reveal the network size of each operator and the top destinations served by the aircraft type.
Since hosting Routes Americas 2018, Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport has increased its international links and continued a $90m expansion and improvement plan. Andrew O’Brian, president and chief executive of Corporación Quiport, explains why Ecuador has become a “hot destination”.
This week: Ryanair to close two bases; United orders more Dreamliners; Airbus secures A321LR safety approval; American increases Dallas Fort Worth network and more.
This week: Norwegian trims transatlantic services from the UK; KLM adds Vegas but cuts African routes; Ryanair's new French bases; Air France unveils new A330 economy cabins and more.
Chinese social media platform WeChat has one billion monthly active users. Find out what KLM, Scoot, Finnair and Air France are doing to maximise their presence to China’s outbound travellers.
Our top five stories this week: Air France-KLM and Air Europa set for joint venture; Guangzhou outlines its international ambitions; United Airlines focuses on domestic expansion; Route rundown; Tewolde GebreMariam podcast and more.
