Thursday, May 23: While it’s really easy to crap on airlines in this day and age, I genuinely feel for the Singapore Airlines CEO and the entire working staff of that airline. The large majority of the airline industry workforce are good people (at least in my experience) and take the responsibility of protecting their passengers seriously. Having said that, what happened this week is a stark reminder of what can happen at 30,000 feet and there is absolutely nothing that could have been done to prevent this unfortunate incident…except wearing your seatbelts!
Top Stories
Singapore Airlines CEO Apologizes for Flight Incident That Left 1 Dead, Many Injured
Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong issued an apology on Wednesday after turbulence on a London-to-Singapore flight resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries to several others.
“On behalf of Singapore Airlines, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We are very sorry for the traumatic experience that everyone on board SQ321 went through,” Phong stated.
Southwest Airlines Applies to DOT for Approval of Las Vegas – Washington National Route
Southwest Airlines has announced its intention to apply for new daily nonstop service between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS). The airline is seeking one of five new round-trip flights made available at DCA through the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Currently, only one airline operates a single daily flight on this route. Southwest’s entry would introduce much-needed competition and provide consumers with additional choices. If awarded the route, the airline projects a significant reduction in average fares from DCA to LAS. This summer, Southwest offers more than 260 daily departures from LAS, creating numerous connecting opportunities for communities across the western United States, including Hawaii.
In addition to the nonstop service, Southwest’s application will propose the only one-stop, same-plane/no change service between DCA and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) via LAS. This direct flight between California’s capital and the nation’s capital aims to enhance competitive and consumer benefits on the DCA route.
61% of Americans Likely to Travel for Leisure This Summer – Report
In a recent survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and conducted by Morning Consult, it appears that 61% of Americans have plans to embark on overnight leisure travel within the next four months.
Additionally, 34% of Americans expect to ramp up their overnight leisure travel this summer compared to last year. This is welcome news for the hospitality sector, which has been navigating a rocky economic landscape.
IndiGo orders 30 A350s to expand long-haul network
IndiGo has placed an order for 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft in an effort to expand the airline’s international long-haul network.
About the move, Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, said, “After successfully pioneering the Indian skies with an unprecedented journey, IndiGo’s fleet of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft will allow it to embark on its next phase of becoming one of the leading global aviation players.”
“At IndiGo, we take pride in being India’s preferred airline and for offering connectivity to our customers, in and with India. This reaffirms IndiGo’s belief in and commitment to the growth of India and in our strategic partnership with Airbus,” Elbers further said.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP, Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus, said, “A heartfelt thank you to IndiGo for putting its trust in Airbus once again and to our respective teams who negotiated this agreement for 30 A350s. IndiGo’s first widebody order opens an exciting new chapter in our close partnership.”
Airlines
> Delta Air Lines will pay out more than $1 billion in profit sharing, celebrating the outstanding accomplishments made possible by its employees around the world. The $1.6 billion profit sharing pool – a record for a U.S.-based company – translates to a 16.7 percent payout for eligible employees.
> Plug Power Inc., a global leader in comprehensive hydrogen solutions for the green hydrogen economy, Airbus, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and Delta Air Lines have joined forces to study the feasibility of a hydrogen-based hub at the world’s busiest airport in support of advancing a more sustainable future of travel.
> Traveling with heavy luggage can be a hassle, with additional costs for Uber rides, airline baggage fees, and the inconvenience of checking in and out. LuggageToShip.com eliminates these pain points, providing a seamless solution that allows travelers to send their luggage ahead and enjoy a hassle-free journey.
Fares, Miles, Points
> This article discusses the best hotel rewards and loyalty programmes that you can use around the world and provide tips on how you can maximise your rewards.
Hotels
> Ascend Hotel Collection is part of the Choice Hotels International family and represents a series of boutique and luxury hotels, the top tier of the Choice brand. Those who collect Choice Privileges points may find that these hotels are often an ideal choice when making a redemption since they have a higher profile than other hotels in the Choice portfolio. If you are looking for a top hotel in the Ascend Collection, there are several options worth exploring.
> Two hotels in Blackpool have been named among the best in the world in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024. Both Boulevard and Big Blue hotel achieved a ranking of being in the top 10per cent of listings on the travel review site.
> The world is your oyster, and many hotels are ready to accommodate any adventure you take. And you may be surprised which big-name hotel chains offer discounts to senior travelers. In fact, we have identified well over 70.
> If you have an American Express Platinum card then you should know about the Fine Hotels & Resorts hotel booking programme. Here’s how you can use the use the guaranteed 4pm check-out to your advantage and how the $100 hotel credit is maximised on a one-night stay.
> Red Roof shared the opening of two hotels: the Red Roof Inn Charlotte-Airport and the Red Roof Inn Doswell-Kings Dominion. More details about the openings HERE.
> Relocating to San Diego for work? Or looking for temporary housing during home remodel? We’ve put together a list of steps to take and criteria to add to your search for a truly homelike stay in San Diego.
Aviation
> Despite the waves of time having not quite swept us into the peak northern hemisphere summer season, Turkish Airlines is already looking at how to optimise its winter operations. Among the changes being made is the deployment of the Airbus A350-900 on the Istanbul-Newark route, replacing the Boeing 787-9.
>Trade Air has taken delivery of its fifth Airbus A320 aircraft (pictured). Registered 9A-BTL, the jet is sixteen years old and previously operated on behalf of Chinese carriers.
Routes
> Frontier is returning to San Jose, Calif. for the first time in nearly three years. The ultra-low-cost carrier last served the airport in September 2021. Starting in July, the carrier is slated to begin service to two destinations, including Denver and San Diego. In August, service to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix will begin.
> Sun Country Airlines recently added new nonstop flights between Milwaukee and two popular Caribbean vacation destinations: Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport announced Tuesday that the low-cost carrier will offer the flights during the peak months for travel to warm weather destinations.
> South Korea’s Air Premia has launched a new nonstop service from its Seoul base to San Francisco. The hybrid carrier is now flying the route four times a week with its two-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
> Aer Lingus has announced the commencement of inaugural direct flights from Dublin to the “sports and entertainment capital of the world” – Las Vegas.
Airports
> The Ethiopian Airlines Group has inaugurated its renovated and expanded Domestic Passenger Terminal today. During the occasion, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tassew said the airline has spent 50 million USD for the renovation and expansion of the terminal, which increases its capacity by more than 100 percent.
> Ethiopian Airlines opened a revamped domestic terminal at its Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) base hub, with the facility’s size doubled.
The terminal serves as the connecting hub for Ethiopian’s domestic network, which includes 22 destinations. The airline operates more than 200 domestic flights daily.
> Seven Mississippi airports will now receive millions in annual funding after a federal bill was signed into law focusing on investments to aviation systems and airport infrastructure.
> Denver International Airport is gearing up for a record number of Memorial Day weekend passengers, meaning travelers can expect a busy trip and long waits, airport officials said Tuesday.
> This Memorial Day travel weekend is expected to be busier than normal for airports across the country, and LAX is predicted to be among the most crowded.
Incidents
> An Air India Express A320-200 departing from Bangalore, India experienced an engine fire during the climb out on 18 May 2024.
Rental Cars and Rideshare
> The popular Max On Demand rideshare program is expanding again. The program, which acts much like Uber or Lyft, last increased its service area east from downtown back in 2022. The new expansion began this week on May 20th, adding parts of the Kingston Neighborhood and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
> When the U.S. Women’s Open returns to Lancaster Country Club in Manheim Township spectators will have access to free parking and shuttle bus service Tuesday through the final round on June 2. But there will be no public parking at the venue itself.