Airlines

Category Archives for Airlines.

Saudi Arabia Allows Flights to Israel to Use its Airspace

by Gary Leff on February 7, 2018

Feb 07 2018

As I pointed out with the launch of the blockade against Qatar last June, there’s a huge shift going on in the Mideast.

While conflict with Israel gets the most press in the U.S., the primary conflict is between Saudi Arabia (along with Turkey) seeking Sunni influence in the region and working to counter Shia Iran. The conflict in Syria, for instance, is largely a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Saudis have fought Iran-backed rebels in Yemen over the past several years.

This Internal “Tell Me Why” Podcast Taught Me Two Things About American Airlines

by Gary Leff on February 4, 2018

Feb 04 2018

American’s new ‘Tell Me Why’ podcast is live with its third episode. While it’s geared towards employees and posted to their internet Jetnet system it’s also available on iTunes.

For the third episode Vice President of Communications Ron DeFeo interviews Kurt Stache, American’s head of marketing who used to run AAdvantage, about the airline’s inflight product and mostly inflight entertainment.

Rumor: Air New Zealand Will Announce Chicago Flight Next Month

by Gary Leff on February 3, 2018

Feb 03 2018

Air New Zealand has arranged for former U.S. President Barack Obama to visit New Zealand for an event on March 21. The visit is “due to be announced this [coming] week.”

Vietnam’s Bikini Airline Apologizing for Inflight Lingerie Models

by Gary Leff on February 3, 2018

Feb 03 2018

Vietnam’s “Bikini Airline” low cost carrier VietJet, whose CEO is a woman, came out with their 2018 bikini calendar last month.

Sometimes their stunts are controversial.

Etihad May Default on $1.2 Billion in Bonds

by Gary Leff on February 2, 2018

Feb 02 2018

In 2015 Etihad created an Amsterdam-based special purpose vehicle “SPV Equity Alliance Partners” which issued bonds for Etihad and other airlines it controlled. Etihad has since walked away from its investments in Alitalia and air berlin, each of which reportedly held 19% of the debt.

Etihad is discussing “how to support the bonds” given the “political and reputational pressure” not to default. It will be expensive for the Al Nahyans to cover the commitment, but embarrassing for them not to.

Cuts Continue at Etihad as Barber/Beauty Salon Eliminated from First/Business Lounges

by Gary Leff on February 1, 2018

Feb 01 2018

Style and Shave still appears as an Etihad Guest mileage redemption option and it’s on the airport website. However reports are that the facility has closed in both the first and premium lounges in their home airport Abu Dhabi, “[A]s one shift ended, the[ staff] had no idea there was nobody coming in to replace them.”

United Starts Selling WiFi Subscriptions — and Seats to Basic Economy Customers

by Gary Leff on February 1, 2018

Feb 01 2018

During United’s earnings call last month they explained they would be tweaking Basic Economy fares.

The idea of Basic Economy is to offer such a bad experience that you’ll spend more money to avoid it. However when United first rolled out the fares they lost about $100 million — because customers were avoiding United.

Delta Diamonds Get Free Spa Treatments in Atlanta, New York and Seattle

by Gary Leff on February 1, 2018

Feb 01 2018

Delta is offering free spa treatments in Atlanta for SkyMiles Diamond members.

Through July 31 Diamonds receive complimentary services at the Asanda Spa Lounges in Atlanta terminal E, New York JFK terminal 4, and the Seattle Delta Sky Club.

Here’s How American’s New Passenger Compensation System Works

by Gary Leff on February 1, 2018

Feb 01 2018

A few weeks ago I wrote that American is giving flight attendants a new tool to hand out onboard compensation for service failures. If something bad happens during your flight, they can give you AAdvantage miles on the spot.

We now know something about what situations are programmed for miles (and what will get you bupkis) and how much you can expect to get.

American Testing Pre-Order Meals in Coach in 3 Domestic Markets

by Gary Leff on January 31, 2018

Jan 31 2018

American Airlines was the first US airline to let first class passengers pre-select their meals, having rolled it out in fall 2012.

Now American has rolled out pre-orders to coach on a test basis.

Airlines

Saudi Arabia Allows Flights to Israel to Use its Airspace

This Internal “Tell Me Why” Podcast Taught Me Two Things About American Airlines

Rumor: Air New Zealand Will Announce Chicago Flight Next Month

Vietnam’s Bikini Airline Apologizing for Inflight Lingerie Models

Etihad May Default on $1.2 Billion in Bonds

Cuts Continue at Etihad as Barber/Beauty Salon Eliminated from First/Business Lounges

United Starts Selling WiFi Subscriptions — and Seats to Basic Economy Customers

Delta Diamonds Get Free Spa Treatments in Atlanta, New York and Seattle

Here’s How American’s New Passenger Compensation System Works

American Testing Pre-Order Meals in Coach in 3 Domestic Markets

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About Gary Leff

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