Airways Podcast [Ep 61]: JetBlue’s New A220; 737 MAX Returns to Service; New USA Travel Mandate

Welcome Aboard The Airways Podcast! In this second episode of 2021, Rohan, Vinay, and Enrique jump right into three very interesting topics:  • JetBlue unveils the interiors of its brand-new Airbus A220-300. • The Boeing 737 MAX flies back into service. • Analyzing President Biden’s new PCR testing and Quarantine order for international travelers flying into …

Allegiant Air reports Q4 2020 and Full-Year 2020 financial results

MIAMI – Although it has been around for 24 years, Allegiant Air (G4) is a relative newcomer to the industry, and provides service between many cities in the United States, flying both charter and scheduled air service. The airline also provides charter service from the United States to Canada and Mexico. Today, Allegiant Travel Company, …

Qantas to lease E190s from Alliance Airlines

Qantas has inked a three-year deal with Alliance Airlines to provide additional capacity to meet what it calls an expected surge in local tourism demand once the country moves beyond sudden COVID-related border closures. Under the terms of the deal, Brisbane-based Alliance will provide the QantasLink network with three Embraer E-190 jets to link regional …

The best travel rewards credit cards of February 2021

 Table of Contents: Masthead StickySummary List Placement The best travel rewards credit cards in 2021: Category Best travel rewards card Best overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Best travel card with a high annual fee: Chase Sapphire Reserve® Best for beginners: Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card Best for luxury perks: Platinum Card® from American Express Best …

Breeze Airways Takes Delivery of First of 15 Embraer E190

MIAMI – US start-up airline Breeze Airways (MXY) has taken delivery of its first Embraer E190 from lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC). The airline, founded by JetBlue’s (B6) founder David Neeleman, has 14 more aircraft awaiting to be delivered, and the choice represents a significant vote of confidence in the E190 and in NAC’s TrueChoice …

2020 the worst year in aviation history says IATA

The airline industry is in a catastrophic situation and needs more help from governments to stay viable through the pandemic says IATA. That is the stark message from Alexandre de Juniac, the International Air Transport Association’s director general and chief executive as he delivers the industry’s report card for 2020 declaring it the worst year …

Learjet 45, Boeing 737-700: The Remaining Fleet from Ryanair

MIAMI – As aviation enthusiasts, each time we think about Ryanair, (FR) the Boeing 737-8AS comes into mind. The LCC currently has a total of 425 active aircraft. Before the pandemic, each one used to perform between four to six cycles per day. In this article, we will talk about other aircrafts that have been …

The best Airbnbs in Big Bear, California

  Summary List Placement Big Bear, California is the top-trending US destination among Airbnb users, according to the company. Just two hours from LA, the all-seasons paradise offers outdoor activities from skiing to lake fun. We found highly-rated Big Bear Airbnbs ranging from $100 to $375 per night to start. Read more: Are Airbnbs safe? …

Sunwing Airlines Takes Delivery of Two Boeing 737 MAX 8

MIAMI – Air Lease Corporation announced today the delivery of two new Boeing 737 MAX 8 on a long-term contract to Sunwing Airlines (WG). These aircraft, featuring CFM International LEAP-1B27 engines, are the third and fourth new Boeing 737 MAX 8 to be deliver to Sunwing from ALC’s order book with Boeing. Sunwing Boeing 737-800NG. …

JetBlue founder David Neeleman’s new airline is almost ready for takeoff with the addition of new aircraft – here’s what we know about Breeze Airways

Summary List Placement Breeze Airways, the new start-up airline founded by David Neeleman of JetBlue Airways fame, is on track to launch flights this year with new aircraft arriving at the airline.  Initially scheduled for a late-2020 debut, the airline’s website now welcomes would-be customers with this message: “Welcome to Breeze Airways, a new airline …

Qatar Airways Upgrades Boeing 787-8 IFE

MIAMI – Qatar Airways (QR) introduced the new THALES AVANT IFE (In Flight Entertainment) on its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fleet. Ms. Salam Al Shawa, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at QR said, “As a leader of innovation within the global aviation industry, we are always looking for ways to further enrich our already …

GKN Aerospace: Leader of the Future Flight Challenge

Safe Flight Development of unmanned and autonomous systems are fasting forward. However, uncertainties remains about integrating these systems safely into airspace. ‘Safe Flight, tackle technical issues in terms of incorporating a variety of state-of-the-art technology into real-world cases. More importantly, it addresses the fundamental requirement and direct path to certification and regulatory approvals for operations of such systems. GKN Aerospace will partners with University of Bath, 3UG Autonomous Systems and Callen-Lenz to advance the Secure Flight. Photo: GKN Aerospace NAPKIN NAPKIN will model and pilot a UK-wide sustainable aviation network encouraging zero carbon emissions. That is to say, it provides accessibility where surface infrastructure is missing. Also it aims …

Airlines will now allow passengers to fly without masks after Biden’s mandate allows for medical exemptions

Summary List Placement The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s mask mandate for air travel took effect on February 2, requiring flyers to mask up or face the consequences following an executive order from President Joe Biden. But as the policy goes federal, the Americans with Disabilities Act is pumping the brakes on enforcement when …

Startup Airline World2Fly Applies for US Flights

Photo: World2Fly Springtime Launch According to its website, World2Fly tentatively expects to begin flying in Spring 2021 to destinations such as Havana (HAV), Punta Cana (PUJ), and Cancun (CUN). While the exact routes are unknown, World2Fly says on Facebook, “flights will take off from Madrid and Lisbon airports to take you to discover the best …

Allegiant Air to Open New Iowa Base in July

MIAMI – After multiple delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Allegiant Air (G4) is opening its new US base in Des Moines, Iowa on July 1. The base was announced in November 2019 and will be the airline’s first major facility in Iowa (DSM). Overall, it will be the 20th base opened as G4 continues …

Citi Premier card review: One of the best welcome bonuses around, plus lots of options for earning and redeeming points

 Citi Premier® CardSummary List PlacementTable of Contents: Masthead Sticky Review: Is the Citi Premier the best credit card for you? There are dozens of travel rewards credit cards to choose from nowadays, but many consumers prefer cards with flexible rewards programs. With flexible, or transferable, points, you aren’t tied down to a specific loyalty program, …

Southwest Airlines’ First Annual Loss in 48 Years

MIAMI – The original Southwest Airlines (WN), founded by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King in 1967 was an intrastate airline serving the Texas cities of Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. When airline deregulation legislation was signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, WN had an opportunity to flourish to the point that it became the …

Airlineratings.com editor talks 737 MAX safety

Airlineratings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas has spoken out about a recent report that suggests the Boeing 737 MAX is still not safe and early models are at risk. A former senior manager, Ed Pierson, at Boeing’s 737 MAX plant in Seattle raised new allegations with the BBC that further investigation of electrical issues and production quality …

The Kimberly Hotel in New York is a grand, European-style hotel with large suites and private balconies — and it’s surprisingly affordable

  Summary List Placement The Kimberly Hotel in New York boasts large suites with private balconies, a Manhattan rarity. Rates typically start at $350, but Luxury One-Bedroom Suites are as low as $279 per night right now. It’s one of many US luxury hotels seeing dramatic price reductions amidst the pandemic.  Read more: Is it …

Boeing Set to Produce Mid-size Aircraft

MIAMI – Boeing’s CEO David Calhoun told aviation experts that the firm is moving forward with the advancement of its ‘New Midsize Aircraft’ (NMA), or Boeing 797, amid the company’s historic USD$12bn loss. Advancement in Boeing’s NMA initiative, which has been evolving for decades, was disrupted early last year in the wake of COVID-19. However, …

8 credit cards without foreign transaction fees, so you can save money on international trips

 Table of Contents: Masthead StickySummary List Placement The best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees in 2021: Category Best no foreign transaction fee card Best travel card with an annual fee under $100: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Best premium travel card: Chase Sapphire Reserve® The premium card with the most benefits: Platinum Card® from …

Rome Airports Unveil Results from COVID-19-tested Flights

MIAMI – Aeroporti di Roma (ADR), which manages Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)and Rome-Ciampino Airport (CIA), presented good results from the COVID-19-tested-flight pilot program conducted at FCO. The trials have been taking place since December 8, in partnership with Alitalia (AZ) and Delta Air Lines (DL) and in close cooperation with and the support of the …

Airstream has unveiled a $107,500 RV with a full office for remote work — see inside the Flying Cloud 30FB Office

Summary List Placement Airstream has taken advantage of the long lasting remote work trend by debuting its latest $107,500 2021 Flying Cloud 30FB Office, a travel trailer with a corner home office. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Airstream had been looking for ways to target the digital nomad and remote work clientele, Bob Wheeler, Airstream’s …

Air Belgium Plans to Add Four Cargo Aircraft

LONDON – Brussels, Charleroi Airport (CRL)–based airline Air Belgium (KF) will expand its operations on its cargo sector with four A330-200F aircraft. During last summer, airline officials announced thoughts about diversification of operations as well as the opportunities of freight sector. Finally, the Belgian carrier announced the addition of four (4) freighter aircraft to its …

Uganda Airlines Takes Delivery of Second A330neo

ENTEBBE UGANDA – Uganda Airlines (UR) has taken delivery of its second Airbus A330-800, completing the Ugandan national carrier’s order of two A330neo. This latest addition follows a previous one, made in December 2020, for its first A330neo. According to UR, the delivery is an affirmation of its ambition to start long haul operation. The …

Boeing 777X Significant Orders Now Unpredictable

MIAMI – Boeing reported on Monday that 118 of its wide-body 777X order was no longer firm under accounting regulations. Therefore, Boeing has to determine its feasibility regularly, which left the company with only 191 finalized orders for the 777X. Boeing revealed last week a US$6.5bn charge on the 777X, partially due to the weakest-than-expected demand for the model. Moreover, Boeing pushed 777X’s EIS until end of 2023, in expectation of a …

American Airlines, Apple, Oprah Team up for Inflight Reading

MIAMI – American Airlines (AA) announced it is giving its customers access to a special offer in partnership with Apple Books and Oprah’s Book Club. Customers can explore an AA-curated collection which highlights Oprah’s Book Club picks and more reads for every genre. In addition, eligible AAdvantage® members flying on American can get one of …