Southwest Airlines is once again leading the industry by teaming up with its longtime partner to become the launch Customer of Boeing’s new 737 MAX aircraft. Southwest is the first Customer to place firm orders for the new, more fuel-efficient 737 MAX, and the Company also will become the first airline to accept delivery of the new aircraft in 2017. As the launch Customer of the 737 MAX, Southwest extends its legacy with Boeing as the 737 launch Customer for the -300, -500, and -700. The 737 MAX is the new-engine variant of the world’s best-selling airplane, building on the strengths of today’s Next-Generation 737 (737NG) technology, and is powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines.
Frontier Airlines seasonal flights to Florida start on December 15
Just in time for winter, Frontier Airlines is launching new nonstop seasonal service to Florida from two Midwestern cities and reinstating seasonal Florida service from three others beginning Dec. 15, 2011, and continuing into April 2012.
VivaAerobus Launches New Flights from San Antonio – Monterrey
On November 15, 2011, Mexican budget airline VivaAerobus announced a new international route between San Antonio, USA, and Monterrey, Mexico. The frequency will be three flights per week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Total prices start from $79 USD.
“The city of San Antonio serves a pivotal role in VivaAerobus’ plans for international growth,” said VivaAerobus CEO, Juan Carlos Zuazua, adding, “With this new route, our carrier is contributing to strengthen those ties that exist between these two important cities. Traditionally many people from Monterrey visit San Antonio for shopping, business, or simply a leisure trip.”
AirTran Airways will cease operations at several airports next year
AirTran Airways will cease its operations in June 2012 at the following airports: Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Miami International (MIA), Central Illinois Regional Airport/Bloomington/Normal, Ill. (BMI), Charleston’s Yeager Airport in West Virginia (CRW), and Dulles International (IAD). The Southwest Airlines operations at IAD will continue unaffected.
Spirit Airlines starts Chicago – Orlando flights
Spirit Airlines started daily non-stop service between Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Orlando, Florida. To celebrate, Spirit is offering fares from $9 (each way based on round trip purchase).
Virgin America Launches Nonstop Flights to Palm Springs
Virgin America is bringing its stylish, low-fare service to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) as of December 15, 2011: with tickets on sale now for its new nonstop seasonal flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to PSP and same-plane through-flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to PSP.
WestJet Launches New Non-stop Service Toronto to Palm Springs
WestJet launched new non-stop, seasonal service between Toronto and Palm Springs, California. “Palm Springs is the 43rd WestJet destination with non-stop service from Toronto Pearson International Airport, as we continue to expand and enhance our award-winning service to and from Canada’s largest city,” said Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Strategy and Planning. “Now with nearly [...]
Virgin America to Start Flights to Toronto
Virgin America will serve Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) with daily flights from California’s West Coast starting June 23, 2010. The new service will launch with daily flights from both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Toronto (YYZ). Virgin America offers business and leisure travelers a host of innovative amenities, including beautifully designed mood-lit cabins, fleetwide WiFi, standard power outlets near every seat and Red — the largest and most advanced personal touch-screen entertainment platform in the skies. Since its 2007 launch, the airline has consistently swept the major travel awards, including “Best Airline” in both Condé Nast Traveler’s 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure’s 2009 World’s Best Awards.
WestJet Launches Flights Between Windsor and Calgary
WestJet launched new seasonal non-stop service between Windsor and Calgary. The inaugural flight from the City of Roses departs Windsor International Airport at 4:15 p.m. EDT today.
WestJet Adds St. Lucia to Growing List of Destinations
WestJet announced the introduction of new seasonal non-stop service from Toronto to St. Lucia (UVF). Service to this new sun destination begins December 16, 2007. WestJet’s enhanced winter schedule also includes new non-stop flights from Hamilton to Nassau, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa.
“St. Lucia represents the fifth international country for scheduled service,” said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network and Revenue Management. “These announcements are part of WestJet’s measured expansion plans to fly to over 60 destinations by 2013. Our fleet of 68 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft is perfectly suited for these destinations, providing live seatback TV and pay-per-view movies at every seat. We are confident that the exceptional guest experience provided by our more than 6,500 WestJetters will make these destinations a success.
Budget Airlines
- Jin Air to Start Seoul – Hong Kong Flights 5 times per week. October 17, 2011
- Jetstar begins direct Singapore – Beijing flights November 24, 2011
- Air New Zealand tries “Low Cost” domestic routes November 29, 2011
- VivaAerobus Launches New Flights from San Antonio – Monterrey November 17, 2011
- Cebu Pacific Starts Manila – Guangzhou Flights October 14, 2007
- AirAsia X announces Kuala Lumpur – Beijing route May 18, 2012
- Allegiant Air announces new routes to Hawaii May 16, 2012
- Pacific Air to become Fiji Airways, compete with budget airlines May 15, 2012
- Air Arabia will begin flights to Taif, Saudi Arabia May 14, 2012
- Ryanair launches Edinburgh – Szczecin flights May 13, 2012
