In The Sky: May 2018

JetBlue adds two routes to Mexico City

JetBlue has announced two new daily services flying to Mexico City from Boston and New York, expected to commence on October 25 of this year. These will be in addition to their existing flights to the Mexican capital from Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. The opportunity comes after the Department of Transportation required Delta and Aeromexico to divest from some routes at the over-crowded Mexico City airport.

Industrial dispute continues at Air France

The dispute between French flag carrier Air France and many of the trade unions who represent it workers continues, causing widespread issues for the airline and forcing the resignation of group CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac. The resignation was precipitated by unions refusing a 7% pay increase spread over four years. Finance chief Frederic Gagey has been named interim CEO and has announced he will attempt to resolve the dispute which has dragged on since February.

United to make service to Cuba weekly

United Airlines has announced its plans to increase the frequency of its service from Houston to Havana from weekly to daily, effective July 20. This will be in addition to the existing United service from Newark to Havanna.

American cuts ties with 2 regional carriers

American Airlines Group has announced they are ending their arrangements with two reginal U.S. carriers, ExpressJet and Trans States. American says this move is part of its broader effort to simplify short-distance operations. Other American Airlines partners such as SkyWest and Envoy Airlines.

Norwegian Rejects IAG approaches

Disruptive low-cost international carrier Norwegian have turned-down multiple advances from IAG, parent company of British Airways and Iberia. This comes after announcements last month from IAG that they had built up a 4.6% stake in Norwegian with a view to making a bid for their competitor. Norwegian claims that the bids undervalued the company and were consequently rejected.

Southwest to fly Hawaiian Islands Routes

Southwest Airlines have announced that they will begin offering routes within the Hawaiian islands, subject to regulator approval. The carrier is intending to fly from four locations in California to Honolulu, Kona, Maui and Lihue. This move is seen as a challenge to Hawaiian Airlines, which operates a near monopoly on short-haul flights between the islands of its home state.