After weathering relentless turbulence during and after the pandemic, Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is not just recovering but flourishing. The airline’s recent announcement to launch flights to Charlotte, North Carolina — an unexpected and bold move — signals a broader and ambitious vision to capture untapped markets. This decision reflects a pragmatic and
Airlines
The Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) plays a crucial role in regulating how travel agencies issue airline tickets in the United States. Historically, ARC’s Agent Reporting Agreement (ARA) had explicit language forbidding an appointed agency from issuing tickets on behalf of another agency that either lacked ARC accreditation or had its ticketing privileges revoked. This restriction
India’s aviation sector recently faced intense scrutiny as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released an alarming report highlighting multiple safety deficiencies at Mumbai and New Delhi airports. This review, necessitated by the tragic Air India incident in June that claimed 241 lives, underscores an urgent need to address systemic issues that compromise passenger
In light of recent geopolitical developments, air travel in the Middle East is undergoing a transformation that has left many airline operators and travelers grappling with lengthy travel times. This change has been exacerbated by airlines’ reluctance to traverse Iranian airspace, even after a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was established. Travelers venturing to and
On June 16, 2023, Air India Flight 171 met a tragic end, crashing into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad and claiming the lives of 270 individuals both on board and on the ground. Just ten days prior, amidst lofty ambitions and strategies for revitalization, CEO Campbell Wilson had addressed global aviation media, exuding an
The realm of outer space has historically been the playground of a select few, reserved for astronauts and scientists equipped with the funds and knowledge to soar beyond our planet’s atmosphere. However, the future promises a radical paradigm shift in the accessibility of space travel. As professionals in the industry have noted, the trajectory of
In a landscape where traveler loyalty is increasingly pivotal, the new partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue signifies a paradigm shift for both carriers’ loyalty programs. Announced on May 29, this collaboration promises a blend of synergies, allowing members of United’s MileagePlus and JetBlue’s TrueBlue to share reciprocal benefits. Though the initial excitement around increased
President Trump’s recent executive order marks a pivotal moment in aviation history, reviving the dream of supersonic commercial travel. By instructing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to dismantle a decades-old ban on overland supersonic flights, Trump has opened the door to potential breakthroughs in how we traverse airspace. This ban, which originated in 1973 due
The commercial aviation sector is currently facing an alarming backlog of over 17,000 aircraft orders—a figure that signals a major challenge for the industry’s growth and efficiency. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the backlog, which could take up to 14 years to clear at current production rates, has become a significant obstacle.
The recent reopening of Newark Liberty International Airport’s runway 4L-22R is a significant milestone, indicative of a larger shift in air travel dynamics. Initially scheduled for a lengthy renovation period, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey managed to complete the repairs nearly two weeks ahead of time. This expedited reopening could herald
In a significant move poised to reshape the aviation landscape, IndiGo, recognized as India’s largest airline, is embarking on its inaugural journey into U.S. codeshare agreements. By aligning itself with major players such as Delta, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, IndiGo is not only expanding its network but also signaling its aspirations on an international scale.
Newark Liberty International Airport has earned a reputation for being a significant source of frustration among travelers, often topping the charts for lengthy delays and cancellations. My experience there over Memorial Day weekend was a stark reminder of that chaotic reputation, yet surprisingly, it unveiled a diamond in the rough within United Airlines’ Terminal C.
Brazilian airline Azul has recently made headlines by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a decision that may seem alarming at first glance but reflects a strategic maneuver rather than a desperate act of financial desperation. With an industry rapidly recovering from the tumultuous effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Azul is leveraging this opportunity to
The tragic crashes of the Boeing 737 Max, resulting in the deaths of 346 people, cast a long shadow over the aviation industry and raised significant questions about corporate ethics and regulatory oversight. The recent agreement reached between the U.S. Justice Department and Boeing, aimed at avoiding criminal prosecution, has sparked fierce debates about accountability
Skiplagged, a metasearch engine for airline tickets, has been at the center of a significant uproar within the airline industry for over ten years. Known for its promotion of hidden-city ticketing, Skiplagged has continually challenged the traditional airline fare structure. This practice involves booking a flight with an unrelated stop, allowing travelers to potentially save
The air travel industry is currently experiencing a seismic shift, particularly in New Jersey, where Newark Liberty International Airport has become a hotbed of operational issues, leading many seasoned travelers to reconsider their flying habits. Recent events have cast a shadow over what was once considered a reliable gateway to the skies. With flight cancellations,
The travel industry is experiencing tumultuous changes, and agencies using Sabre as their distribution system are navigating complex waters filled with new programs, incentives, and fees. While the narrative surrounding these changes leans toward optimization and innovation, travel agencies must look beyond the surface to understand the implications of what is being presented. The presence
Hawaiian Airlines has recently taken a bold step in redefining its approach to customer accountability by implementing a stringent no-show policy. Effective May 15, travelers with nonrefundable tickets will face the cancellation of their itinerary, along with the loss of potential flight credits if they fail to notify the airline of their absence before the