Recently, over 250 travel advisors and industry suppliers gathered in Washington, D.C., for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Legislative Day. This annual event serves as a crucial platform for travel professionals to engage lawmakers on pivotal legislation that could shape the future of the travel industry. The primary focus this year was advocating
Airlines
In a significant shift within the aviation landscape, Alaska Airlines is poised to finalize its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion, reflecting a crucial milestone in the industry’s relentless pursuit of consolidation and growth. Following conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the merger has cleared critical legal and regulatory hurdles, including
The ongoing strike by Boeing machinists has put a significant halt to the production of various aircraft, including the highly anticipated Boeing 737 Max. Such industrial actions can reshape the landscape of airline operations, with U.S. carriers facing the brunt of the disruption. With a prominent expectation of aircraft deliveries during the final months of
In a significant resolution that could have far-reaching implications for the aviation industry in Canada, Air Canada has successfully negotiated a tentative labor agreement with the union representing its pilots. This new collective agreement arrives after prolonged discussions and aims to enhance the working conditions and remuneration of over 5,400 Air Canada pilots, ensuring the
In recent developments within the aviation industry, Arajet, an ultralow-cost carrier based in the Dominican Republic, finds itself on the precipice of a significant transformation. With the recent signing of an Open Skies treaty between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, the airline is poised to establish routes that connect major U.S. cities with the
The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) recent investigation into the loyalty programs of the four largest U.S. airlines—American, Delta, Southwest, and United—has ignited a fierce debate among industry stakeholders. Advocates for consumers see the probe as a necessary step towards protecting travelers from opaque practices, while industry representatives criticize it as governmental overreach that distracts from
United Airlines is set to become a game-changer in the aviation industry by introducing complimentary WiFi across its entire fleet, a move fueled by the innovative technology of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service. This forward-thinking initiative will span over 1,000 aircraft, encompassing both mainline and regional planes, with pilot testing slated to start early next year.
On Thursday, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a significant proposal regarding the implementation of the Real ID program, extending the deadline for full enforcement to May 5, 2027. Initially, the Real ID program was set to begin on May 7, 2025, following years of delays, with the original legislation enacted by Congress back
In the rapidly evolving world of airline loyalty programs, the competition to gain customer loyalty is more intense than ever. A recent assessment by Point.me has crowned Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue as the foremost airline loyalty program globally. This recognition stems not only from the program’s design but also from its ability to provide substantial
Southwest Airlines, a stalwart in the aviation industry known for its solid results, is currently facing a turbulent time. The airline has caught the attention of activist investor Elliott Investment Management, who is pushing for significant changes within the company. This recent development has led to Southwest announcing a reshuffling of its board in an