Author: Sharad Ranabhat

SYDNEY – On 29th November 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) granted interim authorization to Virgin Australia (VA) and Qatar Airways (QR), permitting them to collaborate under an integrated alliance. This authorization enables the two carriers to market and sell 28 weekly return flights between Doha and Australian cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, starting in June 2025. Moreover, the ACCC’s decision also includes a court-enforceable undertaking from both airlines to protect customers should the final regulatory approvals not be granted. Expanded Services on the Horizon Under the integrated alliance, Virgin Australia will launch new flights to Doha…

DUBLIN – On November 27, 2024, Delta Air Lines (DL) flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Atlanta (ATL) was forced to divert to Dublin and make an emergency landing at Dublin Airport (DUB) to remove an unruly passenger. The Airbus A330-300, registered N810NW, was operating flight DL83 from CDG to Atlanta. On Wednesday morning, flight DL83 took off from CDG at 9:13 AM local time, slightly delayed from its scheduled departure. However, approximately 90 minutes into the flight, the crew decided to divert to Dublin after one of the passenger’s disruptive behavior posed safety concerns. Diversion to Dublin…

DOHA – As the Global Partner and Official Airline of Formula 1, Qatar Airways (QR) is celebrating the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix with limited edition F1-themed in-flight experiences. Passengers across all classes can enjoy the exclusive loungewear, dining, and amenities, designed to reflect the innovation, luxury, and excitement of the sport. Taking place from November 29 to December 1, 2024, at the Lusail International Circuit, the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix is reported to be a major highlight of the Formula 1 season. First and Business Class Offerings Passengers traveling in Qatar Airways First and Business Class cabins will receive stylish F1-branded…

ISTANBUL – Turkish Airlines (TK) has announced that it will launch new flights to Sydney, Australia, and Santiago, Chile. These two routes, revealed by Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, are aimed at enhancing the airline’s route map. Sydney Flights Begin November 28 Starting 28th November 2024, Turkish Airlines will launch its second Australian route, connecting Istanbul to Sydney. The route will be operated with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The inaugural flight, departing Istanbul at 1:15 p.m., will reach Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport at 4:30 p.m. the following…

India’s domestic aviation market continues to thrive, driven by rising middle-class income, growing connectivity, and increased frequency between key cities. 

CALGARY – WestJet (WS) has announced its summer 2025 schedule with a network growth of 10%, comprising a 12% expansion domestically.  The Canadian airline aims to make air travel more accessible and affordable across the country by introducing 11 new routes and expanding capacity in key markets. New Destinations, Routes WestJet is adding two new domestic and three transborder destinations in summer 2025. The domestic schedule includes two returning routes from Calgary: Moreover, the airline is launching the following new transborder routes: Increased Capacity Additionally, the carrier has notably increased capacity at 10 Canadian airports compared to the summer of 2024.…

ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways (EY) has decided to invest nearly $1 billion to retrofit its older Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner fleets, aiming to maintain product consistency across its widebody fleet. Starting at the end of 2025, this retrofit program comes alongside delays in the delivery of the Boeing 777X. Addressing Fleet Consistency Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s CEO, confirmed the $1 billion retrofit initiative during an interview with The National, emphasizing the airline’s aim of maintaining uniformity across its widebody fleet, except for the Airbus A380s. “We’re going to retrofit even the planes that don’t need a retrofit, but we believe…

JAMAICA – Jamaica has been announced as Avelo Airlines’ first international destination. The new route connects Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut, to Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay. Avelo Airlines operated the inaugural flight on November 16, 2024, carrying over 150 passengers, as reported by the Jamaica Observer. This marks an important milestone for both the airline and Jamaica’s aviation and tourism sectors. Strategic Importance of the Route Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, emphasized the importance of this new route in bolstering visitor numbers from the US. He further highlighted how this new route would facilitate…

On Thursday (14th November) an Alaska Airlines (AS) Boeing 737 lost one of its tires during takeoff from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

San Antonio – American Airlines (AA) has begun retrofitting the first of ten Airbus A321neo aircraft it acquired from Alaska Airlines (AS), with the initial aircraft, registered as N950XV, now at San Antonio International Airport for modifications. The first Airbus A321neo in this retrofit process was reportedly ferried from Miami International Airport (MIA) to San Antonio last week, as reported by aviation observer JonNYC. This retrofit program aligns with AA’s strategy to standardize its narrowbody fleet, enhancing operational flexibility and offering a consistent onboard experience for passengers across its domestic routes. Alaska Airlines’ A321neo Sale and Fleet Realignment The ten…