All articles tagged with #airline partnerships
IndiGo, India's largest airline, is expanding its international network through partnerships with Air France-KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta, including new routes to Europe and North America, and converting options into firm orders for Airbus A350 jets to support its growth plans.
Alaska Airlines is ending its long-standing partnership with Starbucks and will now serve a custom coffee blend from Stumptown Coffee Roasters on its flights. The new blend has been specially crafted to taste better at high altitudes, taking into account the different reactions of taste buds in the air. Stumptown tested various variables and conducted in-flight tests and blind customer surveys to ensure a well-balanced and enjoyable cup of coffee. Alaska Airlines will also serve Stumptown coffee in its lounges.
American Airlines is reducing its operations in New York, including dropping routes from LaGuardia to Kansas City and Houston Intercontinental, despite receiving slots back from JetBlue. The airline's departures from LaGuardia have decreased by 13%, and the reduction in flying is attributed to both air traffic control staffing shortages and the absence of a partnership with JetBlue. American Airlines previously used its New York gates and slots to serve smaller markets and run a boutique operation to key destinations. The Biden administration's reversal of the JetBlue partnership deal has left American Airlines without a New York strategy. There is speculation that American may be leasing slots to Spirit Airlines, which is expanding at LaGuardia. American Airlines has filed an appeal against the Justice Department's decision to break up the partnership, potentially seeking a determination on whether JetBlue owes them a breakup fee.
JetBlue has announced that it will not appeal a recent antitrust ruling against its partnership with American Airlines, signaling the end of their alliance. However, American Airlines plans to file an appeal separately. The specifics of the injunction are yet to be determined, but both airlines are still operating flights and honoring benefits for passengers. The alliance was criticized for stifling competition, but JetBlue argues that it allows for stronger competition against Delta and United in the Northeast market. The outcome of the appeal and the impact on passengers remain uncertain.