Etihad Airways has launched reciprocal interline partnerships with three new airline partners – Philippine Airlines (PAL), Austrian Airlines (OS) and Airlink South Africa (4Z), while re-launching interline links with Biman Bangladesh and codeshares with Air Seychelles (HM) and ITA Airways (AZ).

The deal means customers of all airlines involved will enjoy enhanced connectivity to destinations across each other’s networks, can book on a single ticket and only have to check in once at the start of their flight, with their baggage checked through to their end destination.

Etihad Airways adds flights to Shanghai to its route network(Opens in a new browser tab)

Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “Broadening our network reach, and allowing more guests to come visit Abu Dhabi has always guided our purpose. These six interline/code agreements make life easier for guests of all the airlines involved. With Austrian Airlines, this tie-in gives our guests access up to 58 European destinations via Vienna, operated by Etihad daily during the summer, and joins the other four members of the Lufthansa Group with whom we already have interline or codeshare agreements.

A deal with Airlink South Africa gives connecting guests via our Johannesburg flight seamless access to 16 domestic destinations in South Africa, and 25 regional African destinations, and it complements existing options with South African Airways.

Emirates and Philippine Airlines announce interline partnership(Opens in a new browser tab)

“And teaming up with Philippine Airlines provides easy access to 19 domestic Filipino destinations including Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Kalibo, to and from Etihad’s double daily Manila service, for the large Filipino diaspora living in the UAE.

“Etihad’s successful partnership with ITA Airways over Rome Fiumicino to Italy, Europe and beyond has also been restored following ITA’s own Amadeus Altea migration in February.” The expanded interline and codeshare offerings will be progressively rolled out across Etihad sales channels, including Etihad.com and travel agents, over the coming weeks.

A pilot is suing United Airlines from being fired shortly after being grounded due to his inability to distinguish distinct colours when flying at night.

A blind couple and their baby were stopped from boarding two separate flights after an airline tried to make them pay for an escort(Opens in a new browser tab)

On April 12, 2022, United recruited Damon Meyer of Portland,  but he lost his job less than two months later when he submitted a long-term disability claim through an insurance plan he had just signed up for. He was unable to fly at night because he “couldn’t determine the colours of signals on taxiways”. Although he says there is “no proof” that he had this disease when he was hired, he might have gotten it in the weeks that followed.

Meyer submitted a long-term disability claim through United’s programme the day after being grounded and only six days after signing up for the insurance plan. The next month, United Airlines fired Meyer, citing a “ludicrous theory” that he “would not have met the standards for a legitimate medical licence at the time of his hiring.”

After working for 6 years Chinese cabin crew fired for being too old(Opens in a new browser tab)

If Meyer had a medical examination immediately before being employed by United, the lawsuit claims it is “purely hypothetical” that he would have failed. Meyer’s claims were first accepted by the long-term disability plan’s administrators, but the reimbursement was later withdrawn because of his work termination.

Meyer sued United and the long-term disability plan administrators in a district court in Maine, seeking compensation for his colour blindness. Meyer is still “completely disabled,” according to the lawsuit.

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Qantas Customers travelling across its regional, domestic and international network are in for a bigger and better inflight and clounge dining experience as the airline rolls out a significant menu enhancement program this month.

The additional multi-million dollar investment introduces new dishes and larger portions across all cabins, using high-quality ingredients from premium Australian producers.

10 most expensive flight tickets in world ..!!(Opens in a new browser tab)

It is the single biggest investment in Qantas inflight and lounge dining in a decade and comes as the airline returns to profit and accelerates its customer investment programs. These include a $100 million expansion of domestic and international lounges, progressive renewal of its aircraft and new routes.

Key dining enhancements include:

International

First

• Additional investment in premium produce with new dishes including Calvisius Caviar on Buckwheat Blinis with Pepe Saya Crème Fraiche, Queensland Spanner Crab and Sweet Pork Salad with Green Mango, Cashews and Nam Jim Dressing, Crumbed Margra Lamb Cutlets with Lemon Myrtle Celeriac Puree, Seared Glacier 51 Toothfish with Saffron Sauce, Steamed Potatoes and Braised Fennel, and Riverine Beef fillet with Green Beans and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes.

Business

• Additional investment in premium produce with new dishes including Seared Grasslands Beef Fillet with Café de Paris Butter, Bannockburn Free-range chicken Kyiv and Seared Snapper with Black Bean Sauce, Seasonal Greens and Salted Chilli.
• More substantial second meal on long flights between Australia and Asia in Business and Economy. Business dishes include a Crumbed Snapper Roll with Pickled Cabbage and Tartare sauce, and Stir-fried Noodles with Wombok, Cucumber, Sesame and Chilli Oil.

Premium Economy

• New dishes include Salmon with Tomato Fennel Sauce, Red Quinoa and Brown Rice, and Braised Lamb Shank with Red Wine Mushroom Sauce and Potato Puree.
• Introduction of a starter salad, as well as an ice-cream service on all flights.

Economy

• New dishes in Economy with premium quality ingredients including Cajun Prawns with Spiced Rice, Korean Chilli and Garlic Chicken with Kimchi and Black Pepper Beef with Oyster Mushrooms.
• New second meal dishes on long flights between Australia and Asia include Chicken Fried Rice, and Sage and Lemon ravioli with Kale and Napolitana sauce.

Domestic

• A continuation of the new domestic Economy menu that launched in October 2022, offering more choice across the network including vegetarian options.
• An increased range of lighter options in Business including Ploughman’s and Cheese plates featuring a selection of cheese, Free-range Chicken and Pistachio Terrine, Charcuterie and accompaniments along with Chicken and Corn soup with Dill and Green Pea soup with Mint.
• The addition of starter salads in Business on long flights, which include Grilled Prawns with Asian slaw and Edamame and Tasmanian Smoked Salmon with Kale and Sweet Potato salad.
• Premium snacks in Business from Koko Black, Brookfarm and Carman’s.
• Return of pre-take off water and juice in Business on long domestic flights.

On Thursday, the Department of Transportation issued performance statistics for the major U.S. airlines for the full year.  According to the DOT’s Air Travel Consumer Report, Delta achieved an overall on-time rate of 82.1% percent.

Airlines With the Most Delays This Year, According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics(Opens in a new browser tab)

The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines. DOT remains committed to ensuring airline passengers are treated fairly and is concerned about recent flight cancellations and flight disruptions and difficulties families are experiencing in sitting together with no fees. The Department is currently investigating four domestic airlines to ensure that they are not engaging in unrealistic scheduling of flights. Last week, DOT rolled out a new family seating dashboard that highlights the airlines that guarantee fee-free family seating, and those that do not, making it easier for parents to avoid paying junk fees to sit with their children when they fly.

Major airline on-time performance for 2022, according to ATCR

1. Delta Air Lines – 82.1% of flights on time
2. Alaska Airlines  – 79.1% of flights on time
3. United Airlines – 78.7% of flights on time
4. American Airlines – 77.1% of flights on time
5. Hawaiian Airlines – 75.8% of flights on time
6. Southwest Airlines –  73.2% of flights on time
7. Spirit Airlines – 73.0% of flights on time
8. Frontier Airlines – 66.1% of flights on time
9. JetBlue Airways – 64.6% of flights on time
10. Allegiant Air – 63.4% of flights on time

December 2022 Flight Cancellations

In December 2022, reporting marketing carriers canceled 5.4% of their scheduled domestic flights, higher than the rate 1.1% in both November 2022 and in pre-pandemic December 2019.  Of the industry-wide 5.4% cancellation rate in December 2022, 54.51% of the cancellations were attributed to Southwest. Southwest canceled 14,042 flights from December 24 to December 31, which was 72.3% of the total flights that reporting carriers canceled during that time.

1. Southwest Airlines – 14.6%
2. Alaska Airlines Network – 7.6%
3. Allegiant Air – 5.3%
4. Delta Air Lines Network – 2.9%
5. JetBlue Airways – 1.9%
6. American Airlines Network – 1.8%

Mishandled Baggage

In December 2022, reporting marketing carriers handled 40.4 million bags and posted a mishandled baggage rate of 1.09%, higher than the rate of 0.51% in November 2022 and higher than the rate of 0.66% in pre-pandemic December 2019. Of the industry-wide 1.09% mishandling rate in December 2022, 26.68% of the mishandling were attributed to Southwest.

The most popular low-cost carrier in India, SpiceJet, has appointed BBT Air – Aviation Services as its General Sales Agent (GSA) in Greece. BBT Air will be in charge of the airline’s sales, growth, and general representation in the Greek market, offering top-notch services to passenger and travel agencies.

Spicejet likely to induct 7 Boeing 737 Max aircraft on wet lease by November-end(Opens in a new browser tab)

BBT Air’s Commercial Director, Mr. Konstantinos Melas, said: “We are pleased to welcome SpiceJet to our portfolio and market. We’re confident that additional sales opportunities will materialize once SpiceJet becomes available in Greece. Our top aim will be to contact marine travel agencies and offer them another choice for flights within and outside of India because Greece has impressive results in marine/offshore traffic. Starting from there, we’ll seek to advance SpiceJet in our nation and consider the possibility of establishing a direct connection between Athens and Delhi in the future. . A much-desired route that is currently missing from Greece”.

The airline’s website, spicejet.com, as well as travel agencies with access to its B2B portal already have the flights displayed and available for purchase. By calling +30 210 9793500, the offices of BBT Air Aviation Services, which also accepts and manages all group requests and supports local travel agencies, passengers can also purchase their tickets there.

SpiceSaver, SpiceFlex, and SpiceMAX are the three pricing alternatives offered on all flights, providing greater service options, comfort, and flexibility for all passenger demands, both at the airport and during the flight.

The selection of BBT Air as GSA in the Greek market is a part of SpiceJet’s goal to expand internationally and providing its customers with seamless end-to-end connectivity between the two nations. The airline, which is India’s largest regional carrier and has a fleet of Boeing 737s, Q-400s, and freighters, operates numerous daily flights under UDAN or the Regional Connectivity Scheme.

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IndiGo, India’s most preferred carrier has announced new direct flight between Mumbai-Dhaka from March 26, 2023. This new route has been introduced to cater to the rising demand for travel from Mumbai. The airline has also announced the resumption of operations between Mumbai and Singapore effective March 26, 2023.

IndiGo strengthens international connectivity with direct flights between Mumbai and Istanbul(Opens in a new browser tab)

The resumption of flights between Mumbai and Singapore will help promote tourism as both cities have many tourist attractions. According to Singapore Tourism Board, India accounted for over 686,000 of the overall 6.3 million global visitor arrivals in 2022, emerging as Singapore’s second-largest source market after Indonesia (1.1 million visitors). Singapore has famous attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Flyer, Gardens by The Bay, S.E.A. Aquarium, Sentosa Island, Sentosa Merlion Tower, Trick Eye Museum. These flights will not only promote tourism but also make travel hassle-free to these destinations through direct connections and additional capacity.

These flights are designed to cater to business and leisure travelers who are constantly on the lookout for new and affordable flying options to access destinations which help in building businesses and are known for their tourist attractions. Customers who wish to plan their travel can book tickets via our official website www.goIndiGo.in. The introduction of these flights will further bolster the airline’s international connectivity.

Boeing will build 184 AH-64E Apaches for the U.S. Army and international customers, including the first Apaches for Australia. This $1.9 billion award brings the total current funded value of the contract to $2.1 billion, and has the potential to increase to more than $3.8 billion with future obligations.

The AH-64E Apache is a multi-role attack helicopter that is designed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It is an upgraded variant of the AH-64D Apache Longbow, featuring a number of advanced systems and technologies.

Some of the key features of the AH-64E Apache include:

• Enhanced sensors and avionics: The AH-64E Apache is equipped with advanced sensors and avionics systems, including an upgraded fire control radar, an electro-optical targeting system, and more.
• Improved communications: The helicopter features improved communication systems, allowing it to more effectively communicate with ground troops and other aircraft.
• Increased performance: The AH-64E Apache has a more powerful engine, allowing it to fly at higher speeds and altitudes than previous models.
• Armament: The AH-64E Apache is armed with a variety of weapons, including a 30mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles, and Hydra rockets.

Boeing Delivers First Upgraded AH-64E Apache to Royal Netherlands Air Force(Opens in a new browser tab)

The U.S. Army will receive 115 remanufactured Apaches, with an additional 15 Apaches to be procured as options, ensuring significant savings to taxpayers. The additional 54 aircraft will be delivered to partner nations as part of Foreign Military Sales.

The U.S. Army’s Apache fleet just surpassed five million flight hours, a milestone demonstrating the AH-64 is the most capable, dependable, and adaptable attack helicopter.

Boeing unveiled the New Apache Concept, which features an improved radar system and a longer firing arm.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Boeing Global Services will continue to deliver optimal readiness for the warfighter including training devices, spare provisions, support and test equipment kits, depot support, field engineering and technical manuals. Major advantages in the technical publication area allow for a streamlined process approach to re-use data which reduces operational and sustainment costs.

Under the first multi-year contract, signed in 2017, Boeing delivered 244 remanufactured Apaches to the Army and 24 new-build aircraft to an international customer. The AH-64E, built at the Boeing site in Mesa, Ariz., is the most advanced multirole combat helicopter in the world. There are more than 1,275 Apaches currently in operation around the world.