Airlines

Breeze Airways announces 9 new nonstop Fort Myers routes this November

Breeze Airways has announced that beginning in November 2023, nine new nonstop routes would be available from Fort Myers, Florida’s Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).

Breeze will start nonstop service to the following five markets that are not currently served at RSW:
Akron-Canton, Ohio (CAK) – three times weekly
New Orleans (MSY) – twice weekly
Norfolk, Virginia (ORF) – twice weekly
Richmond, Virginia (RIC) – twice weekly
Syracuse, New York (SYR) – twice weekly

Breeze has also announced new flights to the following cities to/from RSW:
Pittsburgh (PIT) – four times weekly
Louisville, Kentucky (SDF) – twice weekly
Columbus, Ohio (CMH) – three times weekly
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU) – twice weekly

From Fort Myers, FL to:

Akron-Canton, OH** (Winter/Spring seasonal, Tues, Thurs, and Sun, starting Nov 16,
Nice from $59* one way); Columbus, OH** (Winter/Spring seasonal, Tues, Thurs, and Sun, starting Nov 16, Nice from $59*); Louisville, KY** (Winter/Spring seasonal, Thurs and Sun, starting Nov 16, Nice from $49*); New Orleans, LA (Winter/Spring seasonal, Thurs and Sun, starting Nov 2, Nice from $49*); Norfolk, VA (Winter/Spring seasonal, Thurs and Sun, starting Nov 2, Nice from $49*)

Pittsburgh, PA** (Winter/Spring seasonal, Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sat, starting Nov 15,
Nice from $59*); Raleigh-Durham, NC** (Winter/Spring seasonal, Mon and Fri, starting Nov 17, Nice from $39*); Richmond, VA** (Winter/Spring seasonal, Wed and Sat, starting Nov 15, Nice from $49*); and Syracuse, NY** (Winter/Spring seasonal, Mon and Fri, starting Nov 17, Nice from $59*).

Breeze to Inaugurate 8 Las Vegas Routes in 8 Weeks(Opens in a new browser tab)

Breeze offers its customers the Nice, Nicer, and Nicest packages as well as ala carte alternatives on flights using the Airbus A220-300. The Nicest package includes two checked bags, Breeze Ascent, and free snacks and drinks, including alcohol. Breeze operates a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220 aircraft for both domestic and international routes. The carrier placed an order for 80 A220s with the possibility of 40 additional.

Standard Economy seats on the A220s and E195s have a seat pitch of 30 inches, whereas Extra Legroom seats on the A220s and E195s have a seat pitch that varies based on the row chosen, of 32 inches to 39 inches. Ascent comes with specific features such as a footrest for additional comfort, in-seat AC power, and USB/C connections, as well as 39-inch seat pitches and 20.5-inch seat widths.

Breeze Begins Airbus A220 Flights To Cincinnati(Opens in a new browser tab)

In addition to providing other advantages like complimentary family seating and a la carte pricing, Breeze doesn’t charge change or cancellation costs up to 15 minutes prior to departure. Breeze makes it simple to buy and simple to fly with seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit, and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Flights are now on sale at www.flybreeze.com and via the Breeze app.

Airlines

Cathay Pacific asks business class customers to bring their own cutlery

In an innovative move towards sustainability, renowned Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has recently floated an unconventional idea to its business class customers.

Bringing their own cutlery sets onboard. This initiative, revealed through a member survey circulated within the airline’s “Cathay Lab” community – a platform comprising frequent business class travelers – has stirred a wave of curiosity within the aviation industry.

With sustainability becoming an increasing concern in aviation, Cathay Pacific’s survey aimed to gauge passengers‘ willingness to partake in various eco-friendly practices during their journeys.

Among the initiatives presented, including refilling reusable water bottles and recycling plastic, the prospect of bringing personal cutlery garnered significant attention. Some members expressed practical concerns, questioning the feasibility of carrying cutlery through airport security and the potential inconvenience for passengers unaware of regulations.

Others suggested that Cathay Pacific should simply provide reusable cutlery onboard instead. Furthermore, there were suspicions among some respondents that the BYO cutlery proposal might be a precursor to introducing additional charges, with one user humorously envisioning a scenario where the airline lends cutlery sets for a fee.

Despite the skepticism surrounding the proposal, Cathay Pacific’s exploration of innovative sustainability measures reflects a broader industry trend towards environmental consciousness.

Airlines

Air India and IndiGo’s Joint Initiative, Plans for 170 Wide-Body Aircraft

In a bold move that underscores their confidence in India’s burgeoning aviation sector, Air India and IndiGo have revealed ambitious plans to acquire a combined total of up to 170 wide-body aircraft.

This strategic investment marks a significant shift in the country’s aviation landscape, as it brings European aircraft manufacturer Airbus into a domain traditionally dominated by American giant Boeing.

With India positioned as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the timing couldn’t be more opportune for such expansion endeavors. The aim is clear: to elevate India’s status as a global aviation hub by enhancing connectivity through direct flights between Indian cities and international destinations.

Currently, a substantial portion of India’s international air traffic relies on overseas hubs, particularly in the Gulf region. IndiGo’s announcement of firm orders for 30 A350-900 aircraft, with an option for an additional 70, signals its commitment to capturing a larger share of the long-haul market.

Meanwhile, Air India’s comprehensive order, unveiled last year, encompasses 70 wide-body planes, including a mix of A350 and Boeing 787 models.

Recognizing the potential for disruption in the long and ultra-long haul segments, aviation consultancy CAPA India has emphasized the pivotal role Indian carriers can play in driving innovation and transformation.

With the current combined fleet size of Indian airlines exceeding 700 aircraft, the stage is set for Air India and IndiGo to spearhead a new era of growth and connectivity in the Indian aviation sector.

Airlines

Air China Makes Landmark Deal: Orders 100 C919 Jets from COMAC

In a strategic move that could reshape China’s aviation industry, Air China has inked a monumental deal with Comac, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s commercial aircraft procurement landscape.

The agreement, valued at a staggering $10.8 billion based on list prices, entails the purchase of 100 Comac C919 jets, a resounding endorsement of the homegrown challenger to aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing.

The announcement, disclosed in a filing by Air China, underscores the airline’s commitment to bolstering its fleet with domestically manufactured aircraft. These C919 jets, slated for delivery between 2024 and 2031, are poised to amplify Air China’s operational capabilities and enhance its competitive stance in the global aviation arena.

The C919, a formidable competitor to Boeing’s 737 Max and Airbus’s A320neo, symbolizes China’s ambitious foray into the global aviation market. With Air China’s commitment to acquiring a substantial fleet of C919s, the aircraft is poised to carve out a formidable niche in the industry, challenging the dominance of established players.

Notably, Air China‘s existing fleet comprises an extensive array of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, showcasing its diverse operational portfolio.

With nearly 500 airplanes in service, including models from the A320 family and the 737 series, Air China’s decision to incorporate the C919 into its fleet underscores a strategic diversification strategy.

While Airbus has enjoyed notable success in China, buoyed by its local assembly line, Boeing has faced formidable challenges in recent years. However, Air China’s resolute investment in the C919 signals a paradigm shift, amplifying China’s quest for self-sufficiency in aviation.