Airlines

Japan Airlines introduces its first Freighter in 13 years

JAL has chosen to introduce three Boeing 767-300ER Freighter (specifically designed cargo planes). JAL will be operating its own Freighter for the first time in 13 years, and operations will start consecutively at the end of the fiscal year 2023.

By employing cargo space on passenger flights and chartering other businesses’ freighters in response to need, JAL has been securing profits in the air cargo market, where demand fluctuates greatly, consistently and effectively. However, the company chose to run its own freighters because it had plans for further expansion in the cargo and mail business.

Mumbai crowned world’s busiest single-runway airport with 1 flight in 65 seconds(Opens in a new browser tab)

It will form partnerships with logistics partners and run routes that guarantee steady demand in order to capture domestic and international e-commerce, parcel delivery, and other high growth goods. Additionally, it will help domestic air transport play a bigger part in addressing the “2024 issue” and reduce business risks brought on by changes in demand and market circumstances.

Japan Airlines Set To Fly Airbus A321P2F In Spring 2024(Opens in a new browser tab)

In order to increase aircraft utilization and increase the cargo loading ratio, it will start flying international flights in fiscal 2023, primarily to destinations in East Asia. Additionally, it will adapt to customer needs by providing charter and non-scheduled flights.

Indigo to start cargo business converted 2 passenger jets to a full freighter.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Airlines

DOT Proposes New Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Disruptions

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled a major initiative to enhance protections for air travelers affected by flight cancellations or significant delays caused by airlines.

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This Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeks public feedback on new measures that could require airlines to compensate passengers and provide necessary services automatically.

Key Proposals by the DOT:

Cash Compensation for Airline-Caused Disruptions
- Airlines may be required to pay passengers at least $200 in cash for flight disruptions caused by circumstances under their control, such as mechanical issues or IT failures.
- A tiered compensation system is being considered:
  - $200–$300 for domestic delays of 3–6 hours.
  - $375–$525 for delays lasting 6–9 hours.
  - $750–$775 for delays exceeding 9 hours.
- The DOT is exploring whether smaller airlines should have different compensation thresholds and whether compensation is needed if passengers are notified weeks in advance of a disruption.
Free Rebooking on the Next Available Flight
- Airlines may be obligated to rebook passengers at no extra cost if a flight is canceled or delayed by at least 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally.
- Rebooking options may include:
  - Flights operated by the airline or its codeshare partners.
  - Flights on other carriers with which the airline has a commercial agreement if no suitable options are available within 24 hours.
Provision of Meals, Lodging, and Transportation
- Airlines may need to cover meals, overnight accommodations, and transportation for stranded passengers.
- Minimum reimbursements could be established when services aren’t provided upfront, ensuring passengers can recoup costs even without submitting receipts, up to a defined limit.

The DOT’s proposals draw inspiration from consumer protection frameworks in countries like Canada, Brazil, the UK, and the European Union. Research suggests that EU compensation requirements have successfully reduced the frequency and length of delays, demonstrating the effectiveness of such measures.

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Passengers currently face numerous hurdles when seeking compensation or services, including vague policies, lack of upfront communication, and reliance on in-person requests at airports. The new rulemaking aims to close these gaps by establishing clear, enforceable standards for airlines.

Public input on the proposed measures will shape the final rules. The DOT hopes these changes will create a more accountable and passenger-friendly system, ensuring travelers are better supported during disruptions.

With these proposed rules, the DOT seeks to make airline travel more reliable and fair, setting a new standard for passenger rights in the United States.