Airlines

Porter Airlines challenging North American aviation with new flying experience

Porter Airlines is unveiling an exceptional new economy air travel experience that challenges what every North American airline offers

Porter Airlines is unveiling an exceptional new economy air travel experience that challenges what every North American airline offers. Building on its distinct, longstanding regional service, Porter will elevate the economy flying for everyone in its greatly expanding network.

Coinciding with the airline’s strategy to grow in markets throughout North America using new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, as well as its existing De Havilland Dash 8-400 fleet, travellers will enjoy a new level of generosity and thoughtful service that is non-existent in economy air travel.

Porter’s existing signature in-flight service, featuring complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, along with a selection of premium snacks, will continue as part of the journey. The introduction of the E195-E2 also brings all passengers free, fast WiFi, with full access to web surfing or streaming favourite entertainment platforms. On longer flights, the option of fresh meals made with real food and healthy ingredients is also available.

Porter’s current two-by-two cabin seating is also coming to longer-haul jet travel. This ensures that every passenger enjoys more personal space, thanks to being the only airline with no middle seats on every flight. Porter’s new E195-E2 aircraft will have a 132-seat, all-economy configuration, offering a number of legroom options. This complements its current fleet of 78-seat Dash 8-400 aircraft that will now offer passengers two legroom options.

Porter is introducing a new, all-inclusive economy experience called PorterReserve, that is unlike anything offered today in North America. When passengers purchase a PorterReserve fare, they receive all of the perks economy travellers may want for one reasonable price that is significantly lower than business class. The fare includes dedicated airport check-in, early boarding, enhanced legroom, fresh meals on longer flights, Porter’s signature beer, wine and premium snacks, cocktails, two checked bags and the ability to change flights without a fee.

Porter is the North American launch customer for Embraer’s E195-E2, providing the ability to operate throughout North America, including to the west coast, southern U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. The aircraft will initially be deployed from Toronto Pearson International Airport, with Halifax, Montreal and Ottawa also seeing new service with the E195-E2 over time. The first of up to 100 new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to Porter this year and initial routes will be announced in December.

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.

Airlines

IndiGo, India’s Leading Airline, Orders 30 Airbus A350-900 Aircraft

Today, IndiGo, India’s leading low-cost carrier, made headlines by placing its largest-ever order for A350 aircraft. This substantial move follows Air India’s order last year, signaling IndiGo’s strategic expansion into the wide-body aircraft market.

The Airbus A350, renowned for its advanced technology and spacious design, has become a prime choice among airlines worldwide. IndiGo’s decision to invest in the A350 stems from its growing international route network, where larger capacity and extended range are essential.

Following the announcement, IndiGo’s stock prices surged, reflecting investor confidence in the airline’s ambitious growth plans. The initial order encompasses 30 jets, with options for an additional 70 aircraft in the future. While specific configurations are pending, IndiGo is inclined towards the A350-900 variant, favored by many airlines for its versatility.

.@IndiGo6E weren't kidding when they said they have big plans for big planes.
The @Airbus #A350-900 ordered today will sit on top of this table when delivered in 2027.
Can't wait to see the #A350 in 6E's iconic livery. Until then here is a render made by @aeroconcepts1 #AvGeek pic.twitter.com/D75a7Qs0jO— VT-VLO (@Vinamralongani) April 25, 2024

Indian aviation enthusiasts have eagerly welcomed IndiGo’s bold move, anticipating the arrival of the A350-900 aircraft starting in 2027. Furthermore, the airline retains purchase rights for an impressive 70 more A350 family aircraft, signaling its long-term commitment to enhancing its fleet and expanding its global footprint.

Airlines

US DOT says Airlines must now pay automatic refunds for cancelled flights

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a final regulation requiring airlines to quickly reimburse passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed, according to a statement made by the Biden-Harris Administration.

Under the new regulation, passengers will find it easier to get refunds when airlines dramatically alter or cancel flights, cause severe delays for checked baggage, or don’t supply the additional services they paid for.

According to a statement from the Biden-Harris Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has published a final rule mandating airlines to promptly compensate customers with automatic cash refunds when they are eligible. The new rule would make it simpler for customers to receive refunds from airlines in cases when they drastically change or cancel flights, cause significant delays for checked luggage, or fail to provide the extra services they charged for.

Under the latest rule from the USDOT, passengers are guaranteed refunds in several scenarios:

Canceled or Significantly Changed Flights: Passengers are entitled to refunds if their flight is canceled or significantly altered, including changes in departure or arrival times exceeding 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally, departures or arrivals from different airports, increased connections, downgrades in service class, or changes less accommodating to passengers with disabilities.
Delayed Baggage Return: Passengers filing mishandled baggage reports can claim a refund for checked bag fees if their luggage is not returned within specific timeframes after flight arrival.
Unprovided Extra Services: If airlines fail to deliver paid extra services like Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment, passengers can request refunds for those fees.

The final rule streamlines the refund process, ensuring it is:

Automatic: Refunds are issued automatically without requiring passengers to request them.
Prompt: Airlines must refund credit card purchases within seven business days and other payment methods within 20 calendar days.
In Original Form of Payment: Refunds are provided in the original payment method used for purchase.
Full Amount: Passengers receive full refunds minus the value of any portion of transportation already used, including government and airline fees.

Suggest banning family seating junk fees and ensuring that parents can travel with their kids at no additional cost. No airline promised to ensure fee-free family seating prior to efforts from President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg last year. Family seating is now guaranteed free of charge on four airlines, and the Department is working on a plan to eliminate family seating junk fees.

Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.