Tag:
Airline Industry
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
$88M Pledged In Crowdfunded Bid To Buy Spirit Airlines: 'The Movement Grew So Fast'
What started as a joke at the expense of Spirit Airlines has grown into a serious effort to buy the now-grounded carrier. Content creator Hunter Peterson's attempt to buy Spirit has generated more than $88 million in non-binding pledges as of Monday, May 4. The voice actor, who made a video of himself flying on Spirit planes for 24 hours, launched letsbuyspiritair.com shortly after the Dania Beach, Florida-based airline abruptly canceled all flights and ceased operations on Saturday, May 2. In his first TikTok video after Spirit's collapse, Peterson said he had a "genius idea" to …
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
'Relax Row' Brings Couch-Like Economy Seats To Major Airline's Long Flights
United Airlines will soon offer couch-like rows in its economy cabin on some flights as the carrier shrinks its cheaper seating options on other trips. The Chicago-based airline unveiled the "United Relax Row" in a news release on Tuesday, March 24. The redesigned set of three economy seats can convert into a flat, couch-style surface after takeoff on long-haul flights. The rollout is expected to begin in 2027, with United planning to install up to 12 Relax Row sections per plane on more than 200 aircraft by 2030. "Customers traveling in United Economy on long-haul fli…
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
Spirit Furloughing 1,800 Flight Attendants Amid Second Bankruptcy: Report
Spirit Airlines will furlough roughly a third of its cabin crew as the budget carrier slashes costs during its second bankruptcy in less than a year, according to reports. The airline said that about 1,800 flight attendants will be furloughed, CNBC reported on Monday, Sept. 22. The cuts will begin with voluntary furloughs. Affected employees will be offered six- or 12-month leaves while keeping their medical benefits, according to the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. "As we work to return Spirit to profitability, we face difficult decisions about our network, our fleet, and …
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
JetBlue Boosting Free Wi-Fi With New Amazon Partnership: Here's How
JetBlue Airways is teaming up with Amazon to improve its in-flight Wi-Fi. JetBlue will become the first carrier to use Amazon's low-Earth orbit satellite network called Project Kuiper, the airline said in a news release on Thursday, Sept. 4. The service is expected to begin rolling out in 2027. The move builds on JetBlue's Fly-Fi service, which launched in 2013 and remains the only free, high-speed internet offered across a major US airline's entire fleet. "Our agreement with Project Kuiper marks an exciting leap forward for us as the hands-down leader in onboard connectivity," JetBlu…
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
Spirit Airlines Files For Second Bankruptcy In Less Than A Year: What To Know
Spirit Airlines has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year, underscoring the financial crisis facing the nation's largest budget carrier. Spirit announced the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in a news release on Friday, Aug. 29. The Dania Beach, Florida-based airline previously emerged from bankruptcy in March, after Spirit shed nearly $800 million in debt and secured $350 million in new equity. The filing came less than three weeks after Spirit executives admitted there is "substantial doubt" about the company's ability to survive another 12 months without…
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
Spirit Reportedly Furloughing, Demoting Pilots Amid Post-Bankruptcy Struggles
Spirit Airlines is cutting hundreds of pilot jobs for the second time in two years, according to reports. Spirit will furlough 270 pilots and downgrade 140 captains, CNBC reported. The move is part of the carrier's continued effort to stabilize its finances after bankruptcy. The furloughs take effect Saturday, Nov. 1, with the demotions scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 1. "We are taking necessary steps to ensure we operate as efficiently as possible as part of our efforts to return to profitability," Spirit told CNBC. Both moves aim to align staffing with a slimmer flight schedule durin…
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
JetBlue Leaving Major FL Airport: What Northeast Flyers Need To Know
JetBlue Airways will end all flights at Miami International Airport immediately after Labor Day as the airline navigates financial turbulence. JetBlue will stop service at MIA on Tuesday, Sept. 3, a company spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Voice. The news was first reported by the Miami Herald. The airline's only remaining route at MIA airport is to Boston Logan International Airport. Travelers booked on BOS-MIA flights can either rebook them to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) or get a full refund. "We continually evaluate how our network is performi…
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
JetBlue Cutting Flights, Delaying Upgrades As Travel Demand Slumps: Report
JetBlue Airways is cutting more flights and scaling back investments as the airline industry struggles with declining demand, according to a report. JetBlue will reduce off-peak flying and trim unprofitable routes, according to an internal memo from CEO Joanna Geraghty obtained by CNBC on Tuesday, June 17. The New York City-based carrier will park four Airbus A320 jets it originally planned to update with new interiors, while upgrades for six others remain on track for 2026. The airline is also reevaluating hiring plans, may consolidate leadership roles, and could limit corpo…
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
Southwest Officially Ends 'Bags Fly Free' Policy: Here's What You'll Pay Now
Southwest Airlines has finally grounded its most popular perk. The "Bags Fly Free" policy for Southwest officially ended after it began when the Dallas-based airline was founded in 1971. Starting on Wednesday, May 28, most passengers will have to pay $35 for their first checked bag and $45 for a second. The change applies to tickets purchased or changed on or after May 28 for Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares. Passengers will still get two free checked bags through Business Select or the upcoming Choice Extra fare, which is expected to launch later in 2025. Some loyal…
Atlantic City, NJ
Business
Spirit Adds Extra-Legroom Seats, Joining Airline Industry's Premium Push
Another airline is looking to compete for flyers wanting more comfortable travel experiences. Spirit Airlines will offer new extra-legroom seats on its flights, the company said in a news release on Tuesday, May 13. The budget airline also announced upgrades to its Free Spirit loyalty program. The updates mark a major shift for Spirit, which recently exited bankruptcy and is working to win over flyers with added perks and space. "Spirit's new premium options offer travelers exceptional value, and we're creating even more opportunities for guests to experience them with our new extra-legroo…
Hartford, CT
News
More Americans Heading To Europe As Foreign Tourists Avoid US Under Trump
As international tourists shy away from the United States, more Americans are planning summer trips to European destinations, according to new travel data. US travel to Europe is expected to rise 10% from 2024, Allianz Partners USA said in a report released on Thursday, May 8. The insurance firm analyzed nearly seven million summer itineraries booked between Thursday, May 22, and Tuesday, Sept. 2, each lasting five to eight days. The most popular destinations are familiar favorites. London retains the No. 1 spot, followed by Paris and Dublin in the top three. Rome is in fourth place a…
Drexel Hill-Upper Darby, PA
Business
American Airlines Adds Luxury Suites With Privacy Doors On Some PHL Flights: Look Inside
Flyers from Philadelphia can soon travel in luxury with new suites on American Airlines flights. American unveiled its Flagship Suite service on Friday, May 2. The premium seating will have privacy doors, lie-flat seats, and other upgraded amenities. Flagship Suite service at Philadelphia International Airport will begin Wednesday, Aug. 6, on flights to London Heathrow Airport. The high-end seats will also be on flights to Zurich, Switzerland, on Wednesday, Sept. 3. American's new cabins are part of the airline's redesigned Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which features 51 lie-flat suites at the …
Charlestown, MA
Business
JetBlue Cancels New Boston Flights As Trump's Economic Moves Hurt Travel Demand
JetBlue has scrapped two new routes from Boston, including one to Long Island, as the airline industry grapples with lower travel demand sparked by several of President Donald Trump's policies. The airline has canceled its planned summer route between Boston Logan International Airport and Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, New York. A JetBlue spokesperson confirmed the cancellation to the Daily Voice on Wednesday, April 30. JetBlue said the route's ticket sales were underwhelming. "While we were excited to launch summer seasonal service between Islip and Boston, we are cancellin…
Atlantic City, NJ
Business
Spirit Airlines Hires New CEO From Competitor After Flying Out Of Bankruptcy
Spirit Airlines is bringing in new leadership to guide its economic reroute after emerging from bankruptcy and shedding nearly $800 million in debt. Dave Davis will take over as Spirit's new president and CEO starting Monday, April 21, the company said in a news release. Since December 2019, Davis has been the president of fellow budget carrier Sun Country Airlines. Davis will also join Spirit's board of directors. "We're excited to welcome Dave as Spirit's new president and CEO," Spirit's board chair Robert Milton said. "He brings with him a wealth of experience and a solid track rec…
Atlantic City, NJ
Business
Spirit Airlines CEO Resigns After Bankruptcy Exit, $800M Debt Cut
Spirit Airlines is changing its senior leadership after exiting bankruptcy and shedding nearly $800 million in debt. Ted Christie, who has led the airline since 2019, stepped down as CEO and president on Monday, April 7. He also resigned from the board of directors for the company based in Dania Beach, Florida. The board has not yet named a permanent replacement, opting for an interim "Office of the President," made up of executive vice president and CFO Fred Cromer, executive vice president and COO John Bendoraitis, and senior vice president and general counsel Thomas Canfield. "Ted has k…
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
Us-c
anada Air Travel Down 70% Amid Trump's Trade War, '51st State' Aggression
Bookings for flights between the US and Canada have plummeted as President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods and challenges the country's sovereignty. Airline capacity between the neighboring nations has been reduced through October, aviation data firm OAG said on Wednesday, Mar. 26. Forward bookings between the US and Canada are down more than 70% compared to 2024. The most significant cuts are hitting peak travel months in July and August, when millions of Canadian tourists traditionally head south of their border. "For all scheduled airlines operating…
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
Bags No Longer Fly Free: Southwest Scraps Most Famous Perk, Adds New Fees
Southwest Airlines is grounding one of its most famous perks, marking a major shift in its identity after more than five decades. Southwest will no longer offer free checked bags for all passengers, the company said in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 11. The new luggage policy will begin for tickets purchased on or after Wednesday, May 28. The airline has had its well-known "Bags Fly Free" perk since it was founded in 1971. "We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don't compete for today, and return to the levels of profita…
Linthicum, MD
Business
Southwest Airlines Laying Off 15% Of Workforce In 'Unprecedented' Corporate Overhaul
Southwest Airlines is cutting 1,750 jobs as part of a restructuring plan to streamline operations and reduce corporate costs. Southwest announced the layoffs for about 15 percent of the airline's corporate workforce in a news release on Monday, Feb. 17. The job cuts, which will be finalized by mid-2025, primarily affect corporate leadership and support roles. Eleven senior leadership positions, including vice presidents and directors, are also being eliminated. "This decision is unprecedented in our 53-year history, and change requires that we make difficult decisions," said…
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
Frontier Proposes Another Airline Merger With Spirit: Here's How Spirit Responded
Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines have discussed a merger yet again, but Spirit rejected the bid in order to pursue a plan to exit bankruptcy on its own. Frontier confirmed the latest merger discussion in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Spirit also confirmed the talks in a regulatory filing on the same day. The deal first proposed on Tuesday, Jan. 7, offered $400 million in debt and a 19-percent stake in Frontier to Spirit shareholders. Frontier argued the merger would create a stronger low-cost airline while providing more value than Spirit's existing Chapter 11 ba…
Windsor Locks, CT
Business
JetBlue Adds Flight Between BDL And JFK, Increasing Options From Major Northeast Hubs
A flight from Connecticut to New York City? It'll be possible soon through JetBlue. The airline is expanding its Northeast flight network for summer 2025, JetBlue said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The new flights will take off from Boston and several New York City-area airports. John F. Kennedy International Airport will offer year-round flights to Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, CT, and Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Warwick, RI. The once-daily trips will begin on Wednesday, Apr. 30. JetBlue said the two flights to …
Lynbrook-East Rockaway, NY
Business
Frontier Plans Flights From JFK To Three New Destinations, Special Deals Offered
Frontier Airlines is expanding its presence at John F. Kennedy International Airport with three new nonstop routes launching in the spring of 2025, officials said. Frontier will start flying from JFK to Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Los Angeles, the airline said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The three destinations are known as major hubs for American Airlines. Daily service from JFK to Miami International Airport will begin on Sunday, Mar. 30, and Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday, May 1. Four flights a week will travel between JFK and Dallas Fort Worth International Air…
White Plains, NY
News
JetBlue Cuts Certain Flights From Westchester County Airport, Report Says: Here's Which Ones
As part of an adjustment process to increase profits, JetBlue Airways will be cutting certain flights from Westchester County Airport, according to a report by CNBC. The airline announced that it would be cutting flights between Westchester Airport and Martha's Vineyard in an internal memo that also detailed similar adjustments regarding other airports, according to a CNBC report from Friday, Jan. 19. The cuts were made as part of the airline's effort to return to profitability following its failed plan to buy Spirit Airlines, which was blocked by a court decision on antitrust grounds…
Arlington, VA
News
TSA Officers Prevent Gun-Toting VA Woman From Boarding Flight At Reagan National Airport
Officials say that a woman attempted to bring a loaded handgun onto a flight at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport before she was flagged down by TSA officers. On Monday, April 10, officers at the airport prevented a Spotsylvania woman from bringing a .380 caliber handgun that was loaded with five bullets as she went through a security checkpoint at the airport. Alarm bells were ringing - both literally and figuratively - when the X-ray unit at the checkpoint alerted TSA agents that there was a firearm inside a zippered pouch inside her purse, which she claims she carries for protec…
Fairfield, CT
Business
Breeze Airways To Establish Base At Bradley International, Creating 200 New Jobs In CT
Breeze Airways is set to establish a base of operations at Bradley International Airport, creating more than 200 new jobs in Connecticut. Governor Ned Lamont made the announcement on Thursday, Feb.17, saying the airline also plans to add eight new nonstop destinations at the airport, adding to the four nonstop destinations Breeze currently serves from Bradley International. The new destinations will be announced in the coming weeks. “Over the last few years, Bradley has gained a national reputation as one of the best operated and most convenient airports in the country, and airlines are ta…
Hackensack, NJ
Police & Fire
JetBlue Pilots Drugged, Raped Airline Workers Before Flight To Newark, Lawsuit Alleges
Three female airline workers claim a pair of JetBlue pilots drugged and raped them the day before a flight to Newark. A lawsuit filed by the women contends the incident occurred May 9 in San Juan, after they met pilots Eric Johnson and Dan Watson on a beach, the New York Post reports. The pilots apparently gave the women beer laced with a drug, turning the rest of the night into a blur, the lawsuit alleges. All five people ended up back at a hotel where Johnson raped two of the women, it claims. “Johnson was on top of [Jane Doe 1] raping her,” the New York Post report quotes the…
