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Daily News Archive

jetBlue Adds Service to Long Island

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JetBlue announced today that it will launch service for the first time from Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) with tickets on sale today. Starting this October, JetBlue will begin offering flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI). This new service aims to help better serve the many loyal JetBlue customers living on Long Island, providing them with more convenient travel options to popular destinations in Florida.

Strengthening New York’s Hometown Airline

As New York’s Hometown Airline for more than 24 years and the only major U.S. airline based in New York City, JetBlue’s expansion onto Long Island underscores its commitment to enhancing connectivity for New Yorkers. This new service will bolster JetBlue’s presence in the New York Metro area, complementing its existing operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

“Long Island is an integral part of the New York Metro area, and we are excited to bring our award-winning service to customers in this community,” said Dave Jehn, JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and airline partnerships. “The addition of Long Island MacArthur Airport to our network will offer more options and greater convenience for customers, and we are proud to provide new opportunities for more Long Islanders to experience our unique combination of low fares and great service.”

“It’s no secret that Long Island loves JetBlue, for years residents have asked, and we’ve been listening. As the Town Supervisor, I can say that we are thrilled to embark on this new partnership. We are committed to ensuring the success of our business partners at Long Island MacArthur Airport. Our airport is one of our region’s greatest economic assets, and JetBlue’s success at ISP will certainly enrich our community and beyond. Long Island cannot wait to open its doors to the visitors that will come to New York by way of ISP – Long Island’s hometown airport,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter.

“We have all worked hard to ensure Long Island travelers have more choices for nonstop destinations. Our hometown airport is convenient, has efficient security lines, and provides an overall stress-free travel experience. Long Islanders have waited for New York’s hometown airline, JetBlue, for 24 years, and this is a great day for our community and MacArthur Airport!” said Shelley LaRose-Arken, Long Island MacArthur Airport commissioner.

“More Long Islanders will be flying to and from MacArthur Airport now that JetBlue will soon begin flights from Islip to Orlando, Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. I have long encouraged JetBlue to start service at LI MacArthur because Long Islanders need increased travel options, and the success of the airport is key to a more vibrant Long Island economy,” said Senator Charles Schumer of New York.

“Under the stewardship of Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken the airport has soared to greater heights, and I will continue working with them to secure federal funding to make improvements and attract even more service. I applaud JetBlue for their decision, and I will continue working with all stakeholders to build MacArthur Airport into a roaring economic engine and world-class transportation hub,” Schumer added.

New Flight Schedule

To/From Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP):

Frequency:

Begins:

Orlando (MCO)

1x daily

10/24/2024

West Palm Beach (PBI)

4x weekly

10/24/2024

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

4x weekly

10/25/2024

Lindblad acquiring two Celebrity Galápagos cruise ships

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Lindblad Expeditionsis set to double its Galápagos cruise fleet as the line acquires two Celebrity purpose-built Galápagos ships.

It is buying the 16-guest Celebrity Xploration.and the 48-passenger Celebrity Xpedition..

Lindblad currently operates two ships to the Galapagos year round, the National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Islander II.

The Celebrity ships will sail with Lindblad-National Geographic starting in early 2025 when the transaction is finalized.

The ships will undergo a major refurbishment program and will be renamed.

“We look forward to not only bringing more Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic guests to the islands with the growth of our fleet, but also to having a greater positive social impact supporting conservation,” said Lindblad CEO, Sven-Olof Lindblad.

Air France Nonstop to Paris from Phoenix

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Air France Launches Paris To Phoenix Route As Its 17th US Destination. - Travel Radar

Air France launches new nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) beginning May 23, 2024 with 3 weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Your customers can conveniently connect via CDG to destinations across Europe, Africa and India.  Air France operates a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the PHX-CDG route with 3 classes of service:

  • Business features 30 flat-beds that recline 180° all with direct aisle access, dining by French chefs, SkyPriority and lounge access on the ground
  • Premium Economy features 21 seats in a dedicated cabin each reclining 130° with 20% more legroom and 20% more width than Economy, enhanced amenities, and SkyPriority check-in and boarding.
  • Economy features 225 seats with in-seat power ports, adjustable headrests, complimentary pillow and blanket, and choice of hot main dish.  Customers in all cabins can enjoy Wi-Fi with free messaging, seatback HD screens to access the in-flight entertainment, and complimentary wine, beer and Champagne

The 787 Dreamliner was specifically designed for enhancing the well-being of passengers on board through several features including larger windows, ambient mood lighting, and cabin pressure and humidity levels more similar to those at ground level. The aircraft is also one of the most sustainable with 20% lower fuel consumption, decreased CO2 emissions, and less noise during take-off and landing versus other widebodies.

Air France serves over 180 destinations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Polynesia, and the Americas. Phoenix becomes Air France’s 17th U.S. gateway joining: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York-JFK, Newark, Raleigh-Durham, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington. In addition to being the only nonstop service between Arizona and Paris, one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, local Phoenix customers will be able to connect to over 50 one-stop destinations across Europe, Africa, and India via Air France’s hub at Paris-CDG.

WestJet propels Winnipeg’s growth forward with new year-round, daily service to Montreal and Ottawa

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WestJet today celebrated the latest additions to its Winnipeg network, featuring new year-round, daily service to Montreal, as well as increased, daily, year-round service to Ottawa, beginning June 3, 2024. WestJet also announced new highly anticipated seasonal service between Winnipeg and Nashville, set to take off on September 16, 2024, establishing the airline’s seventh direct transborder connection out of Manitoba’s capital city.

WestJet’s ongoing commitment to significantly enhancing Winnipeg’s growing network of air connectivity, central to the airline’s ambitious growth strategy, was on display today at a special event hosted at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, attended by the Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba and Nick Hays, President and CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority.

Providing choice and convenience for Winnipeg’s thriving business community

“We know how critical Ottawa and Montreal are for Winnipeg’s business community, and we are thrilled to continue supporting Winnipeg’s economic growth through strategic air service,” said Mike Scott, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. “Expanding connectivity for Winnipeg is in direct response to our WestJet Rewards members and loyal business guests’ need for reliable and convenient, non-stop service to and from both Ottawa and Montreal.”

Route Frequency Start Date Departure
(local)		 Arrival
(local)
Winnipeg – Ottawa Daily June 3 17:15 20:50
Ottawa – Winnipeg Daily June 3 21:35 23:26
Winnipeg – Montreal Daily June 3 9:35 13:20
Montreal – Winnipeg Daily June 3 14:20 16:30

“There’s something exciting happening in Winnipeg and in Manitoba right now. People across the country are recognizing the opportunities we have here – from our incredible low-carbon economy, to our arts, culture, music and sports,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “The addition of these routes is a part of that – making it easier to drive economic growth and attract visitors to our beautiful province.”

Connecting Winnipeg and Music City

Further enhancing WestJet’s position as Canada’s leading leisure airline, WestJet will become the only airline providing direct connectivity between Winnipeg and Nashville this fall.

Route Frequency Start Date End Date Departure Arrival
Winnipeg – Nashville 2x weekly Sept. 16 Nov. 15 11:10 14:20
Nashville – Winnipeg 2x weekly Sept. 16 Nov. 15 7:40 10:25

“Strong air connectivity unlocks a world of opportunities for all those who live and work in Manitoba, allowing them to embark on bold journeys while growing their roots at home,” said Nick Hays, Winnipeg Airports Authority President & CEO. “We’re greatly appreciative of WestJet’s unwavering commitment to our community. Their continued growth at YWG and eagerness to work with us to launch new routes not only underscore the strength of our longstanding partnership but also exemplify our shared dedication to enhancing the region’s economic and social wellbeing.”

WestJet’s 2024 schedule provides expansive coverage across Canada and increased access to popular leisure destinations across North America

With the addition of Montreal and Nashville, WestJet will connect Winnipeg to over 23 non-stop destinations this year. Guests travelling from Winnipeg will also be one stop away from accessing WestJet’s growing list of global destinations, including Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport through WestJet’s global hub in Calgary.

Route Peak travel Frequency Start Date
Domestic
Winnipeg – Calgary Daily In service
Winnipeg – Edmonton Daily In service
Winnipeg – Halifax Daily May 3
Winnipeg – Kelowna 2x weekly June 24
Winnipeg – Montreal* Daily June 3
Winnipeg – Ottawa+ Daily In service
(transitioning to daily
service on June 3)
Winnipeg – Regina 5x weekly In service
Winnipeg – Saskatoon Daily In service
Winnipeg – Thunder Bay Daily In service
Winnipeg – Toronto Daily In service
Winnipeg – Vancouver Daily In service
Winnipeg – Victoria 2x weekly June 25
Transborder
Winnipeg – Atlanta 5x weekly In service
Winnipeg – Las Vegas 3x weekly In service
Winnipeg – Los Angeles 3x weekly In service
Winnipeg – Nashville* 2x weekly September 16
Winnipeg – Orlando 4x weekly Seasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Palm Springs 4x weekly Seasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Phoenix 3x weekly Seasonal winter route
Latin-Caribbean
Winnipeg – Cancun 5x weekly Seasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Huatulco 1x weekly Seasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Puerto Vallarta 6x weekly Seasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Montego Bay 2x weekly Seasonal winter route
*New route, + Increased frequency  

Additional quotes

“We are pleased with WestJet’s expansion of capacity between YOW and Western Canada, as it opens up exciting opportunities for travellers to and from Canada’s Capital Region. With WestJet’s renowned service, passengers can look forward to seamless journeys and the chance to experience the unique highlights of each destination,” said Joel Tkach, Vice President, Business Development & Marketing, Ottawa International Airport Authority.

ITA Airways Launches New Rome Service From O’Hare International Airport

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The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) joined representatives from ITA Airways and the Consul General of Italy in Chicago today to celebrate the launch of the carrier’s new service from O’Hare International Airport to Rome-Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) in the Italian capital.

“On behalf of Mayor Brandon Johnson and the entire City of Chicago, I thank our partners at ITA Airways for their investment in the Chicago market,” said Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee of the CDA, which owns and operates Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports. “O’Hare is serving its largest number of Italian destinations ever in 2024, and this new route will help connect the people of Chicago to all of the rich culture and history that Rome has to offer.”

“We are proud to be here today and launch the new nonstop flight between Chicago and Rome,” said Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer of ITA Airways and CEO Volare, who was present to celebrate the inaugural flight this afternoon. “This new destination, the seventh in North America, further enriches the intercontinental network of ITA Airways and consolidates our expansion towards the United States, which is the first international market for our Company. The multiple services from Rome Fiumicino connecting to New York, Boston, Washington, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the newly opened Chicago enhance our efforts to be the reference carrier from the United States to Italy and via Rome to Europe and the Mediterranean for the Italian community, the international business communities in North America as well as the major communities in the Mediterranean region”.

The route’s inaugural flight departed O’Hare at 3 p.m. aboard an Airbus A330neo aircraft. CDA staff joined ITA Airways executives and Thomas Botzios, the Consul General of Italy in Chicago, for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at Gate M29 in Terminal 5 to commemorate the departure.

“Chicago’s enduring status as a world-class destination is thanks, in large part, to our two airports and their connections to the world,” said Rich Gamble, Interim President and CEO, Choose Chicago. “We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of ITA Airways new direct service to Rome, and we look forward to welcoming more visitors from Italy and across Europe to explore everything that Chicago has to offer.”

The route, which is ITA Airways’ seventh connection to North America, will operate six times per week, increasing to seven times per week in June.

The summer of 2024 will be the first time O’Hare has ever offered direct flights to three Italian cities, with American Airlines launching seasonal service to Venice in June and resuming its summer seasonal service to Rome. United Airlines also operates summer seasonal service to Rome as well as summer seasonal service to Milan.

O’Hare is also anticipating a broad increase in international air service this summer, on the heels of strong year-over-year passenger growth in 2023. O’Hare will serve 67 international destinations this July, up from 65 in July 2019.

Notable air service developments at O’Hare this year include Cathay Pacific increasing its Hong Kong service from three to five times per week as of March 31, which improves access to Hong Kong, Mainland China and Southeast Asia.

Beginning on May 23, United will launch daily, summer seasonal service to Athens, Greece. American also offers summer seasonal service to Athens.

Service to Canada will also increase from carriers at O’Hare. United will launch new daily services to Winnipeg and Quebec City on May 23. WestJet will also offer significantly increased frequencies on its Calgary service from O’Hare this summer, operating daily between late June and August.

This spring, Frontier Airlines is also increasing its service with nine new routes at O’Hare while maintaining strong operations at Midway. In April and May, the carrier will launch new services from O’Hare to Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas; Denver; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Las Vegas; Nashville, Tennessee; Portland, Maine; Houston; and Philadelphia.

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