Monthly Archives: April 2018

Air Canada announces it is prepared for potential labor disruptions at WestJet

Air Canada today said it is ready to adjust its schedules and capacity to limit disruptions for the traveling public and to ensure that customers get to their destinations in the event of a labor disruption at WestJet.

We know that people travel for a variety of reasons and as the busy summer period approaches, we appreciate that the traveling public may be feeling anxious about their plans resulting from the uncertainty associated with potential labour disruptions at WestJet. With our extensive network and varied fleet, we are well placed to accommodate passengers disrupted by this situation.

Air Canada aircraft slide show:

American Airlines Group reports its first quarter results

American Airlines Group Inc. today reported its first quarter results, including these highlights:

Reported a first-quarter 2018 pre-tax profit of $273 million, or $468 million excluding net special items¹, and a first-quarter net profit of $186 million, or $357 million excluding net special items
First-quarter 2018 earnings were $0.39 per diluted share, or $0.75 per diluted share excluding net special items
2017 earnings were $3.90 per diluted share, or $4.88 per diluted share excluding net special items. Fourth-quarter earnings were $0.54 per diluted share, or $0.95 per diluted share excluding net special items
Returned $498 million to shareholders, including the repurchase of 8.4 million shares and dividend payments of $48 million. Announced a new $2.0 billion share repurchase authorization² to be completed by December 31, 2020

“American’s team members continue to deliver solid results, including record first quarter revenue performance. Higher fuel prices led to a decline in year-over-year earnings, but we are excited about the future,” said Chairman and CEO Doug Parker. “With the youngest fleet in the industry among our large network peer competitors, a significantly improved product, and a team of 130,000 who demonstrate extraordinary care for our customers, we are well positioned for long-term success.”

First-Quarter Revenue and Expenses

Pre-tax earnings excluding net special items for the first quarter of 2018 were $468 million, a $193 million decrease from the first quarter of 2017.


	GAAP						Non-GAAP ¹
	1Q18			1Q17			1Q18			1Q17

Total operating revenues ($ mil)	$	10,401		$	9,820		$	10,401		$	9,820
Total operating expenses ($ mil)		9,970			9,083			9,775			8,962
Operating income ($ mil)		431			737			626			858

Pre-tax income ($ mil)		273			535			468			661
Pre-tax margin		2.6	%		5.4	%		4.5	%		6.7	%

Net income ($ mil)		186			340			357			414

Earnings per diluted share	$	0.39		$	0.67		$	0.75		$	0.82

Robust demand for air travel drove a 5.9 percent year-over-year increase in first-quarter 2018 total revenue, to a first quarter record $10.4 billion. Passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) grew in all geographic regions, with notable strength in Latin America. Cargo revenue was up 18.8 percent to $227 million due primarily to a 10.9 percent increase in volume and a 7.1 percent increase in cargo yield. Other revenue was up 10.0 percent to $694 million. First-quarter total revenue per available seat mile increased by 3.5 percent compared to the first quarter 2017 on a 2.3 percent increase in total available seat miles. This marks the sixth consecutive quarter of positive unit revenue growth and the second quarter in a row where all geographic regions showed PRASM growth on a year-over-year basis.

Total first-quarter 2018 operating expenses were $10.0 billion, up 9.8 percent year-over-year driven by a 25.7 percent increase in consolidated fuel expense. Had fuel prices remained unchanged versus the first quarter 2017, total expenses would have been $412 million lower. Total first-quarter 2018 cost per available seat mile (CASM) was 15.15 cents, up 7.3 percent from first-quarter 2017. Excluding fuel and special items, total first-quarter CASM was 11.57 cents, up 2.8 percent year-over-year.

“We made significant progress on several key initiatives during the first quarter, including fleet simplification and adding more travel options for customers by expanding Basic Economy,” said President Robert Isom.

“Our recently announced order for 47 Boeing 787s enables the retirement of older aircraft, including the Airbus A330-300, the Boeing 767, and certain Boeing 777-200s. These replacement aircraft will provide improved fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, greater range, and an enhanced customer experience.

“In April, we launched trans-Atlantic Basic Economy together with our Atlantic partners. Basic Economy is now rolled out in the U.S. and certain markets in Mexico and the Caribbean. We continue to look for more opportunities to launch this popular travel option for our customers,” Isom said.

Strategic Objectives

American Airlines is focused on four long-term strategic objectives: Create a World-Class Customer Experience, Make Culture a Competitive Advantage, Ensure Long-Term Financial Strength, and Think Forward, Lead Forward.

Create a World-Class Customer Experience

American is committed to delivering a world-class product by creating value and building trust with customers, driving operational excellence, and strengthening its network, especially where the company has a competitive advantage. During the first quarter, American:

Filed an application along with Qantas to the U.S. Department of Transportation seeking approval to form a joint business to better serve customers flying between North America and Australia and New Zealand. The proposed joint business will significantly improve service and stimulate demand, and is expected to unlock more than $300 million annually in consumer benefits that are not achievable through any other form of cooperation
Enhanced the travel experience between New York LaGuardia and Chicago for business customers by adding that route to the company’s shuttle portfolio. The shuttle is highly valued by top business customers and offers an hourly schedule and dedicated gates and check-in areas
Expanded Basic Economy to its first trans-Atlantic routes on April 11, including Dallas/Fort Worth-London Heathrow, giving customers a new option for American’s lowest fares in partnership with American’s Atlantic joint business partners
Introduced new wine sommelier Bobby Stuckey to lead American’s wine program, selecting premium wines for customers to enjoy in Admirals Club lounges, Flagship Lounges, Flagship First Dining and in flight
Introduced new meals on certain Pacific flights. Japan Airlines’ Chef Jun Kurogi has designed a traditional Japanese meal in premium cabins on flights from Tokyo, and Chef Sean Connolly has designed dishes for premium cabins on flights from Auckland and Sydney

Make Culture a Competitive Advantage

American is creating an environment that cares for frontline team members, provides competitive pay, and equips its team with the right tools to support its customers. During the first quarter, American:

Hosted 7,000 American Airlines leaders at its Annual Leadership Conference in Dallas. Team members who oversee people spent a full day learning about American’s four strategic objectives and how to implement them in partnership with their teams
Honored 103 team members at the company’s Annual Chairman’s Award celebration in Dallas earlier this month. The Chairman’s Award is the airline’s highest recognition, and recipients this year were recognized for accomplishments including making complicated maintenance tasks easier and safer, caring for colleagues during personal tragedies, and making customers feel like family
Accrued $29 million for the company’s 2018 profit sharing program during the quarter
Completed the transition to a new cloud-based HR information system which provides seamless integration of team member data and hiring, onboarding, compensation and performance-related tasks. In April, American also implemented a new payroll system for U.S.-based management and support staff, with the remaining team members to transition on a phased basis

Ensure Long-Term Financial Strength

American is focused on capturing the efficiencies created by the merger, delivering on its earnings potential, and creating value for its owners. In the first quarter, American:

Returned $498 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, bringing the total since mid-2014 to $11.9 billion. These repurchases have reduced the share count by 38 percent to 467.4 million shares as of March 31, 2018
In April, announced an order for 47 new Boeing 787 widebody aircraft consisting of 22 787-8s scheduled to begin arriving in 2020 and 25 787-9s scheduled to begin arriving in 2023. The 787-8s will replace American’s Boeing 767-300s, while later 787-9 deliveries will replace Airbus A330-300s and older 777-200 widebody aircraft. In addition, American deferred 40 737 MAX aircraft and 3 Airbus A321neo aircraft. These changes better align future aircraft deliveries with planned aircraft retirements and reduce planned capital expenditures by approximately $200 million in 2019 and $800 million in 2020
On April 26, 2018 declared a dividend of $0.10 per share, to be paid on May 22, 2018, to stockholders of record as of May 8, 2018

Think Forward, Lead Forward

American is committed to re-establishing itself as an industry leader by creating an action-oriented culture that moves quickly to bring products to market, embraces technological change, and quickly seizes upon new opportunities for its network and product. In the first quarter, American:

Reached a new lease agreement with the city of Chicago that clears the way for an $8.5 billion redevelopment plan at O’Hare that includes more gates, a better structure for connecting travelers, and a better overall customer experience that will help close the competitive gate gap there
Reached an agreement earlier this month to get access to 15 additional gates in DFW Terminal E. This allows the company to significantly grow departures at its largest hub to more than 900 per day, enabling more customers to access our global network
Completed all customer-facing renovations in Terminal B, where American’s regional operation at Dallas/Fort Worth is located
In April, opened five new gates at Chicago O’Hare Terminal 3, permitting American to provide improved service to its customers at this key competitive hub

Guidance and Investor Update

American expects its second-quarter 2018 TRASM to increase approximately 1.5 to 3.5 percent year-over-year, which reflects expected continued strength in demand for both business and leisure travel. The company also expects its second-quarter 2018 pre-tax margin excluding special items to be between 7.5 and 9.5 percent.³ Due to higher fuel prices included in the guidance provided today, American now expects its 2018 diluted earnings per share excluding net special items to be between $5.00 and $6.00.³

Notes

In the first quarter, the company recognized $195 million in net special items before the effect of income taxes. First quarter special items principally included $82 million of fleet restructuring expenses and $59 million of merger integration expenses. See the accompanying notes in the Financial Tables section of this press release for further explanation, including a reconciliation of all GAAP to non-GAAP financial information.
Share repurchases under the buyback program may be made through a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, block trades or accelerated share repurchase transactions. Any such repurchases will be made from time to time subject to market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. The program does not obligate the company to repurchase any specific number of shares or continue a dividend for any fixed period, and may be suspended at any time at the company’s discretion.
American is unable to reconcile certain forward-looking projections to GAAP as the nature or amount of special items cannot be determined at this time.

American Airlines aircraft slide show (Boeing):

Southwest reports a first quarter profit, announces new routes to Hawaii, issues its fleet plans

Southwest Airlines Company reported its first quarter 2018 results:

Net income of $463 million, net margin¹ of 9.4 percent, and record first quarter earnings per diluted share of $.79
Operating income of $616 million and operating margin² of 12.5 percent
Excluding special items³, net income of $438 million, net margin⁴ of 8.9 percent, and earnings per diluted share of $.75
Excluding special items, operating income of $584 million and operating margin⁵ of 11.8 percent
Operating cash flow of $1.0 billion and free cash flow³ of $708 million
Returned $648 million to Shareholders through a combination of share repurchases and dividends
Return on invested capital (ROIC)³ pre-tax of 27.1 percent for the 12 months ended March 31, 2018, or 20.8 percent on an after-tax basis
Revised Boeing firm order delivery schedule by exercising 40 737 MAX 8 options, adding 10 firm orders in each year 2019 through 2022, to support future fleet modernization

Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “It remains a somber time for the Southwest Family following the Flight 1380 accident, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Riordan family, and all of our Customers on the flight. I want to extend my immense gratitude for the compassion and support shown by our Employees, Customers, and airline peers. We continue to cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board’s thorough investigation to understand the cause of the accident. We will never compromise the Safety of our Customers and Employees. It is our highest priority—today and always.

“With regard to our first quarter performance, our strong profits are a solid start to the year, and our margins are among the top in the industry. Year-over-year growth in operating revenues kept pace with our capacity growth, and costs per available seat mile were also comparable with first quarter last year. With the reduction in the statutory federal income tax rate, our first quarter net income increased significantly, resulting in meaningful year-over-year net margin expansion. Our balance sheet and cash flows remained strong in first quarter, which enabled continued investment in fleet modernization, facilities, and technology; allowed the early funding of 2017 profitsharing of $543 million last month for our Employees; and provided $648 million of share buybacks and dividends for our Shareholders. We accrued another $102 million in profitsharing during first quarter 2018 for the benefit of our Employees. We are encouraged by our first quarter results, and our goal for the year is to expand net income and net margin, excluding special items.

“We continue to expect to begin selling tickets in 2018 for service to Hawaii, and today we announce our intent to begin service to four Hawaiian airports: Honolulu International Airport, Lihue Airport, Kona International Airport at Keahole, and Kahului Airport.

Additionally, we entered into an agreement with Alaska Airlines to lease 12 slots at New York’s LaGuardia Airport and 8 slots at Washington Reagan National Airport. These opportunities complement our network and fit within our existing 2018 growth plans, with available seat miles (ASMs) expected to increase in the low five percent range, year-over-year.”

Revenue Results and Outlook
The Company’s first quarter 2018 total operating revenues increased 1.9 percent, year-over-year, to a first quarter record $4.9 billion, driven largely by first quarter record passenger revenues of $4.6 billion. First quarter operating revenue per available seat mile (RASM, or unit revenues) was comparable with first quarter last year. Strong travel demand resulted in a first quarter record load factor of 81.5 percent. Passenger revenue yield decreased 2.8 percent, year-over-year, primarily due to the competitive yield environment and the impact from operating a sub-optimal flight schedule as a result of a temporarily reduced fleet size due to the retirement of the Boeing 737-300 Classic fleet last year. The Company expects its sub-optimal flight schedule to continue to pressure yields in second quarter. Based on current bookings and revenue trends, the Company expects second quarter 2018 RASM to decrease in the one to three percent range, compared with second quarter 2017 RASM of 14.27 cents, as recast. Approximately one to two points of this estimated decrease is attributable to recent softness in bookings following the Flight 1380 accident.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and is using the full retrospective method of adoption allowed by the standard. As such, results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 have been recast under the new standard in order to be comparable with current period results in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.

Cost Performance and Outlook
First quarter 2018 total operating expenses increased 1.9 percent to $4.3 billion. Total operating expenses per available seat mile (CASM, or unit costs) increased 0.1 percent, as compared with first quarter 2017. Excluding special items in both periods, first quarter 2018 total operating expenses increased 1.9 percent to $4.4 billion, or 0.1 percent on a unit basis, year-over-year.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company early adopted ASU No. 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The new standard eliminated ineffectiveness for all derivatives designated in a hedge for accounting purposes, as well as changed the Company’s classification of premium expense associated with fuel hedges from Other (gains) and losses, net, to Fuel and oil expense within the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. As such, the classification of premium expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017, has been recast under the new standard in order to be comparable with current period results. First quarter 2018 economic fuel costs³ were $2.09 per gallon, including $.07 per gallon in premium expense and $.05 per gallon in favorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts, compared with $2.03 per gallon in first quarter 2017, which included $.07 per gallon in premium expense and $.29 per gallon in unfavorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts. First quarter 2018 ASMs per gallon, or fuel efficiency, improved 1.3 percent year-over-year, driven primarily by the retirement of the Classic aircraft and the addition of the more fuel-efficient 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Based on the Company’s existing fuel derivative contracts and market prices as of April 20, 2018, second quarter 2018 economic fuel costs are estimated to be approximately $2.20 per gallon⁶, including $.06 per gallon in premium expense and an estimated $.07 per gallon in favorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts, compared with $1.99 per gallon in second quarter 2017, as recast, which included $.06 per gallon in premium expense and $.32 per gallon in unfavorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts. As of April 20, 2018, the fair market value of the Company’s fuel derivative contracts for the remainder of 2018 was a net asset of approximately $158 million, and the fair market value of the hedge portfolio settling in 2019 and beyond was a net asset of approximately $308 million. Additional information regarding the Company’s fuel derivative contracts is included in the accompanying tables.

Excluding fuel and oil expense and special items in both periods, first quarter 2018 operating expenses increased 1.5 percent, as compared with first quarter 2017. First quarter 2018 profitsharing expense was $102 million, as compared with $99 millionin first quarter 2017. Excluding fuel and oil expense, profitsharing expense, and special items, first quarter 2018 operating expenses increased 1.4 percent, and declined 0.3 percent on a unit basis, year-over-year.

Earlier this month, the Company reached an Agreement in Principle (AIP) with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) that represents the Company’s Mechanics and Related Employees.

Based on current cost trends, the Company estimates second quarter 2018 CASM, excluding fuel and oil expense and profitsharing expense, to increase in the one to two percent range, compared with second quarter 2017’s 8.17 cents, as recast, which excluded fuel and oil expense, profitsharing expense, and special items. This second quarter 2018 year-over-year increase includes the current estimated impact of the AIP with AMFA, as well as a preliminary cost estimate related to the Flight 1380 accident. Due primarily to increases in salaries, wages, and benefits, which includes the impact of the AIP with AMFA, the Company now estimates annual 2018 CASM, excluding fuel and oil expense and profitsharing expense, to be comparable with annual 2017’s 8.47 cents, as recast, which excluded fuel and oil expense, profitsharing expense, and special items.

First Quarter Results
First quarter 2018 operating income was $616 million, compared with $606 millionin first quarter 2017. Excluding special items, first quarter 2018 operating income was $584 million, compared with $574 million in first quarter 2017.

Other expenses in first quarter 2018 were $14 million, compared with $74 million in first quarter 2017. The $60 million difference resulted primarily from $4 million in other losses recognized in first quarter 2018, compared with $63 million in first quarter 2017. In first quarter 2017, these losses included ineffectiveness and unrealized mark-to-market amounts associated with a portion of the Company’s fuel hedge portfolio, which are special items. Excluding these special items related to fuel hedging, other losses were $4 million in first quarter 2018, compared with other gains of $2 million in first quarter 2017. Net interest expense in first quarter 2018 was $10 million, compared with $11 million in first quarter 2017.

First quarter 2018 net income was $463 million, or a first quarter record $.79 per diluted share, compared with first quarter 2017 net income of $339 million, or $.55per diluted share. Excluding special items, first quarter 2018 net income was $438 million, or $.75 per diluted share, compared with first quarter 2017 net income of $359 million, or $.58 per diluted share, and compared with First Call first quarter 2018 consensus estimate of $.74 per diluted share.

Liquidity and Capital Deployment
As of March 31, 2018, the Company had approximately $3.2 billion in cash and short-term investments, and a fully available unsecured revolving credit line of $1 billion. Net cash provided by operations during first quarter 2018 was $1.0 billion, capital expenditures were $409 million, and free cash flow was $708 million. The Company repaid $82 million in debt and capital lease obligations during first quarter 2018, and expects to repay approximately $254 million in debt and capital lease obligations during the remainder of 2018.

During first quarter 2018, the Company returned $648 million to its Shareholders through the repurchase of $500 million in common stock and the payment of $148 million in dividends. The Company launched and completed a $500 millionaccelerated share repurchase (ASR) program during first quarter, which equated to approximately 8.72 million shares repurchased. During first quarter 2018, the Company also received approximately 0.74 million shares, which remained pursuant to a $250 million fourth quarter 2017 ASR program. The Company has $850 millionremaining under its May 2017 $2.0 billion share repurchase authorization.

Due to revisions to its future fleet order book with Boeing, the Company now estimates its 2018 capital expenditures to be in the $2.0 to $2.1 billion range.

Fleet and Capacity
The Company ended first quarter with 717 aircraft in its fleet. This reflects the first quarter delivery of nine new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, one new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, and one pre-owned Boeing 737-700 aircraft.

Last month, the Company revised its future firm order delivery schedule with Boeing to support future fleet modernization. The Company exercised 40 737 MAX 8 options which adds 10 additional firm orders in each year 2019 through 2022. Additionally, five 737 MAX 8 firm orders were shifted from 2019 into fourth quarter 2018, and three pre-owned 737-700 aircraft previously scheduled for delivery in 2018 were replaced with three 737 MAX 8 aircraft to be delivered in 2019. Including the Company’s revision made to its firm order schedule executed in December 2017, and in recognition of the expected significant savings from tax reform, the Company has exercised a total of 80 options with Boeing to further invest in its fleet to support future growth opportunities and fleet modernization. The Company expects to end 2018 with 752 aircraft in its fleet based on the current aircraft delivery schedule.

The Company continues to expect its 2018 year-over-year ASM growth to be in the low five percent range, with second quarter 2018 year-over-year ASM growth in the 3.5 to 4 percent range and second half 2018 year-over-year ASM growth in the low seven percent range.

Copyright Photo: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 WL N946WN (msn 36918) (Louisiana One) SNA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 941690.

Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show:

airBaltic to operate flights to Malaga, Madrid and Lisbon also during the Winter

airBaltic has announced plans to continue operating flights from Riga to Malaga, Madrid and Lisbon also during the winter season, which will begin in late October.

Wolfgang Reuss, Senior Vice President Network Management of airBaltic: “We introduced direct flights to Malaga and Lisbon only this spring, however, the passenger demand for these routes has already been high, making it viable for us to fly to these cities year-round. With the addition of the three routes as well as return of flights to Abu Dhabi, this winter we will continue to offer the best connectivity to and from the Baltics.”

Route	Flight frequency	*Price , Basic**	*Price , Premium**	*Price, Business**
Riga – Lisbon	2 flights weekly	89 EUR	155 EUR	499 EUR
Riga – Madrid	2 flights weekly	85 EUR	149 EUR	499 EUR
Riga – Malaga	2 flights weekly	95 EUR	149 EUR	479 EUR

*Lowest fare (one way), including taxes, fees and service charges, on www.airbaltic.com, subject to availability

airBaltic serves over 70 routes from Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius, offering the largest variety of destinations and convenient connections via Riga to its network spanning Europe, Scandinavia, the CIS and the Middle East.

For summer 2018, airBaltic has introduced eight new destinations from Riga to Malaga, Lisbon, Split, Bordeaux, Gdansk, Almaty as well as Sochi and Kaliningrad. In addition, airBaltic launched a new nonstop route connecting Tallinn and London.

AirBaltic aircraft slide show:

WestJet statement regarding ALPA strike authorization vote

WestJet has issued the following statement regarding the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) announcement that it has issued a strike authorization vote to WestJet pilots.

“A strike authorization vote is a common step by unions in context of the overall labor negotiation process,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “We remain focused on successfully negotiating an agreement that will benefit our pilots and WestJet.”

WestJet aircraft slide show:

United Airlines unveils its new United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco

United Polaris chairs at SFO (PRNewsfoto/United Airlines)

Beginning April 30, customers traveling in United Polaris, the airline’s international premium cabin travel experience, will be able to relax and dine prior to their travels or refresh upon arrival in the new United Polaris lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) conveniently located in the International Terminal near Gate G92.

United Polaris Lounge at SFO (PRNewsfoto/United Airlines)

Thoughtful California touches are incorporated into the lounge’s look as well as the food and beverages so that customers – visiting us from all over the globe – get a glimpse into the Bay Area’s unique aesthetic.

The Bar at United Polaris lounge at SFO (PRNewsfoto/United Airlines)

United Polaris Lounge at SFO Facts and Highlights

Two levels across more than 28,000 square feet
440 seats
19 different types of seating
492 power outlets and 492 USB ports
8 pieces of art by prominent Bay Area artists, all San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) Society for the Encouragement of Contemporary Art (SECA) Art Award honorees
5 private daybeds outfitted with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding
8 luxurious shower suites, featuring rainfall showers and Soho House & Co’s Cowshed Spa products
Personal valet services, including steaming garments
“The Dining Room” – a private restaurant style dining area with a menu designed by Chef Tritia Gestuvo, a California native, that blends international comfort foods — such as a traditional Chinese congee breakfast and hand-cut pappardelle pasta with mushroom ragout — with staples like the United Polaris Burger
A bistro-like buffet that includes a ramen noodle bar in the afternoon and additional unique-to-San Francisco treats that align with the flight schedule and destinations of United and Star Alliance partners
Cocktails inspired by the Bay Area, including the Mai Tai, invented in Oaklandin 1944, and the Pisco Punch, featuring pisco which became all the rage during the California Gold Rush of 1849

Second floor view at United Polaris lounge at SFO (PRNewsfoto/United Airlines)

The United Polaris lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport is expected to open by early June, the lounge at George Bush Intercontinental in Houston this summer and the lounge at Los Angeles International Airport this fall.

Shower Suite at United Polaris lounge at SFO (PRNewsfoto/United Airlines)

The focus behind the United Polaris experience has always been to provide long-haul travelers with what they’ve asked for: better sleep in the sky. On average, United plans to add one aircraft with the new United Polaris business class seat every 10 days from now through 2020. Beginning July 1, every seat onboard will be provisioned with a cooling gel pillow. The gel pillow, previously available by request, has proven to be one of the most popular items of United Polaris bedding.

In response to customer feedback, beginning May 1, United will offer customers a pre-arrival dessert in place of the pre-departure chocolate that is currently served. On flights departing the U.S., customers will be served a white chocolate cranberry cookie from Christie Cookie Co., handcrafted from gourmet ingredients in Nashville, Tenn. Customers on flights that originate outside the U.S. will receive a box of chocolates.

Photos: United.

JetBlue adds new cities and routes as it refines its West Coast strategy

JetBlue Airways today announced it is advancing its West Coast strategy following its successful Mint® expansion in new markets like San Diego, Las Vegas and Seattle/Tacoma over the past year. The latest series of network enhancements is designed to better meet the needs of coast-to-coast travelers facing limited competition and – with the most legroom in coach, unlimited free snacks and complimentary Fly-Fi high-speed Internet, live television and movies – plays to JetBlue’s strength as a favorite choice for transcontinental travel.

The enhancements bring a number of schedule changes in 2018:

Launching JetBlue service in Ontario, California, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Bozeman, Montana.
Refining its Long Beach, Calif. schedule to better meet the needs of the market.
Increasing service in Burbank, California.
Adding frequencies on popular cross-country routes.
Expanding seasonal service in Palm Springs, California, along with Mint for the holiday season.

Get Onboard in Ontario, California.

JetBlue will expand its L.A.-metro service with new nonstop flights between Ontario International Airport (ONT) and New York’s John F. KennedyInternational Airport (JFK). JetBlue, already a leader in transcontinental travel, will be the only airline to offer nonstop service to the East Coast from Ontario. Service begins September 5, 2018 and Ontario will be the 73^rd nonstop JetBlue destination from New York-JFK.

Ontario International Airport will become the tenth airport served in California by JetBlue and serves some six million people in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, as well as portions of Orange and Los Angeles counties. The Inland Empire has become one of the fastest growing metro areas in Southern California due to its affordable home prices, new construction, and a growing nightlife and cultural scene. The San Bernardino-Riverside-Ontario metro area is on track to grow by some two million people over the next three decades and Ontario International Airport has demonstrated it is committed to supporting that growth.

JetBlue previously served Ontario between 2000 and 2008 and is returning a decade later, encouraged by the surge in customer demand in the Inland Empire, as well as the airport’s leadership position on smart growth in Southern California. Ontario was originally JetBlue’s sixth overall destination and the very first on the West Coast.

Daily Schedule between New York (JFK) and Ontario (ONT)
Beginning September 5, 2018

JFK-ONT Flight #355				ONT-JFK Flight #354
7:12 p.m. – 10:39 p.m.				11:59 p.m. – 8:24 a.m. (+1)

Three New Routes in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

JetBlue will launch new, seasonal service in Steamboat Springs with three nonstop routes connecting the internationally-known resort destination with three of the airline’s focus cities. JetBlue flights between Steamboat and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Long Beach Airport (LGB) will begin December 15, 2018. JetBlue will be the only airline to fly nonstop from Steamboat to both Boston and South Florida.

JetBlue will operate at Steamboat/Hayden Airport (HDN), just 30 minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs.

Schedule between Boston (BOS) and Steamboat/Hayden (HDN)
Wednesdays & Saturdays; Beginning December 15, 2018

BOS-HDN Flight #1227				HDN-BOS Flight #1228
9:14 a.m. – 12:16 p.m.				1:11 p.m. – 7:17 p.m.

Schedule between Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL) and Steamboat/Hayden (HDN)
Saturdays; Beginning December 15, 2018

FLL-HDN Flight #45				HDN-FLL Flight #48
7:31 a.m. – 10:27 a.m.				11:22 a.m. – 5:20 p.m.

Schedule between Long Beach (LGB) and Steamboat/Hayden (HDN)
Wednesdays & Saturdays; Beginning December 15, 2018

LGB-HDN Flight #820				HDN-LGB Flight #821
11:14 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.				3:00 p.m. – 4:14 p.m.

JetBlue meets Montana

JetBlue will also grow further in the western U.S. with its first-ever scheduled service in Montana. The airline will operate seasonal flights between Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) and Long Beach beginning December 13, 2018.

Schedule between Long Beach (LGB) and Bozeman (BZN)
Thursdays and Sundays; Beginning December 13, 2018

LGB-BZN Flight #10				BZN-LGB Flight #9
10:48 a.m. – 2:27 p.m.				3:12 p.m. – 4:51 p.m.

Burbank Meets Boston

JetBlue will also add service at Hollywood Burbank Airport, where it has operated since 2005. JetBlue, already the only airline to offer cross-country service in Burbank, will add a second northeast destination with nonstop flights to Boston. JetBlue offers more nonstop routes between the Golden State and New England than any other airline.

Hollywood Burbank Airport is approximately 12 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.

Daily Schedule between Boston (BOS) and Burbank (BUR)
Beginning September 5, 2018

BOS-BUR Flight #2339				BUR-BOS Flight #2338
3:28 p.m. – 6:48 p.m.				8:08 p.m. – 4:40 a.m. (+1)

In It For The Long Haul

JetBlue will also boost frequencies on several popular cross-country routes in California and beyond. In Burbank, JetBlue will build on the success of its existing New York-JFK flight with the addition of a second daily nonstop roundtrip on the route. The added New York-JFK flight will give customers on both ends of the transcon routes new daylight travel choices.

Daily Schedule between New York (JFK) and Burbank (BUR)
Beginning September 5, 2018

JFK-BUR Flight #2359				BUR-JFK Flight #2358
7:43 a.m. – 10:51 a.m.				11:41 a.m. – 8:05 p.m.

JFK-BUR Flight #359				BUR-JFK Flight #358
5:23 p.m. – 8:39 p.m.				9:59 p.m. – 6:26 a.m. (+1)

Similarly, JetBlue will add a second daily flight between Boston and Long Beach beginning September 5, 2018. The new Boston addition will also operate as a daylight flight in both directions and provide a new choice for customers traveling between New England and Southern California.

Daily Schedule between Boston (BOS) and Long Beach (LGB)
Beginning September 5, 2018

BOS-LGB Flight #2405				LGB-BOS Flight #2404
9:16 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.				9:58 a.m. – 6:28 p.m.

BOS-LGB Flight #405				LGB-BOS Flight #504
6:13 p.m. – 9:33 p.m.				9:35 p.m. – 6:02 a.m. (+1)

Elsewhere in the west, JetBlue is adding a second daily frequency between New York-JFK and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Scheduled as a daylight flight in both directions, this expanded service will also provide a valuable link between the airline’s home in New York and its Salt Lake Support Center (SSC). The SSC is home to nearly 2,500 customer support crewmembers.

Daily Schedule between New York (JFK) and Salt Lake City (SLC)
Beginning September 5, 2018

JFK-SLC Flight #871				SLC-JFK Flight #872
9:29 a.m. – 12:57 p.m.				2:00 p.m. – 8:27 p.m.

JFK-SLC Flight #71				SLC-JFK Flight #72
7:07 p.m. – 10:28 p.m.				11:18 p.m. – 5:44 a.m. (+1)

Long Beach

In addition to adding Steamboat Springs and Bozeman flights in Long Beach, as well as introducing daylight Boston service, JetBlue will also adjust schedules at Long Beach Airport to better meet the needs of the market, offering up to 23 daily flights, which is in line with service levels offered by JetBlue in 2016.

JetBlue will revise flight frequencies on the following Long Beach routes starting September 5, 2018:

Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport (LAS) – Three times daily service.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) – Twice daily service.
Portland International Airport (PDX) – Once daily service.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – Up to three times daily service.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – Twice daily service.
San José International Airport (SJC) – Twice daily service.
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – Once daily service.

JetBlue will continue to offer its current frequencies of nonstop service between Long Beach and New York-JFK, Fort Lauderdale-HollywoodInternational Airport (FLL), Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

Palm Springs Season + More Mint

JetBlue is returning to Palm Springs for its fourth season with an expanded flying schedule, plus the airline’s premium Mint service during the peak December and January travel days. Flights between Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and New York-JFK will resume this fall on October 10, 2018.

JetBlue service will initially operate four times per week – more than ever before for the early portion of the season – then expand to daily service in mid-December. JetBlue is the only airline to offer daily nonstop service between Palm Springs and the East Coast.

JetBlue’s Mint flights will be offered for the second year in Palm Springs between December 20, 2018 and January 3, 2019. Mint flights will operate on a daylight schedule in both directions during the 14-day holiday peak. JetBlue Mint offers a completely rethought design and a more personal approach to service, featuring exceptional hospitality from specially trained crewmembers, lie-flat seating, tapas-style menu by New York Cityrestaurant Saxon + Parole, fresh espresso and exclusive amenity kits by Hayward and Hopper.

Schedule between New York-JFK (JFK) and Palm Springs (PSP)
beginning October 10, 2018

JFK – PSP Flight #149				PSP – JFK Flight #150
5:42 p.m. – 8:55 p.m.				9:45 p.m. – 5:40 a.m. (+1)

Mint Schedule between New York-JFK (JFK) and Palm Springs (PSP)
December 20, 2018 – January 3, 2019

JFK – PSP Flight #149				PSP – JFK Flight #150
9:25 a.m. – 12:39 p.m.				2:00 p.m. – 10:04 p.m.

Best in Cross-Country Comfort

JetBlue will operate all new flights – with the exception of Palm Springs Mint service – using its Airbus A320 aircraft.

Palm Springs Mint flights will be operated using JetBlue’s new Airbus A321 with Mint aircraft.

Additionally, JetBlue has also grown its industry-leading Mint flights at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco, and recently introduced the premium flights to new western markets including San Diego, Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Seattle/Tacoma.

Copyright Photo: JetBlue is downsizing its Long Beach operation to allow for these new routes. JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N589JB (msn 2215) (Barcode) LGB (Michael B. Ing). Image: 924211.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show:

Routes from LGB:

American to fly nonstop to Cordoba, Argentina

American Airlines will open a new nonstop route to Argentina. The carrier will start the Miami – Codoba route on April 2, 2019. The new route will operate four days a week with Boeing 767-300 aircraft according to Airline Route.

American Airlines aircraft slide show (Boeing):

American introduces an Airbus A321 “Stand Up to Cancer” logo jet

American Airlines in association with Marvel Studios has introduced a “Stand Up to Cancer – 10 Years of Impact” new logo jet on the pictured Airbus A321-231 N116AN (msn 6070).

A transformation of heroic proportions. Check out our Stand Up To Cancer and Marvel Studios Avengers: #InfinityWar plane reveal.

According to FlightAware, here is the upcoming schedule for N116AN:

Video:

Your face on a plane: Only at Kulula

Kulula has started a #faceonaplane contest as we previously reported. The contest is moving ahead.

The airline is asking for people to submit their mug shots. There will be six winners:

Have a familiar face? We’ve got a plane for it.
Picture it now: 6 faces on 6 planes and a pair of return tickets for each winner, we’ll also be giving away 5 random return tickets so you can also take to the skies.

Here are the rules:

You’re not just a pretty face, are you? Do you have a face that reaches for the skies? And when you come face-to-face with fame, are you ready to enter the game?

Well fame is staring you straight in the face. kulula.com is calling on all the poker faces, funny faces, fresh faces, long faces and those who simply just want to be in your face to enter the Travel Hater, Face on a Plane competition. The competition will have you facing off with other pretty faces from Monday today to win a once in a lifetime opportunity to have your face on a kulula plane.

So, don’t cut off your nose to spite your face. Go online and enter now to be one of the six lucky famous faces who will get their face on one of our kulula planes.

As part of your entry you will see a preview of just how fabulously crazy your face will look on the side of one of our plane’s and you will have a chance to share the video with your friends to challenge them to a face on a plane face-off.

But first you need to face the facts:

Visit kulula.com/faceonaplane
Fill in your deets and upload your best plane face to enter
Receive your own personlised video and share it with you family and friends
Challenge them to a face-off

Let’s face it, you are not just another pretty face. So, enter and come face-to-face with fame.

We want your face on the side of our plane, I mean who wouldn’t?

Terms and Conditions:

The promoter of this campaign is Comair Limited, in respect of its kulula.com brand, Reg No 1967/006783/06, having its principal place of business at No.1 Marignane Drive, Bonaero Park, Kempton Park (the Promoter).
The Competition starts at 00:01 on 06 March 2018.
From all valid entries, winners will be chosen during three separate selection processes at the discretion of the Promoter based on the funniest, silliest and wackiest faces submitted. Each winner of a Prize will be notified by email or phone call within 48 hours of the decision being made. Should the Promoter be unable to successfully contact any winner after 24 hours, such person will be disqualified and another winner will be selected in the same fashion.
Entries will be considered incomplete and thus disqualified if the entrant does not complete all requested information on the Microsite, including name, telephone number and email address.
By entering this completion, all entrants acknowledge and agree that should they win the prize, they will transfer ownership and copyright in any photos taken for the purpose of this competition to the Promoter and their image shall, free of charge be placed on the kulula.com plane and will become kulula.com brand stock. The Promoter may require the winner at (no fee) to be identified and in addition to the image on the plane, have their photo taken and complete a Public Relations interview which may be published on any media platform up until 31 August 2018.
Employees, non-executive directors, agents, partner agencies and consultants of Comair Limited and their immediate families are not eligible to enter.
The Prize is not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
The Promoter, its associated companies, agent, contractors and sponsors assume no liability whatsoever for any direct or indirect loss, injury or damage arising from any persons participation in the competition.
The winners agree to the use of their names, images and videos in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winners or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent. Any entrant who submits an obscene and/or offensive and/or image that distracts from the kulula brand will immediately be disqualified and stand to have their Face on a Plane video deleted from the respective channel. In such case, the Promoter reserves the right to institute legal action against the entrant who offends anyone or damages the kulula brand.
The Promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
The Promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice.
Only one entry will be accepted per person. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified
By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
The conducting of the competition will be overseen by an independent auditor.