Monthly Archives: June 2022

Air New Zealand offers the best sleep in the sky as it unveils new 787 cabins

Air New Zealand has made this announcement:

The airline has responded to overwhelming customer feedback on the importance of sleep and need for more comfort and space. The interior design is inspired by the uniqueness of Aotearoa so customers will experience New Zealand as soon as they step onboard.

Air New Zealand’s new Dreamliners, due to arrive in 2024, will give customers more choice than any airline in the world, providing the best sleep in the sky regardless of the cabin customers choose to fly in.

This includes a new Business Premier Luxe seat, designed for customers looking for more space and privacy, and Skynest, the world’s first sleep pods in the sky for Economy travellers.

Feedback from extensive customer research over five years has highlighted the importance for a good night’s sleep and the need for more space and comfort, so the new experience is designed around creating a home away from home that leaves customers refreshed and raring to go at their destination.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran points to the airline’s ambition to create the greatest flying experience and says the new cabin, combined with world-leading Kiwi hospitality, is the winning formula.

“New Zealand’s location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-longhaul travel experience. We have zeroed in on sleep, comfort, and wellness because we know how important it is for our customers to arrive well-rested. Whether they are heading straight into a meeting, or to their first holiday hotspot – they want to hit the ground running.

“It’s a proud moment to finally unveil five years of hard mahi, in what truly is a cabin of possibility. One that will provide customers with options to get some shut eye wherever they’re sitting.”

Innovation has driven the new cabin experience from nose to tail. For Economy customers, the Skynest concept, first announced in 2020, will be a world-first.

“We wanted to offer our Economy customers a lie-flat option and that’s how Skynest was born. It’s going to be a real game changer for the economy travel experience.”

Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says the cabin’s interior design is inspired by the uniqueness of Aotearoa, from the forest inspired carpet to the seats that draw inspiration from New Zealand’s native bird, the Tui.

“Whether we are welcoming visitors or flying New Zealanders home, we want our customers to experience Aotearoa from the moment they step onboard – and get the best night’s rest.

“Research shows us the first night away from home is the hardest to get a good night’s sleep so everything we do onboard is to help create a sense of calm – from the lighting and sleep ritual including sleepy teas and balms, to the healthier food choices and breathable fabrics. Meditative onscreen content, Zentertainment, will also help customers unwind and get ready for rest.

The airline has also added a Sky Pantry to the Premium Economy and Economy cabins, so customers can stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat and hydrate at their leisure throughout their journey.

Sustainability has been at the heart of the design process. Using modern fabrics, rather than leather, has saved around one kilogram in weight per Business Premier and Premium Economy seat, reducing overall carbon emissions. In Premium cabins, the airline will also switch to serviceware that is 20% lighter, helping to reduce carbon emissions, and in Economy, the new serviceware will reduce plastic dishes used inflight by 28 million every year.

The Cabin of Possibility

Business Premier Luxe

The best sleep in the sky. Our new offering is for customers looking for the ultimate space and privacy. A luxury experience with all the features of Business Premier, but with a fully closing door and space for two to dine.

Business Premier

A comfortable and private nest for a blissful journey and tranquil sleep. And if traveling with a companion, the middle row allows customers to open their nest and share their experience.

Premium Economy

For the treat-seekers looking for a little luxury to unwind and enjoy a taste of Aotearoa. Our new seat offers more privacy and protected space where you can recline at leisure without interrupting the person behind.

Economy Skynest

It’s time to swap the headrest for some bedrest. Say hello to the world’s first sleep pods in the sky, Skynest. Stretch out in one of six pods for part of your journey and catch some shut eye. A game changer for economy travellers.

Economy Skycouch

Use the Skycouch the way you want. Sit, spread out, or lie down and snooze. Share the space or keep it all to yourself.

Economy Stretch

It’s all in the name. This seat is for those who want to rest and stretch their legs further than the regular Economy seat.

Economy seat

An enhanced economy seat designed with more storage, comfort and space and a 50% bigger screen for entertainment. Connect to Bluetooth audio and pair your device to act as a remote control or second screen.

Additional highlights include::

  • WELLNESS: The importance of restful sleep during travel is at the heart of Air New Zealand’s refreshed cabin experience. From the lighting to the choice of carpeting to the engineering minutia of the seats themselves – Air New Zealand has innovated from tip to tail.

  • DESIGN: This has been a five year design process (170,000 hours total). The interiors are inspired by Aotearoa’s iconic native bird, the Tui.

  • FOOD: Travelers will be wined and dined with the best of New Zealand produce, with lighter choices for Premium customers, and better-quality meals for those in Economy

  • OPTIONS: It will offer the most choice of any airline in its three cabins to get the best sleep in the sky

  • SUSTAINABILITY: With sustainability being a core focus, Air New Zealand used fabric rather than leather that reduced carbon emissions, and has sustainably sourced all of their blankets, pillows and other soft products used onboard. The new serviceware in Premium cabins has the potential to remove 28 million single use plastic dishes every year.

Notes

The eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners arriving from 2024 and retrofitted current 787-9 fleet will have either eight or four Business Premier Luxe seats, 42 or 22 Business Premier, 52 or 33 Premium Economy, 125 or 213 Economy seats, and specifically on the ultra-longhaul aircraft, six Skynest sleep pods.

Video:
Air New Zealand aircraft photo gallery:

 

Lynx Air’s inaugural flight from St. John’s takes off

Lynx Air’s (Lynx) first flight from St. John’s International Airport took off to the skies on June 28, marking the commencement of twice-weekly return service between St. John’s and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

As of July 14, 2022, the St. John’sToronto service will increase to daily and will add Edmonton and Calgary to its network.

Starting July 14, the airline will be flying 14 flights a week in and out of St. John’s, equating to 2,646 seats per week. The Edmonton and Calgary services will operate as through-flight services to St. John’s via Toronto, providing a seamless service with a single boarding pass, no deplaning in Toronto and the ability to check bags through to St. John’s.

Lynx’s network spans 10 destinations across Canada, including Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto Pearson, Hamilton, Halifax and St. John’s. The airline operates a fleet of brand-new, fuel-efficient Boeing 737 aircraft and plans to grow its fleet to more than 46 aircraft over the next five to seven years.

Lynx’s full flight schedule includes:

Round Trip Market

Service Starts

Weekly Frequencies

Calgary, AB to Vancouver, BC

April 7, 2022

14x

Calgary, AB to Toronto, ON

April 11, 2022


12x

Vancouver, BC to Kelowna, BC

April 15, 2022

2x

Calgary, AB to Kelowna, BC

April 15, 2022

2x
3x (from June 29)

Calgary, AB to Winnipeg, MB

April 19, 2022

4x

Vancouver, BC to Winnipeg, MB

April 19, 2022

2x

Vancouver, BC to Toronto, ON

April 28, 2022

7x

Toronto, ON to Winnipeg, MB

May 5, 2022

2x

Calgary, AB to Victoria, BC

May 12, 2022

2x
3x (from June 29)

Toronto, ON to St. John’s, NL

June 28, 2022

2x
7x (from July 14)

Calgary, AB to Hamilton, ON

June 29, 2022

2x
4x (from July 29)

Hamilton, ON to Halifax, NS

June 29, 2022

2x

Toronto, ON to Halifax, NS

June 30, 2022

3x
5x (from July 30)

Edmonton, AB to Toronto, ON

July 14, 2022

5x

7x (from July 30)

Edmonton, AB to St John’s, NL**

July 14, 2022

5x

Calgary, AB to Halifax, NS **

July 14, 2022

5x

Calgary, AB to St John’s, NL**

July 16, 2022

2x

Edmonton, AB to Halifax, NS**

July 30, 2022

2x

Please note that dates are subject to change. Visit the website for full schedule details.

* Available for a limited time; fares are accurate at the time of release and include taxes and fees; fares vary by destination and date
** Denotes a one-stop through-flight via Toronto, single boarding pass, bags checked through to destination and no deplaning in Toronto

Lynx Air aircraft photo gallery:

JetBlue’s Soar with Reading initiative lands in Newark, NJ with free digital book vending machines in five locations

JetBlue Airways launched its twelfth annual Soar with Reading initiative in Newark, NJ with a kick-off event at Newark’s historic Public Library Main Branch. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne Jr. joined the airline to celebrate its award-winning literacy initiative that tackles the issue of book availability in underserved communities where access to age-appropriate books for children is often limited. Since 2015, JetBlue has taken a creative approach to this issue through its free book vending machine program which previously visited New York City, Detroit, San Francisco, Oakland, Washington, DC, and Fort Lauderdale.

JetBlue’s five free digital book vending machines are available to visitors throughout the wards of Newark. Each time someone visits a machine, they will have the opportunity to order an assortment of brand new books that will be distributed to them throughout July and August, completely free of charge. The vending machines hold a diverse selection of titles and allows visitors the opportunity to search by various categories including title and author, as well as suggested reading level. To date, JetBlue, through its Soar with Reading initiative, has donated more than $4 million worth of books to children in need.

The digital vending machines, powered by Ricoh, will feature titles with a diverse cast of characters as well as options in both English and Spanish. Titles will be updated periodically throughout the summer. Publishing partners include HarperCollins Publishers, Little Bee Books, Lil’ Libros, Lee & Low Books, Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, TOKYO POP, and Simon & Schuster. Additionally, the vending machines will include select books for adults as research shows that parents displaying behaviors like reading can improve educational outcomes for children.

Vending machines are located at:

  • La Casa de Don Pedro: 23 Broadway
  • The Leaguers: 200 W. South Orange Ave
  • Newark Ironbound Recreation Center: 226Rome Street
  • Springfield Branch Library: 50 Hayes Street
  • Van Buren Branch Library: 140 Van Buren Street

JetBlue For GoodSoar with Reading is a signature program of JetBlue For Good®, the airline’s platform for social impact and corporate responsibility. Giving back is part of JetBlue’s DNA and is core to its mission of inspiring humanity. Centered on volunteerism and service, JetBlue For Good focuses on the areas that are most important to the airline’s customers and crewmembers – community, youth/education and the environment. Combining JetBlue’s corporate efforts with its customers’ and crewmembers’ passions, the common theme is Good – JetBlue For Good. Join the #JetBlueForGood conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, check for regular updates and get involved.

Photo: TCS World Travel (Titan Airways) Airbus A321-253NX WL G-XATW (msn 10150) PMI (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 958010.

2022 52-seat jet for all-inclusive luxury jet expeditions and custom itineraries

Copyright Photo: TCS World Travel (Titan Airways) Airbus A321-253NX WL G-XATW (msn 10150) PMI (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 958010.

Titan Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Qatar Airways and Airlink sign a comprehensive codeshare agreement

Qatar Airways and Airlink have signed a comprehensive codeshare agreement to offer travellers more choices, enhanced services and greater connectivity between 45 destinations in 13 countries across southern Africa and the rest of the world.

This new codeshare agreement means travellers can enjoy the simplicity of purchasing connecting flights on both airlines using a single reservation with seamless ticketing, check-in, boarding and baggage-check experience, during the entire journey.

The partnership will enable customers to book attractive offers from southern Africa to popular destinations in the U.S. such as New York and Dallas, cities in Europe such as London, Copenhagen and Barcelona, and points across Asia like Manila, Jakarta and Cebu. The agreement also increases Qatar Airways’ footprint in southern Africa, with improved access to destinations such as Ggeberha (Port Elizabeth) Hoedspruit, Skukuza, George in South Africa and beyond to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Qatar Airways was the only airline to launch new services in southern Africa after the pandemic, starting operations to Luanda, Harare and Lusaka last year. It resumes operations to Windhoek this month, providing another connection to Airlink’s extensive regional network via eight gateways in the region.

The new codeshare flights are available for sales and will commence travel on July 6, 2022 subject to government approval.

Qatar Airways offers 21 direct weekly flights from Doha to Johannesburg, 10 weekly flights to Cape Town and four weekly flights to Durban. From South Africa, travellers can connect easily to destinations across six continents via the World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport.

Airlink’s history:

AIRLINK TIMELINE


1992

Business partners Rodger Foster and Barrie Webb successfully bid for liquidated Link Airways. The new airline is named Airlink.

Airlink 1992

1995

“SA Airlink” is officially launched on 25 March at a gathering of important guests, including Queen Elizabeth II. SA Airlink brand aligns with that of SAA and SA Airlink joins the Voyager frequent flier loyalty programme.

1997

SA Airlink joins SAA and SA Express in a strategic alliance that leads to the establishment of the leading aviation network in Africa. SA Airlink and SA Express adopt the “South African” franchise brand.

1999

Swaziland Airlink is formed as a joint venture company between Airlink and the Swaziland (now Eswatini) government.

2000

On 3 April, SA Airlink officially opens the Kruger Park Gateway Airport in Phalaborwa. On 30 August, the franchise agreement between SAA and SA Airlink is signed as a bilateral relationship.

2005

SA Airlink commences air services to Antananarivo in Madagascar.

2006

SA Airlink changes its corporate identity, adopting the brand “Airlink” emphasising the airline’s corporate positioning statement, ‘Freedom of the African Sky’ and displaying the distinctive South African national colours of blue, red, green and gold, along with the brightly coloured sunbird emblem. Airlink’s badging, while distinctly different from the franchise brand, demonstrates clear alignment with SAA’s “South African” brand.

Airlink

2008

SA Airlink, having successfully completed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), is placed on the IATA Register on 6 February, assuring customers of the highest possible standard of service.

2009

In October, SA Airlink moves into its new head office in Greenstone Hill Office Park, Modderfontein.

2011

In December, the Airports Company SA (ACSA) presents four Feather Awards to SA Airlink in recognition of consistent service excellence at ACSA airports.

2012

In June, SA Airlink sells a 32.51% stake of the company in a landmark broad-based black economic empowerment transaction. In December, ACSA presents six Feather Awards to SA Airlink in recognition of consistent service excellence at ACSA airports.

2013

In March, SA Airlink commences direct services between Johannesburg and Kasane and between Johannesburg and Vilanculos, bringing the total number of destinations in the SA Airlink network to 31. On 11 June, Airlink celebrates 21 years in the aviation industry. At this point, SA Airlink has a turnover of more than two billion rand, employs about 1,000 staff, and carries one million-plus customers annually.

2014

SA Airlink launches the return of scheduled air services between Cape Town and Johannesburg to Skukuza Airport, allowing direct access to globally renowned wildlife destinations in the Kruger Park and nearby Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.

Airlink Skukuza airport

2015

SA Airlink becomes the first domestic airline to offer scheduled flights between Cape Town and the then recently refurbished Wonderboom Airport in Pretoria.

2016

SA Airlink signs an agreement with the government of Madagascar to operate domestic air services within Madagascar and regional air services between Madagascar and key states within Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. SA Airlink, in partnership with Embraer, opens the Airlink Training Centre in Bonaero Park.

Airlink training centre

2017

SA Airlink celebrates its 25th anniversary under the same leadership, and the 50th anniversary of one of its root airlines, Lowveld Air Services, which started in 1967. In June, SA Airlink is chosen by the St Helena Government as its preferred bidder to provide a scheduled airline service to the island.
In August, the first of the airline’s new Embraer E-190 E-Jets begin operating on routes to Pietermaritzburg and Bulawayo. In December, ACSA presents Feather Awards to SA Airlink in recognition of Best Performing Regional Airline and Best Performing Domestic Airline.

2018

SA Airlink and FlySafair conclude negotiations for a merger/acquisition by SA Airlink of FlySafair. The application for authorisation to proceed is turned down by the Competitions Commission on the grounds that the Competitions Commission believes that SA Airlink and FlySafair are competitors.
The matter is referred to the Tribunal, but before arguments are presented the application is withdrawn as the objectives of the shareholders of SA Airlink and FlySafair had diverged.
In December, the Airports Company SA (ACSA) presents a Feather Award to SA Airlink in recognition of Best Performing Regional Airline.

2019

SA Airlink establishes its high-tech training centre of excellence in conjunction with Embraer, housing both an Embraer E190 and an Embraer ERJ145 simulator. These simulators operate up to five training slots per day and greatly assist in the cognitive, associative and autonomous stages of pilot training.

Airlink training centre

2020 – FIRST QUARTER

SA Airlink terminates its 23-year franchise agreement with South African Airways (SAA) after SAA enters business rescue, defaults on its agreements with SA Airlink, and stops operating.

SA Airlink resumes operations during COVID-19 lockdown level 3, operating on its own 4Z flight code, and terminates its 23-year franchise agreement with South African Airways (SAA) after SAA enters business rescue, defaults on its agreements with SA Airlink, and stops operating. SA Airlink re-defines its business model as an independent comprehensive airline network incorporating all keys destinations within South Africa and Southern Africa.

2020 – SECOND QUARTER ONWARDS

SA Airlink resumes operations during COVID-19 lockdown level 3, operating on its own 4Z flight code. SA Airlink re-defines its business model as an independent comprehensive airline network incorporating all keys destinations within South Africa and Southern Africa.

SA Airlink establishes itself as the most comprehensive airline network system in Southern Africa, offering more connections to key cities within Africa and the world by way of interconnectivity within its own network and with the networks of its partner airlines. SA Airlink introduces flights to new destinations, including Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, East London, George, Dar es Salaam, Windhoek, Lubumbashi, Luanda and Maputo.

Qatar Airways and Emirates sign interline agreements with Airlink that will provide passengers with seamless connectivity via Cape Town and Johannesburg to more than 45 destinations within Southern Africa.

In September SA Airlink (Pty) Ltd changes its corporate name to Airlink (Pty) Ltd to align the company with its trade name and brand “Airlink” that had been in use since 2005.

On 12 November, Airlink unveils its new livery and its new tail insignia, clearly proclaiming its status as an independent airline.

Airlink route map:

Airlink aircraft photo gallery:

Qatar Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Oman Air will join the oneworld alliance

Oman Air will join the oneworld® Alliance, further strengthening the premier airline alliance’s leading position in the Middle East.

Based in Muscat, Oman Air was elected as a oneworld member designate in Doha by the oneworld Governing Board, comprising the Chief Executives of all oneworld member airlines. oneworld member Qatar Airways will act as sponsor for Oman Air’s entry into oneworld, providing guidance and support as the airline integrates into the alliance.

Oman Air is expected to be implemented into oneworld in 2024, following which it will provide the full range of oneworld benefits to customers travelling on its flights. Members of Oman Air’s Sindbad frequent flyer programme will be able to earn and redeem miles on all oneworld member airlines, with top tier members receiving additional benefits including lounge access when travelling with other oneworld members.

Oman Air’s entry into oneworld will provide even more flights and destinations to customers planning global travel across the alliance’s members, making oneworld the only global airline alliance with three members in the Middle East after Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian. Oman Air’s joining will add new destinations to the oneworld network including Duqm and Khasab in Oman and Chittagong (Bangladesh). oneworld Emerald, oneworld Sapphire and premium cabin customers will also gain access to three Oman Air lounges at Muscat, Salalah and Bangkok.

Launched in 1993, Oman Air is the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman. From its roots as a domestic airline, it has transformed into an international carrier serving 41 destinations in more than 20 territories. It operates a modern fleet of more than 40 aircraft comprising Boeing 737s, 787s and Airbus A330s. Configured in a two or three-class cabin, Oman Air’s aircraft offer exclusive First Class Private Suites on longer-haul flights. Known for its exceptional in-flight hospitality, the airline has received several awards including most recently the APEX Passenger Choice Award for Best Seat Comfort in the Middle East.

Oman Air operates to five oneworld member airline hubs – Amman, Colombo, Doha, Kuala Lumpur and London Heathrow – and already codeshares with four oneworld member airlines: Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines. Joining oneworld will pave the way for additional codeshare opportunities, further enhancing global connectivity across the alliance’s network.

Following its entry into oneworld, Oman Air will be the third new member of the alliance in five years, marking another achievement in oneworld’s rapid growth. Royal Air Maroc joined the alliance in April 2020, adding oneworld’s first full member in the African continent. This was followed by Alaska Airlines in March 2021, making oneworld the only global airline alliance with two members in the United States.

Oman Air aircraft photo gallery:

GetJet Airlines adds its first of five Boeing 737-800

GetJet Airlines, an IOSA approved Lithuanian ACMI and charter carrier, expands its fleet by adding a Boeing 737-800, featuring a single economy class cabin of 189 seats. The aircraft, bearing the Lithuanian registration LY-UNO, is the only Boeing 737 of its type to be operated by any carrier within the Baltic countries.

Following the Introduction of LY-UNO, GetJet Airlines has secured a further four Boeing 737-800 units into its fleet, with two aircraft slated for delivery this summer (tail numbers LY-DUE, LY-TRE), preceding the induction of 2 more units by the 4th quarter of 2022, all of which will be available primarily for ACMI operations to clients globally. The aircraft (MSN 33801), manufactured in 2004, entered commercial service utilizing the Lithuanian carrier’s call sign on June 25, 2022, operating flights between Vilnius and Heraklion.

‘GetJet Airlines has historically incorporated Boeing aircraft as an integral part of our fleet strategy, having performed our first ever commercial flight on a 737 Classic back in 2016. Today, we are proud to introduce the Boeing 737 NG an aircraft that will serve our valued ACMI clients worldwide. After taking delivery of our first of five 737-800 units, GetJet Airlines is poised to deliver the capabilities our clients need to capitalise on this surge in summer demand and beyond,’ comments Rūta Kulvinskaitė, GetJet Airlines CEO.

GetJet Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Aer Lingus Regional announces new services to Cardiff and Southampton from its Belfast base

Emerald Airlines, exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional, has announced two new services to Cardiff and Southampton from its Belfast Base.

Already servicing Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Glasgow, Exeter, and Manchester, Aer Lingus Regional will now operate Cardiff and Southampton routes from Belfast City Airport.

Passengers can also book flights from Belfast City Airport to Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Glasgow, and Exeter. Passengers will be able to earn Avios points on all Aer Lingus Regional flights, providing continuity and benefits of the current services offered by both Aer Lingus and British Airways at Belfast City Airport.

Aer Lingus Regional flights will be operated by the ATR72-600, the latest generation of turboprop aircraft combining unmatched environmental and economic performance.  These ultra-low fuel burn aircraft emit up to 40% less CO₂ on these short, regional flights.

BHD – Cardiff Schedule

 

From To Start Date Frequency Dep Time
Belfast Cardiff 07 July M Th F S Su 10:10
Cardiff Belfast 07 July M Th F S Su 12:00

 

BHD – Southampton Schedule

 

From To Start Date Frequency Dep Time
Belfast Southampton 07 July M T W TH F SU 15:00
Southampton Belfast 07 July M T W TH F SU 17:10
Belfast Southampton 07 July S 09:55
Southampton Belfast 07 July S 12:05

Emerald Airlines slide show:

SAS comments on today’s announcement from the Norwegian Government

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS made this announcement:

Today’s announcement from the Norwegian Government,  regarding its intention to support our transformation plan SAS FORWARD by converting its debt holding into SAS equity, is appreciated and an important step towards the success of SAS FORWARD.

The Norwegian Government has also announced they will not contribute with new capital. SAS wants to express its appreciation of the support provided by the Norwegian State over the years and most recently during the pandemic.

The full implementation of SAS FORWARD, including the burden sharing components, will allow SAS to become a competitive player in the European airline industry.

Since 1946, SAS has been an important part of the Scandinavian infrastructure, connecting Norway and Scandinavia to the world and the world to Scandinavia. This continues to be SAS’ mission for generations to come.

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

American Airlines announces pilot cadet scholarship in honor of Elise Eberwein

American Airlines has announced the creation of the Elise Eberwein American Airlines Pilot Scholarship, a $1 million commitment over the next 10 years to further the airline’s extensive efforts to increase and diversify the pilot ranks.

The scholarship launches later this year and honors Eberwein, American’s Executive Vice President of People and Global Engagement, who retires at the end of the month. Eberwein began her airline career as a flight attendant and spent the next 35 years advocating for team members, creating a people-first culture, and driving forward-looking programs to make American a premier place to work.

“Not only was Elise the driver to define our mission to care for people on life’s journey, she embodies that work every day,” American CEO Robert Isom said. “She advocates tirelessly for our team, especially those whose voices may be less likely to be heard, and works to create career pathways for all. Elise’s leadership has helped us look not only at who we are today, but who we want to be tomorrow. Launching this scholarship as we recruit the next generation of aviators is the perfect way to honor her passion for people and progress.”

The scholarship will annually award two candidates with $50,000 each to put toward the costs of pilot training through the American Airlines Cadet Academy. Designed to support those candidates with demonstrated financial need or those who may not have ready access to careers in aviation, this scholarship further enhances American’s commitment to strengthen and diversify the flight deck, as well as support the airline’s robust recruitment efforts.

American aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):