Author Archives: Bruce Drum

About Bruce Drum

I have started the ultimate digital photo library of the fascinating world of airliners and airlines. The goal is to have the complete history of all airlines and the various aircraft operated. I have been photographing airplanes since 1965. Join us in this adventure.

Frontier Airlines resumes codesharing with Volaris

Frontier Airlines today announced it has resumed codesharing with the Mexico City-based airline Volaris.

Frontier and Valaris are part of the Indigo Partners group.

Beginning today, Frontier customers will have the ability to book travel between the U.S. and Mexico through the codeshare for flights departing May 16, 2024, onward.

Photo: Volaris.

Volaris is the Mexican ultra low-cost airline that operates in Mexico, the United States, and Central and South America. Their flights in Mexico include popular destinations such as Mexico City, Cancún, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Acapulco, Guadalajara, Monterrey and Tijuana, among others.

Volaris aircraft photo gallery:

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JetBlue announces Puerto Rico expansion, new Mint service to three cities, and three new destinations

JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-231 WL N947JB (msn 6448) (Ribbons) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 963148.

JetBlue Airways today announced significant network enhancements that reaffirm its position as the largest carrier in Puerto Rico. This expansion includes the addition of six new destinations from San Juan – one of JetBlue’s most successful focus cities – enhancing connectivity and offering more choices to customers. In a groundbreaking move for the island, JetBlue is also introducing its popular Mint experience – JetBlue’s take on premium travel – for the first time in Puerto Rico. Starting in July, JetBlue will begin offering Mint on a daily flight between San Juan and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) complete with lie-flat seats and an elevated dining experience.

The following new destinations will be served with nonstop service to/from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU):

To/From San Juan (SJU):Frequency:Begins:
Providence, RI (PVD)1x daily10/27/2024
Westchester County, NY (HPN)1x daily10/27/2024
Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI) 11x daily10/28/2024
Medellín, Colombia (MDE) 14x weekly10/29/2024
Cancún, Mexico (CUN) 13x weekly10/28/2024
St. Croix, USVI (STX)1x daily12/12/2024

Since becoming a part of the community in Puerto Rico in 2002, the airline’s much-loved low fares and customer experience quickly positioned JetBlue as a preferred carrier on the island. JetBlue today employs more than 370 crewmembers across Puerto Rico – and growing. JetBlue also provides service from Aguadilla and Ponce, and with the announced expansion in San Juan, it will operate flights to 18 different destinations from the three airports it serves on the island. With additional connections through other JetBlue cities, the airline will average 40 departures per day from San Juan this upcoming winter, more than any other airline.

More Mint to more places including Phoenix and Vancouver

Building on the popularity of JetBlue’s Mint experience, the airline is thrilled to announce the expansion of its premium travel experience to additional destinations, including Phoenix and Vancouver. This winter, every flight heading to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) will feature Mint, offering nonstop comfort and excellent cuisine from JetBlue’s East Coast focus cities – New York, Boston, and Fort Lauderdale.

JetBlue is not only adding Mint but doubling service from New York and Boston to Phoenix and reintroducing service from Fort Lauderdale to Phoenix. Additionally, JetBlue will introduce Mint to the Canadian market on JetBlue’s daily flight between New York and Vancouver, British Columbia, elevating the travel experience on these routes to new heights. JetBlue will also add Mint service between Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas.

JetBlue is now offering Mint on the following routes:

JetBlue focus cityTo/from:Frequency:Mint service begins:
New York (JFK)San Juan (SJU)1x daily7/22/2024
New York (JFK)Vancouver (YVR)1x daily7/21/2024
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)Las Vegas (LAS)2x daily, winter seasonal10/27/2024
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)Phoenix (PHX)1x daily, winter seasonal10/25/2024
Boston (BOS)Phoenix (PHX)2x daily, winter seasonal10/27/2024
New York (JFK)Phoenix (PHX)2x daily, winter seasonal10/27/2024

Adding three Caribbean destinations

JetBlue has long been a leader in the Caribbean and Latin America, where it operates one-third of its network. JetBlue is set to enhance that position with the addition of three new Caribbean destinations.

This fall, JetBlue will launch flights from New York’s JFK to the pristine beauty of St. Vincent and the Grenadines with service to Argyle International Airport (SVD), and the tranquil shores in Bonaire with flights to Flamingo International Airport (BON)1. These additions are part of JetBlue’s strategy to expand its reach by adding markets with limited competition but high demand. These routes, which will go on sale later this month, establish JetBlue as the only U.S. airline offering direct connections from New York’s JFK to these captivating destinations.

In addition to these new offerings, JetBlue is also resuming daily service to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) in St. Croix with flights from San Juan, further facilitating seamless travel within the Caribbean and easy connections from the US mainland. JetBlue previously served St. Croix from 2011 to 2019.

The following new service will begin this fall:

JetBlue focus cityTo/from:Frequency:Begins:
San Juan (SJU)St. Croix (STX)1x daily12/12/2024
New York (JFK)St. Vincent (SVD)To be announcedTo be announced
New York (JFK)Bonaire (BON)To be announcedTo be announced

Moving flying and redeploying capacity

These strategic network and product moves are part of JetBlue’s plan to refocus its flying into leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) routes with strong customer demand as it continues its efforts to return the airline’s business to profitability. The new routes, destinations and Mint service lean into strengths in JetBlue’s product offering and role as a top leisure carrier.

JetBlue will be adding these new routes and services by redeploying capacity within its network. As a result of the end of the airline’s Northeast Alliance with American Airlines, JetBlue will scale back flying at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and reduce flying on a handful of underperforming routes in its network. Along with returning to profitability, the airline continues to focus on improving reliability across the airline’s operation.

1.Subject to receipt of government operating authority.
 
2.Providence (PVD) to San Juan (SJU) one-way only. Book by: 5/10/24 for travel 10/28/24-12/18/24. Blackout dates: 11/21/24-12/2/24.San Juan (SJU) to Providence (PVD) one-way only. Book by: 5/10/24 for travel 10/28/24-12/18/24. Blackout dates: 11/21/24-12/2/24.Westchester County (HPN) to San Juan (SJU) one-way only. Book by: 5/10/24 for travel 10/28/24-12/18/24. Blackout dates: 11/21/24-12/2/24. San Juan (SJU) to Westchester County (HPN) one-way only. Book by: 5/10/24 for travel 10/28/24-12/18/24. Blackout dates: 11/21/24-12/2/24. San Juan (SJU) to St. Croix (STX) one-way only. Book by: 5/10/24 for travel 12/12/24-2/12/25. St. Croix (STX) to San Juan (SJU) one-way only. Book by: 5/10/24 for travel 12/12/24-2/12/25. San Juan (SJU) to Santiago (STI) one-way only. Book by: 5/10/24 for travel 10/28/24-12/18/24. Blackout dates: 11/21/24-12/2/24. San Juan (SJU) to Medellin (MDE) one-way only. Book by: 5/10/24 for travel 10/29/24-12/18/24. Blackout dates: 11/21/24-12/2/24. San Juan (SJU) to Cancun (CUN) one-way only. Book by: 5/10/24 for travel 10/28/24-12/18/24. Blackout dates: 11/21/24-12/2/24. New York (JFK) to San Juan (SJU) one-way only. Book by: 5/10/24 for travel 7/23/24-11/13/24. San Juan (SJU) to New York (JFK) one-way only. Book by: 5/10/24 for travel 7/23/24-11/13/24. Terms apply.

SJU New Markets

Schedule between Providence (PVD) and San Juan (SJU)

Daily service starting October 27, 2024

PVD-SJU Flight #0525SJU-PVD Flight #0526
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.7:25 p.m. – 10:24 p.m.

Schedule between Westchester County (HPN) and San Juan (SJU)

Daily service starting October 27, 2024

HPN-SJU Flight #2601SJU-HPN Flight #2602
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. – 10:55 p.m.

Schedule between San Juan (SJU) and St. Croix (STX)

Daily service starting December 12, 2024

SJU-STX Flight #2940STX-SJU Flight #2941
3:35 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.5:10 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Schedule between San Juan (SJU) and Santiago (STI)

Daily service starting October 28, 2024

SJU-STI Flight #1607STI-SJU Flight #1608
11:25 a.m. – 12:25 p.m.1:25 p.m. – 2:26 p.m.

Schedule between San Juan (SJU) and Medellín (MDE)

Service starting October 29, 2024- Operating Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday

SJU-MDE Flight #2965MDE-SJU Flight #2966
1:20 p.m. – 3:05 p.m.4:05 p.m. – 7:50 p.m.

Schedule between San Juan (SJU) and Cancún (CUN)

Service starting October 28, 2024 – Operating Monday, Wednesday and Saturday

SJU-CUN Flight #2899CUN-SJU Flight #2898
12:10 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.3:30 p.m. – 7:50 p.m.
 

Mint Routes

Mint schedule between New York (JFK) and San Juan (SJU)

Daily service starting July 22, 2024

JFK-SJU Flight #0503SJU-JFK Flight #2404
8:35 a.m. – 1:37 p.m.2:50 p.m. – 6:01 p.m.

Mint schedule between New York (JFK) and Vancouver (YVR)

Daily service starting July 21, 2024

JFK-YVR Flight #1975YVR-JFK Flight #1974
5:50 p.m. – 9:07 p.m.10:30 p.m. – 6:45 a.m.

Mint schedule between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Phoenix (PHX)

Daily seasonal service starting October 25, 2024

FLL-PHX Flight #0857PHX-FLL Flight #0858
7:00 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.11:20 am. – 5:19 p.m.

Mint schedule between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Las Vegas (LAS)

Daily seasonal service starting October 27, 2024

FLL-LAS Flight #1707LAS-FLL Flight #1708
8:40 a.m. – 11:08 a.m.12:20 p.m. – 7:54 p.m.
FLL-LAS Flight #0607LAS-FLL Flight #0608
7:40 p.m. – 10:11 p.m.11:25 p.m. – 6:49 a.m.

Mint schedule between Boston (BOS) and Phoenix (PHX)

Daily seasonal service starting October 27, 2024

BOS-PHX Flight #1303PHX-BOS Flight #0502
7:05 a.m. – 11:23 a.m.12:35 p.m. – 7:10 p.m.
BOS-PHX Flight #0303PHX-BOS Flight #1302
5:35 p.m. – 9:48 p.m.10:59 p.m. – 5:40 a.m.

Mint schedule between New York (JFK) and Phoenix (PHX)

Daily seasonal service starting October 27, 2024

JFK-PHX Flight #0035PHX-JFK Flight #0736
7:59 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.1:00 p.m. – 7:33 p.m.
JFK-PHX Flight #0735PHX-JFK Flight #0036
6:15 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.11:10 p.m. – 5:40 a.m.

Top Copyright Photo: JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-231 WL N947JB (msn 6448) (Ribbons) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 963148.

JetBlue Airways aircraft photo gallery:

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Qatar Airways Privilege Club Partners with Cardless to Launch its First Credit Cards in the USA

Qatar Airways Privilege Club, the loyalty programme of the award-winning airline Qatar Airways, announces its partnership with Cardless, Inc., a San Francisco-based leader in financial technology, to redefine travel rewards on everyday spends for its members in the U.S. with the launch of the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Credit Cards.

These credit cards, powered by Visa, are now available for members to apply for and mark the debut of Qatar Airways Privilege Club in the U.S. credit card space. Elevating members’ lifestyle and travel experiences, cardholders will be able to collect Avios – the rewards currency of Qatar Airways Privilege Club – on their everyday purchases and enjoy many exciting benefits. 

Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card, which has an annual fee of US$499, has a matte metal design and offers industry-leading rewards. For every US$1 spent with this credit card, cardholders will earn five Avios on Qatar Airways spends, three Avios on restaurant spends and one Avios on all other spends. Cardholders can also benefit from 24/7 concierge assistance, airport benefits, special upgrades at Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection properties, travel coverage, built-in purchase protection and much more. With only a select few Visa Infinite cards available within the U.S., Qatar Airways Privilege Club takes the lead as the first international airline loyalty programme to offer a Visa Infinite credit card in the U.S. market.

With an annual fee of US$99, Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card offers exclusive benefits along with generous rewards. Members will earn four Avios on Qatar Airways spends, two Avios on restaurant spends, and one Avios on all other spends of every US$1 with this credit card.

Both credit cards offer generous bonus and tier fast-track with Qatar Airways Privilege Club. With the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card, cardholders can collect up to 50,000 Avios and 150 Qpoints as a sign-up bonus with minimum spend, and a fast-track to Gold tier with Privilege Club. With the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card, members can collect up to 40,000 bonus Avios with minimum spend, and a fast-track to Silver tier with Privilege Club. Cardholders will enjoy enhanced privileges including tier bonus, complimentary lounge access, extra baggage allowance, priority stand-by, priority check-in, priority boarding, complimentary ‘meet and assist’ service from Al Maha Services when travelling through Hamad International Airport in Doha.

Customers booking their flight tickets on qatarairways.com in the U.S. can seamlessly apply for these credit cards at checkout and pay for their tickets to benefit from a statement credit – demonstrating the commitment of Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Cardless in providing innovative benefits to members.  

Cardholders of both credit cards will also enjoy a new way to collect Qpoints and upgrade or retain their tier with Privilege Club. Members will collect two Qpoints for every 1,500 Avios earned on spends with the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card or for every 2,000 Avios earned on spends with the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card.

Air India Express cancels 86 flights after nearly 300 cabin crew report ‘sick’; government asks airline to resolve issues promptly

Air India Express has been hit hard by a sick out of its flight attendants.

Air India Express issued this statement:

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by unprecedented flight delays and cancellations. While we are working hard to minimize disruptions, please check your flight status before heading to the airport. If your flight is impacted, please reach out to Tia on WhatsApp or http://airindiaexpress.com/support for refund and rescheduling support.

Go deeper with The Hindu:

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/air-india-express-cancels-flights-due-to-cabin-crew-shortage/article68152201.ece

Air India Express aircraft photo gallery:

Scoot puts its first Embraer E190-E2 into revenue service

Scoot on May 7 put its first Embraer E190-E2 into revenue service.

The new type will operate from Singapore to Krabi and Hat Yail.

Service to Koh Samui, Kuantan, Miri and Sibu will be added with the second aircraft.

Initial schedule:

With the addition of Koh Samui and Sibu, Scoot will operate to 69 destinations in the region.

Nine aircraft will be delivered to the subsidiary of Singapore Airlines.

The first aircraft is named “Explorer 3.0”.

Scoot aircraft photo gallery:

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Breeze flight attendants vote to Join the Flight Attendant Union

AFA issued this statement:

Breeze Airways Flight Attendants voted 76.3% to join the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA) in an election certified today by the National Mediation Board (NMB). AFA continues the wave of union organizing in the south with Flight Attendants based in the least unionized state of South Carolina and Florida, Louisiana, Utah, and Virginia – all in the bottom ten.  

“Breeze Flight Attendants filed for an election two weeks after taking their campaign public in January and kept organizing together to turn out a clear mandate to address their concerns at work. Today they gain the legal right to bargain and have a voice in their future at Breeze. We are inspired by their solidarity and thrilled to welcome them to our AFA family,” said AFA International President Sara Nelson. “Our labor movement is growing. Everywhere.”

Breeze Flight Attendants organized for a union and a contract due to ongoing issues with constantly-changing work rules, substandard pay for time on the job, inadequate hotel accommodations, insufficient work hours, and inconsistent and disrespectful treatment from management. Breeze Flight Attendants have faced an aggressive anti union campaign run by management up to the CEO with consultants from Ford and Harrison.

“Management broke out all the tired old union busting, but together we weren’t intimidated or fooled,” said Robynne Martino, Breeze AFA Organizing Committee.. “Our work group spoke clearly. It’s time for Breeze to treat us with the dignity we earn every day on the line. We call on management to come to the table and negotiate a fair contract without delay.”

The Flight Attendant union now represents over 50,000 Flight Attendants at 20 airlines. 

American Airlines honors veterans with special journey to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day

American Airlines proudly announces a historic endeavor to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. On May 31, American will fly 70 World War II veterans to France on a donated charter flight to honor them for their service and sacrifice.

“We’re honored to play a part in helping this group of heroic veterans return to Normandy,” said David Seymour, American’s Chief Operating Officer and a veteran of the U.S. Army. “This special journey is not only an expression of our gratitude for these heroes and the sacrifices they made for our freedom, but we hope to help shine a light on their extraordinary stories and preserve their legacies for generations to come.”

D-Day marks a pivotal moment in history, and this trip reaffirms American’s commitment to supporting veterans and preserving their stories 80 years later.

Among the many heroes who will return to Normandy with American is U.S. Navy veteran Felix Maurizio, who was on a landing craft that deployed troops onto Omaha Beach on D-Day. One of the soldiers he dropped off was his brother, Sal, who served in an Army medical unit.

Frank Perry, B-24 gunner

Also taking the trip is Frank Perry, who served in the Army Air Corps as a turret gunner in central Europe in March 1945, and recalls staying on high alert for enemy fighter aircraft. After being discharged from service, he pursued his dream of a career in aviation with nearly 40 years of service at Piedmont Airlines. Piedmont is one of the many heritage airlines that came together to form today’s American Airlines.

The journey will begin with a kickoff dinner at the American Airlines headquarters in Fort Worth the night before, followed by a send-off parade at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport before the group boards a chartered flight to Paris.

The veterans will spend two days in Paris before traveling to the Normandy region for commemorative events. The trip will include visits to key historical sites, concerts and special ceremonies to honor the courage and sacrifice of all who served during World War II. The trip will culminate with a June 6 ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery, where more than 9,000 U.S. service members have been laid to rest.

American has a long history of supporting those who have sacrificed to serve our nation and has formed partnerships with many organizations to support their mission. This historic trip includes partners like TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Gary Sinise Foundation, Robert Irvine Foundation and Old Glory Honor Flight.

FedEx Boeing 767-300F makes a nose wheel-up landing at Istanbul

FedEx Express Boeing 767-300F N110FE operating cargo flight FX 6238 from Paris (CDG) to Istanbul today (May 8) landed safely on runway 16R at Istanbul after the nose gear failed to deployed.

Video:

airBaltic launches flights from Riga to Skopje, Chisinau, and Pristina

airBaltic Airbus A220-300 (Bombardier CS300 – BD-500-1A11) YL-AAO (msn 55050) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 963144.

airBaltic has announced that as part of its 2024 summer season, it has launched direct flights from Riga to Skopje, Chisinau, and Pristina. These new services connect Latvia’s capital with the new destinations of North Macedonia, Moldova, and Kosovo, offering two weekly flights to each new city and enhanced travel options.

Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is a city where history and modernity meet, offering a unique blend that captures the essence of Eastern Europe. The city is known for its diverse architectural landscape, which includes Ottoman-era buildings, Byzantine churches, and modern neoclassical structures. As a cultural center, Skopje features numerous museums, such as the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, and vibrant markets like the Old Bazaar. With its recent urban enhancements and rich history, Skopje provides a fascinating and hospitable experience for all its visitors. Flights between Riga and Skopje are scheduled to take 2 hours and 46 minutes.

Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, is definitely an intriguing destination of Eastern Europe. This city is characterized by its leafy boulevards and lush parks. Chisinau’s architectural style displays a mix of Soviet-era designs and modern renovations, providing a backdrop for its evolving cultural scene. The city is bustling with art galleries, live music venues, and traditional Moldovan restaurants offering local wines and cuisines. Chisinau’s commitment to cultural preservation alongside its dynamic growth makes it a compelling stop for travelers seeking a deep cultural immersion. Flights between Riga and Chisinau are scheduled to take 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, is rapidly emerging as a vibrant city in the Balkans. Despite its youthful energy, Pristina respects its deep historical roots, visible in landmarks like the Imperial Mosque and the ethnographic museum housed in a traditional Ottoman inn. The cityscape is a canvas of stark contrasts, featuring brutalist Yugoslav architecture alongside contemporary buildings. Pristina is also a hub for arts and culture, with numerous festivals, trendy cafes, and arts venues that reflect its cosmopolitan spirit. Its ongoing urban development and cultural vibrancy make Pristina an exciting and welcoming destination for visitors looking for new adventures in Europe. Flights between Riga and Pristina are scheduled to take 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Top Copyright Photo: airBaltic Airbus A220-300 (Bombardier CS300 – BD-500-1A11) YL-AAO (msn 55050) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 963144.

airBaltic aircraft photo gallery:

Great Airlines Series of books available from Amazon:

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