Avianca to open new routes to Colombia from Miami and New York

Avianca Colombia has made this announcement:

  • To enhance its point-to-point connectivity, Avianca announced the launch of new non-stop routes connecting Pereira, Bucaramanga and Santa Marta with Miami; Pereira with New York; and Cartagena with Sao Paulo in Brazil and Santiago de Chile. The airline will also launch the Medellรญn – Pereira route within Colombia.
  • With these new flights for the winter season -when the airline industry’s capacity increases- Avianca’s customers will have around 130 routes available, with more than 4,000 flights per week and more than 700,000 seats per week in the most extensive network in Colombia and one of the largest in Latin America.

With the launch of 4 new routes connecting Miami and New York with destinations in Colombia such as Santa Marta, Pereira, and Bucaramanga, as well as 3 new routes; 1 to the interior of Colombia and 2 from Cartagena to Sao Paulo and Santiago de Chile.

The airline announced that will offer between 4 and 8 weekly flights depending on the route and that these will operate in Airbus A320s with capacity for more than 150 passengers:

4 routes from Miami and New York to Colombia:

Miami – Pereira – Miami route itineraries: 8 weekly flights with 1,200 seats per week.

Ruta

Vuelo

Hora de salida

Hora de llegada

Frecuencia

Fecha de inicio
Miami – Pereira AV201 19:25 22:55 Martes, jueves, sรกbado y domingo 8 de diciembre
Pereira – Miami AV200 5:55 9:35 Lunes, miรฉrcoles, viernes y domingo

*Local time, operation subject to government approval.

Miami – Bucaramanga โ€“ Miami route itineraries: 6 weekly flights with 900 seats per week.

Ruta

Vuelo

Hora de salida

Hora de llegada

Frecuencia

Fecha de inicio

Miami – Bucaramanga

AV149

19:25

22:45

Lunes, miรฉrcoles y viernes

8 de diciembre

Bucaramanga โ€“ Miami

AV148

6:10

9:35

Martes, jueves y sรกbado

ย *Local time, operation subject to government approval.

Miami – Santa Marta – Miami route itineraries: 4 weekly flights with 600 seats per week.

Ruta

Vuelo

Hora de partida

Hora de llegada

Frecuencia

Fecha de inicio

Miami โ€“ Santa Marta

AV188

11:00

13:50

Martes y sรกbado

10 de diciembre

Santa Marta โ€“ Miami

AV189

15:10

18:00

Martes y sรกbado

*Local time, operation subject to government approval.

New York – Pereira – New York route itineraries: ย 4 weekly flights with 600 seats per week available.

Ruta

Vuelo

Hora de partida

Hora de llegada

Frecuencia

Fecha de inicio

Nueva York – Pereira

AV207

1:55

7:45

Lunes y viernes

8 de diciembre

Pereira โ€“ Nueva York

AV206

18:25

0:05

Jueves y Domingo

*Local time, operation subject to government approval.

1 new route to fly direct between the regions of Colombia:

Pereira – Medellin – Pereira route itineraries: 8 weekly flights with 1,200 seats available per week, as follows:

Ruta

Vuelo

Hora de partida

Hora de llegada

Frecuencia

Fecha de inicio

Pereira โ€“ Medellรญn

AV8404

8:40

9:17

Lunes y viernes

8 de diciembre

Medellรญn – Pereira

AV8403

16:24

17:10

Jueves y domingo

*Local time, operation subject to government approval.

2 new routes from Cartagena to Santiago de Chile and Sao Paulo:

Cartagena – Sao Paulo โ€“ Cartagena route itineraries: 6 weekly flights with 900 seats available per week, as follows:

Ruta

Vuelo

Hora de partida

Hora de llegada

Frecuencia

Fecha de inicio

Cartagena โ€“ Sao Paulo

AV131

19:55

04:35

Martes, jueves y sรกbado

10 de enero

Sao Paulo – Cartagena

AV130

05:55

10:30

Miรฉrcoles, viernes y domingo

*Local time, operation subject to government approval.

Cartagena – Santiago – Cartagena route itineraries: 8 weekly flights with 1,200 seats available per week, as follows:

Ruta

Vuelo

Hora de partida

Hora de llegada

Frecuencia

Fecha de inicio

Cartagena – Santiago

AV133

19:40

04:15

Lunes, miรฉrcoles, viernes y domingo

11 de enero

Santiago – Cartagena

AV132

05:45

10:30

Lunes, martes, jueves y sรกbado

*Local time, operation subject to government approval.

“With the implementation of these new routes we are thinking of our customers and their time so that they travel directly, while we are making fast progress creating point-to-point routes that will allow us to have an even more efficient operation. To think of Colombia as a frequent destination is considering more than 510,000 American tourists that visit the south american country, boosting tourism between the United States and Colombia,” said Rolando Damas, Director of North American Sales for Avianca.

Avianca Colombia aircraft photo gallery:

SAS launches โ€œJourneys That Matterโ€

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS has made this announcement:

ย โ€œJourneys That Matterโ€ is the name of SASโ€™ new communication concept, which is launched through a new advertising campaign today. The campaign highlights the importance of traveling and represents SASโ€™ first brand campaign since 2020.

The new communication concept is based on a new brand platform, which is being launched alongside an updated identity.

โ€œWe are Travelersโ€ was introduced eight years ago and has proved to be extremely successful. A changed world has led to new travel patterns, which have seen the target group grow from primarily consisting of business travelers to include the expanding leisure market. The new communication concept speaks to this new, wider target group.

โ€œTraveling gives us new perspectives, experiences and lifelong memories. The reasons why people travel are as diverse as the passengers who board each and every aircraft. Here at SAS, we know how important each journey is for our individual customers. That is why our employees do their very best to ensure that every aspect of the customer journey is as good as it possibly can be. Aviation plays a vital role for both individuals and society at large; something that we want to emphasize,โ€ says Karin Nyman, Director of Communications at SAS.

Together with the brand and design agency Bold, SAS has revised and updated its visual identity. The distinct core has been retained, and new warm and personal elements have been added. People are given a more prominent place in in the new image style.

SAS has worked with ร…kestam Holst, Bold and The North Alliance since 2013.

โ€œIt is a privilege to be part of SASโ€™ continued journey and yet again revitalize one of Scandinaviaโ€™s most iconic brands. SAS is The North Allianceโ€™s founding client and we have been working together for many years to create exponential value for both the brand and the company, with the concept and identity demonstrably playing a vital role. It is now time to repeat the process, although both market and the outside world have changed,โ€ says Jenny Kaiser, CEO of ร…kestam Holst NoA.

โ€œOur goal has been to create a strong emotional bond between SAS and its travelers, and an identity which with strong recognition signals quality, care and warmth. In addition to visual components such as a new, specially developed font, colors, images, and layout system, we have also developed new concepts for motion and sound. We are extremely proud of our almost ten-year partnership with SAS and the fact that we have once again been entrusted with renewing their brand,โ€ says Oskar Lรผbeck, founder and Chief Creative Officer at Bold.

Video:

Orlando International Airport opens its new Terminal C in phases

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is opening its new Terminal C in phases.

Aer Lingus and Gol will be the first airlines to move to the new terminal. Here is the schedule:

Terminal C will have you covered if youโ€™re feeling hungry, thirsty or ready to shop! The new terminal will feature:

  • 24 Food & Beverage Locations โ€“ including Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith, Shake Shack, PGA Tour Grill, Wine Bar George, Barnies Coffee & Tea Co., Orange County Brewers and Cask & Larder
  • 12 Retail Locations โ€“ including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, City Arts Market, Trip Advisor and Brighton
  • 1 Lounge โ€“ Plaza Premium Lounge

Some fun facts about the concessions coming to Terminal C include:

  • Strong regional flavor with over half of the concepts being local rather than national brands
  • PGA Tour & Grill includes a putting green
  • Summer House will have a โ€œFloridaโ€ vibe with open, airy spaces and greenery
  • You may have already seen Chef Art Smith proudly posting about his new โ€œSunshine Dinerโ€ venture
  • There will be multiple gourmet coffee locations including Barnies, Illy and Starbucks
  • The three major theme parks will each have exciting, must-see features in their stores
  • The Plaza Premium lounge will have artwork from Orlando Museum of Art and silent digital art from Full Sail University

Photo: Emirates Airline Airbus A380-861 A6-EEU (msn 147) (Destination Dubai) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 958910.

Copyright Photo: Emirates Airline Airbus A380-861 A6-EEU (msn 147) (Destination Dubai) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 958910.

Emirates aircraft photo gallery:

Oktoberfest 2022 – Lufthansa crew with new dirndl uniforms

Lufthansa made this announcement:

A the start of the Munich Oktoberfest, it’s “take-off” again for the Lufthansa dirndl crew. On September 15, the Lufthansa flight attendants took off simultaneously from Munich to Rio de Janeiro and San Diego. Boston and New York will follow on September 26. This year’s special feature: After five years, the flight attendants present themselves in a new, sustainably produced dirndl.

Also on numerous European and German routes from Munich dirndl crews have been a tradition for many years. Lufthansa’s passenger service staff in Terminal 2 also greet passengers in traditional costume. Instead of the classic Lufthansa uniform, the ladies wear dirndls and the men wear lederhosen.

“We are delighted to continue the 16-year history of the dirndl flights and thus also welcome visitors to the Oktoberfest on the ground and on board with Bavarian flair,” says Dr. Stefan Kreuzpaintner, CCO Lufthansa Airlines.

Jost Lammers, Chairman and CEO of Munich Airport adds: “In the coming weeks, Munich Airport will once again present itself as an attractive gateway to the Oktoberfest, and Lufthansa’s dirndl crews will be part of that.”

Oktoberfest in Lufthansa lounges worldwide and above the clouds

Above the clouds the Oktoberfest season begins today on more than 800 long-haul flights to 33 destinations from Frankfurt and Munich. Until October 3, Lufthansa will be serving Bavarian specialities in First and Business Class. Guests will also receive roasted almonds, Oktoberfest chocolates and gingerbread hearts.

In the lounges in Terminal 2 and in the satellite building, Leberkรคs’ (meat loaf), pretzels and WeiรŸwรผrste will traditionally be served. This year, the Oktoberfest menu in the Lufthansa First Class Lounge restaurant, which is festively decorated for the occasion, will begin with a festive soup, followed by roasted duck traditional style.ย  The finale will be a homemade apple strudel with vanilla sauce, roasted almonds and rum sultanas.

Sustainably certified: Lufthansa staff in new Bavarian traditional costume

The new traditional costume for the long-haul crew was once again designed and tailored by Munich-based costume specialist Angermaier. The flight attendants’ Wiesn dirndl has silver woven flowers with a colour-coordinated apron and metal clasp on the apron band. The men wear short leather trousers with a classically cut waistcoat in the same fabric.

For the first time, the collection is certified according to “STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX”. All components and materials were produced and processed sustainably. To keep transport distances short, the fabrics were woven exclusively in Austria and produced in Europe.

Lufthansa aircraft photo gallery:

Air India unveils its transformation plan named Vihaan.AI

Air India today unveiled its comprehensive transformation plan, to establish itself, once again, as a world-class global airline with an Indian heart – the absolute best in class in customer service, in technology, in product, in reliability and in hospitality. The plan is fittingly titled “Vihaan.AI”, which in Sanskrit signifies the dawn of a new era, withย identified objectives for Air India over the next 5 years.

As part of Vihaan.AI, Air India has put into place a detailed roadmap with clear milestones focussing on dramatically growing both its network and fleet, developing a completely revamped customer proposition, improving reliability and on-time performance, and taking a leadership position in technology, sustainability, and innovation, while aggressively investing behind the best industry talent.

Over the next 5 years, Air India will strive to increase its market share to at least 30% in the domestic market while significantly growing the international routes from the present market share. The plan is aimed at putting Air India on a path to sustained growth, profitability and market leadership.

Vihaan.AI has been developed after extensive feedback from Air India employees on their aspirations and hopes for the airline’s growth. Vihaan.AI focuses on five key pillars, exceptional customer experience, robust operations, industry-best talent, industry leadership, and commercial efficiency and profitability. While the immediate focus of the airline remains on fixing the basics and readying itself for growth (Taxiing Phase), the more medium-to-long term focus will be on building for excellence and establishing scale to become a global industry leader (Take Off & Climb phases).

Commenting on Vihaan.AI, Mr. Campbell Wilson, MD, and CEO, Air India said, “This is the beginning of a historic transformation for Air India, and the dawn of a new era. We are laying the foundation for a brave new Air India, with a renewed sense of purpose and incredible momentum. ย Vihaan.AI is our transformation plan to make Air India the world class airline it once was, and that it deserves to be again.ย  We are absolutely focussed on being recognized as a world-class airline serving global customers, with a proudly Indian heart.”

Air India aircraft photo Gallery:

Air New Zealand touches down in New York

Air New Zealandย touched down at John F. Kennedy International Airport on September 17, marking the first of its nonstop flights connecting the city of sails and the city that never sleeps.

 

The airline’s new international menu was debuted onboard NZ2, showcasing the best of New Zealand produce to the world. This features more choice in the air, so Premium customers can add the likes of seared salmon from Marlborough, free-range chicken from Waikato or bacon, and streamed green vegetables or fresh, crisp salads picked straight from orchards and fields in Gisborne, Waikato and the Manawatลซ.

As part of the new menu, Business Premier customers were welcomed to their dining experience with an amuse-bouche of New Zealand paua saucisson (abalone sausage) with herb cream and tomato.

Air New Zealand now serves seven destinations in North America โ€“ Chicago (from 31 October), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and (after much anticipation), New York City.

The first flight from New York (JFK) to Auckland (AKL) departed at 21:55 ET with an estimated flight time of 17 and a half hours.

Flight schedule between Auckland and New York, effective September 19, 2022:

Flight No.

Aircraft type

From

To

Departs

Arrives

Frequency

NZ2

Boeing 787-9
Dreamliner

Auckland

New York

19:40

19:55

Mon, Thu, Sat

NZ1

New York

Auckland

21:55

07:30 +2

Air New Zealand aircraft photo gallery:

Horizon Air’s pilots ratify the new agreement

Horizon Air’s more than 700 pilots, who are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), voted to ratify a new agreement aimed at supporting the company’s pilots and retaining talent as mainline airlines continue hiring pilots away from regional airlines at record levels. The agreement includes important pay increases and enhancements to retirement benefits. Additional improvements involve commuter policies and instructor benefits.

More than 91% of Horizon pilots voted, and the agreement passed by 99%.

Horizon Air pilot

A tentative agreement was reached with the IBT on Sept. 2 and is effective immediately upon today’s ratification.

The pilot shortage and the transition to a single fleet of Embraer 175 aircraft has resulted in a temporary reduction of Horizon’s scheduled flying. Nonetheless, Horizon continues to fly to every community we serve. Regional air service provides essential support for economic development and strong local communities. We’re committed to ensuring this service remains strong into the future.

The new agreement with Horizon pilots complements other company efforts that are expanding and diversifying the pilot pipeline through investments in the Ascend Pilot Academy and the Pilot Development Program. This is a priority, as Alaska and Horizon estimate the need to hire 500 pilots each year through 2025.

With bases in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska, Horizon serves more than 45 cities throughout the Pacific Northwest, California, the Midwest, and British Columbia and Alberta in Canada. Horizon maintains pilot crew bases in Anchorage, Boise, Everett, Medford, Portland, Seattle and Spokane.

Horizon Air was formed in response to the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. One of the results of this act was that many larger airlines abandoned routes within the Northwest. To fill this gap in the market, entrepreneur Milt Kuolt and a group of venture capitalists founded Horizon in Seattle in September 1981. Horizon brought together 36 enthusiastic employees and a fleet consisting of two leased Fairchild F-27 turboprop aircraft to begin service between Yakima, Pasco, and Seattle.

In the early 1980s, Horizon grew rapidly and in 1982, Horizon acquired Air Oregon, which had served the state of Oregon for a number of years. In 1983, Horizon acquired Utah-based Transwestern Airlines, which served the intermountain West, including Boise. Both these acquisitions expanded Horizon’s system map considerably.

In early 1984, Horizon became a public company with an initial stock offering of 750,000 shares. The stock sale was an immediate success and was used to retire debt and provide funding for future aircraft acquisition.

By 1986 the company’s proven track record attracted the attention of larger airlines. In the end Horizon was acquired by Seattle-based Alaska Air Group, Inc., a holding company that includes us, Alaska Airlines. While remaining independently managed, Horizon gained the competitive advantage of connections with us, her sister carrier, and partnership in our Mileage Plan frequent flier program. Along with Alaska, Horizon also code-shares with a wide range of other airline partners.

On Jan. 1, 2011, Horizon shifted to a capacity purchase agreement (CPA) business model, which is the regional airline industry standard. Under this arrangement, Horizon operates and maintains its aircraft while Alaska is responsible for scheduling, marketing and pricing all flights. The change also included the rebranding of all Horizon aircraft to feature the Alaska brand.

Today, Horizon Air maintains an operational fleet of 52 Bombardier Q400 aircraft with an average age of 10 years. In 2016, the airlineย announced the purchase of 33 Embraer E175 aircraft, the first of which was delivered in spring 2017.

Horizon is about 4,000 employees strong and serves more than 45 cities inย Alaska, California, Colorado,ย Idaho, Montana,ย Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Alberta and British Columbia, Canada.

The airline has a general office in Seattle and a primary maintenance base in Portland, Oregon, with additional maintenance facilities in Boise, Idaho; Seattle, Washington; Medford, Oregon; Redmond/Bend, Oregon, and Spokane, Washington.

Alaska Horizon aircraft photo gallery:

Horizon Air aircraft photo gallery (historic):

ZIPAIR to launch flights to San Jose, California

ZIPAIR Tokyo announced its decision to launch flights between Tokyo Narita and Mineta San Josรฉ International Airport on December 12. Reservations for the service will open today and the carrier will offer an inaugural fare to help celebrate the nonstop service between Japan and the Bay Area.

ZIPAIR operates the highly efficient Boeing 787-8 aircraft on its international routes and will initially offer three flights per week to Mineta San Josรฉ airport. The city of San Josรฉ is known for its incredible weather, cultural diversity, creative innovators, and opportunities to uncover endless possibilities for adventure and fun.

 
 

  • Airfare shown above are inclusive of taxes and applicable airport fees. Taxes for the Tokyo-Mineta Sanย Josรฉย route are converted at 144.45 yen per dollar. (As of September 14, 2022)
  • Inaugural airfare is subject to availability.
  • Airfare shown above is for a Standard Value Seat. (Per Seat / One-way fare)
  • Each fare includes a maximum of 7kg of carry-on baggage allowance.
  • Additional fees apply for optional services, including inflight meals, checked baggage, seat selection.

 

 

  • An administrative ticketing fee will apply per person (per sector) for purchases made through the Contact Center.

ZIPAIR aircraft slide show:

Arajet commences low-fare scheduled operations

Arajet (Santo Domingo) on September 15, 2022 launched scheduled low-fare operations.

The first route connect Santo Domingo with Barranquilla, Colombia.

The inaugural flight was followed by a second flight, this time to Cali, Colombia on the same day.

Arajet aircraft slide show: