Qantas faces class action lawsuit over travel credit handling. A group of Australian passengers have filed a class action lawsuit against Qantas Airways, alleging that the airline has mishandled their travel credits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit claims that Qantas has made it difficult for passengers to redeem their credits, and that the airline has not provided them with adequate information about how to do so.
Qantas announces further international capacity boost. Qantas Airways has announced that it will be further boosting its international capacity in the coming months. The airline said that it will be adding more flights to popular destinations such as London, Los Angeles, and Singapore. Qantas’s decision to increase capacity comes as demand for international travel continues to recover.
Qatar Airways increases Doha-New York JFK to three-daily. Qatar Airways has increased its Doha-New York JFK service to three-daily. The airline said that the increase in frequency is in response to strong demand for travel between the two cities. Qatar Airways is the only Middle Eastern airline to offer a non-stop service between Doha and New York JFK.
Monarch secures funding: Discussions on aircraft underway. Monarch Airlines, the British leisure airline that collapsed in 2017, has secured funding and is in discussions with aircraft lessors about leasing planes. The airline is hoping to relaunch in 2024. Monarch was one of the UK’s largest airlines before it went bust, carrying around 5 million passengers a year.
Hobart welcomes Rex Airlines inaugural flight. Rex Airlines has launched its inaugural flight from Melbourne to Hobart, Tasmania. The new service is the first to be operated by Rex Airlines in Tasmania. The airline plans to operate up to five flights per week between Melbourne and Hobart.
IndiGo announces flights to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has announced that it will start flights to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in September. The airline will operate a twice-weekly service between Delhi and Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan, and a thrice-weekly service between Delhi and Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Air India Express can finally soar with new Boeing 737 MAX planes. Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, has received its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The airline plans to take delivery of a total of 20 MAX aircraft by the end of 2023. The MAX aircraft are replacing older 737-800s in Air India Express’s fleet.
Etihad U-turn on Moscow expansion plans. Etihad Airways has reversed its decision to expand its operations in Moscow. The airline had announced plans to add more flights to Moscow in response to the lifting of sanctions against Russia. However, Etihad has now said that it will not be adding any new flights to Moscow in the near future.
Finnair CEO Topi Manner resigns from airline. Topi Manner has resigned as CEO of Finnair. Manner has been CEO of Finnair since 2017. He is stepping down to pursue other opportunities. Finnair has not yet announced a successor to Manner.
Thai AirAsia forex losses wipe out Q2 profits. Thai AirAsia has reported a net loss of THB 1.7 billion (US$53 million) in the second quarter of 2023. The loss was caused by forex losses of THB 2.1 billion. Thai AirAsia is the largest low-cost carrier in Thailand.
Air France-KLM to cut 7,500 jobs. Air France-KLM has announced plans to cut 7,500 jobs in an effort to reduce costs. The airline said that the cuts will affect all levels of the company, and that it will also be freezing salaries and hiring. Air France-KLM is struggling to compete with low-cost carriers and is also facing rising fuel costs.
Ryanair to add 100 new routes in 2023. Ryanair has announced plans to add 100 new routes in 2023. The airline said that the new routes will be mainly short-haul, and will be focused on Europe. Ryanair is the largest low-cost carrier in Europe.
United Airlines to launch new premium economy class. United Airlines has announced plans to launch a new premium economy class on select international flights. The new class will offer passengers more legroom, wider seats, and better service than economy class. United Airlines is the first major US airline to launch a premium economy class.
Turkish Airlines to open new lounge in Istanbul Airport. Turkish Airlines has announced plans to open a new lounge in Istanbul Airport. The new lounge will be located in the international departures area and will have capacity for 1,000 passengers. Turkish Airlines is the largest airline in Turkey.
Wizz Air to launch new flights from London Luton Airport. Wizz Air has announced plans to launch new flights from London Luton Airport. The airline will operate flights to 12 new destinations, including Athens, Bucharest, and Sofia. Wizz Air is a low-cost carrier based in Hungary.
