IAG to launch new low-cost longhaul airline
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: Air & Sea Air & Sea
- Published: 18 March 2017 18 March 2017
International Airlines Group (IAG) is launching LEVEL – a new low cost longhaul airline brand that will take to the skies in June 2017 with flights from Barcelona to Los Angeles, Oakland, Buenos Aires and Punta Cana.
LEVEL will fly two new Airbus A330 aircraft branded in its own livery and fitted with 293 economy and 21 premium economy seats. Initially it will be operated by Iberia's flight and cabin crew and will create up to 250 jobs based in Barcelona.
Barcelona has been chosen as the first European city for the launch of IAG's new operation but LEVEL will look to expand its flights from other European cities. Fares start from €99/US$149 one way and tickets are on sale at flylevel.com
Checked luggage (in addition to a free cabin bag), meals, seat selection and the latest movie releases will be complimentary for customers flying in premium economy. Those travelling in economy can chose what they want to buy based on a menu of choices. All customers will have access to next generation inflight technology with a wide range of onboard entertainment options. High speed internet connectivity will be available with prices starting at €8.99.
LEVEL's customers will be able to earn and redeem Avios – the loyalty currency for IAG's airlines. This will give them the opportunity to fly to 380 destinations across the Group's network.
Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: "LEVEL is an exciting new IAG airline brand which will bring a stylish and modern approach to flying at prices that are even more affordable. It will benefit from having the strength of one of the world's largest airline groups behind it.
"LEVEL will become IAG's fifth main airline brand alongside Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling. It will complement our existing airline portfolio and further diversify our current customer base.
"Barcelona is Vueling's home base and this will allow customers to connect from Vueling's extensive European network onto LEVEL's longhaul flights.
"This is just the start. We're really excited about the opportunities for expansion and we plan to bring LEVEL to other European destinations."
Norwegian receives final approval from US Department of Transportation
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: Air & Sea Air & Sea
- Published: 03 December 2016 03 December 2016
Responding to news that the US Department of Transportation has approved Norwegian Air International's (NAI) application for a foreign carrier permit, a Norwegian spokesperson said: "We welcome the long overdue news that Norwegian Air International (NAI) has been awarded a foreign carrier permit by the US Department of Transportation.
"This approval finally makes it possible for us to plan the Cork to the U.S. routes we, and many others, have been looking forward to. We also now look forward to our foreign carrier permit for Norwegian Air UK (NUK) being approved next.
“We would like to thank the many airports, airlines, industry and business groups, politicians and members of the public in Europe, the US, and Ireland in particular who have offered us their continued support over the last three years.
“While the delays Norwegian have faced have been unfortunate and unnecessary, ultimately the decision now made by the US DOT finally paves the way for greater competition, more flights and more jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
"Above all, it is a victory for millions of passengers who will benefit from more choice and lower fares. We now look forward to working on our plans for Norwegian's continued expansion in the US, delivering the flights, jobs and economic boost we always promised we would.”
BA to launch London Heathrow – New Orleans service 27 March
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- Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen
- Category: Air & Sea Air & Sea
- Published: 21 October 2016 21 October 2016
British Airways (BA) has announced it will begin year-round service to London from New Orleans beginning 27 March 2017. This new international non-stop flight departs four times per week from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to London Heathrow (LHR). From London Heathrow, British Airways’ passengers can connect seamlessly to over 130 destinations in Europe and beyond, BA said in a statement.
New Orleans is a base port for a number of cruise ships that sail in the Caribbean.
Simon Brooks, Senior Vice President, British Airways, said "We are delighted to be adding New Orleans to the British Airways global network. It’s such a vibrant city and like London, it boasts an iconic music and arts scene. I’m sure it will be a big hit with British visitors. We are also pleased to be connecting our two cities as developing technology hubs and look forward to increased business opportunities as a result of the new service.”
British Airways will be operating a Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner, the newest aircraft of their fleet. Each of the Dreamliner’s 214 seats is equipped with widescreen TVs, an entertainment system capable of connecting with passengers’ devices, and an in-seat chat system for talking to family or friends on the flight.
The aircraft is divided into three cabins with 154 seats in World Traveller (economy), 25 seats in World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and 35 seats in Club World (business). Passengers can enjoy free meals, beverages, and a free checked bag.
The new service will depart from London Heathrow at 3:40pm and arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport at 7:40pm. The departure will be at 9:10pm from New Orleans arriving into London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 at 12:00 noon the next day.
BA to open London Gatwick to Ft Lauderdale service in July
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- Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen
- Category: Air & Sea Air & Sea
- Published: 28 October 2016 28 October 2016
British Airways (BA) said it is launching a new service to Fort Lauderdale from 6 July 2017. It will be the airline’s third route from Gatwick to Florida, and its fourth service to the ‘sunshine state’.
One of the largest cities in Florida, which is situated just 28 miles north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale enjoys average year-round temperatures of 25 degrees and basks in 3,000 hours of sunshine every year.
The route will be served by a 777-200 aircraft operating three-days a week year round (four-a-week during peak summer).
Colm Lacy, British Airways’ head of commercial for Gatwick, said: “British Airways will now serve four Florida gateways, offering more seats from London to the sunshine state than any other carrier. It’s a city that boasts beautiful beaches, Venice-like waterways, an international yachting scene and world-class restaurants, and is also within easy reach of Miami, so customers can visit both destinations as part of a trip to the sunshine state.
Emirates to Launch new daily service from Dubai to Fort Lauderdale
- Details
- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: Air & Sea Air & Sea
- Published: 11 October 2016 11 October 2016
Emirates today announced it will launch a daily service between Dubai and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, on December 15, 2016, serving the South Florida area, including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach. This will be Emirates’ 11th passenger route in the United States.
The airline will operate a GE-powered U.S.-built Boeing 777-200LR aircraft in a three-class configuration on the route, offering 8 First Class suites, 42 Business Class lie-flat beds and 216 Economy Class seats for travellers, and up to 15 tonnes of bellyhold cargo for shippers.
“Fort Lauderdale and Miami are two of America’s most exciting destinations for leisure and business travel,” said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline. “Broward County and Dade County combined to host more than 25 million visitors last year, mainly from the United States and Latin America."
He added: “We anticipate our service will contribute to the economy of South Florida by bringing new travellers to the area from across our route network, at the same time offering greater competitive choice for consumers and new one-stop passenger and air cargo connectivity for the region to the global destinations that we serve. We launched our non-stop Dubai-Orlando service roughly a year ago and its strong performance encouraged us to select Fort Lauderdale as our 11th US destination.”
“Broward County is honored that Emirates airline has selected FLL as their gateway to our vibrant and exciting destination,” said Marty Kiar, Broward County Mayor. “This non-stop service will allow world travellers to experience our sun-drenched beaches to the majestic beauty of the Everglades and all the sensational attractions of a cosmopolitan area. Additionally, our residents can now explore the Middle East and the other 150 plus cities served by this world class airline.”
"Amid seemingly endless airline consolidation and diminishing value for travellers, this new service from Emirates is a welcome development," said US Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. "When international airlines open new routes to US airports, providing supply where there is previously unmet demand, both flyers and local economies benefit enormously from higher customer service standards and the good, non-exportable jobs fueled by increased travel. We hope to see more of this type of service expansion, which provides a much-needed infusion of connectivity and healthy competition into our aviation market."
Emirates’ daily flight EK213 will depart Dubai (DXB) at 3:00 a.m. local time and arrive in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) at 10:25 a.m. The return flight EK214 will depart FLL at 8:20 p.m. arriving in Dubai at 7:40 p.m. the following day, with a flying time of 14 hours and 20 minutes.
Passengers wishing to travel beyond the Fort Lauderdale-Miami area to onward destinations in the US, Caribbean and Latin America can take advantage of Emirates’ codeshare partnership with JetBlue Airways (B6) that offers connection options to over 26 destinations in the US and 19 destinations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, including the Bahamas, Cancun and Havana.
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