Sometimes flying is for the birds. Other times, it’s for the dogs. But can you imagine life without it?
This weekly post is my ‘round tuit’. Included are stories which caught my eye and others which I couldn’t cover in-depth during the week, but thought Flight Chic readers would want to know about.
1. Emirates says it will cut US capacity (not permanently) and Fair and Open Skies Group gloats:
Statement by Partnership for Open & Fair Skies on Emirates’ Plans to Cut Flights to U.S.
WASHINGTON, DC (April 19, 2017) – Emirates announced today that it will reduce flights to five of the 12 U.S. destinations they fly to beginning next month.
“The fact is, market demand has never played a role when the Gulf carriers decide where to fly. It is well known that the Gulf carriers, including Emirates, lose money on most of their flights to the United States and are propped up by billions of dollars in government cash,” said Jill Zuckman, chief spokesperson for the Partnership for Open & Fair Skies. “Their business model is based on growing their networks without regard to profitability in order to serve their governments’ goals to dominate global aviation. A perfect example is Emirates’ most recent route between Athens, Greece and Newark, N.J., a money-losing flight that is only possible because of government subsidies. That Emirates would refer to itself as “profit oriented” is simply laughable.”
2. Etihad expresses its commitment to the US market. (see thread)
This @Emirates removes HALF-MILLION #airline seats each year to the #UnitedStates — that should be of industry-wide #travel concern. #PaxEx https://t.co/s19P1u8j0k
— Dr. Joe Leader (@joepleader) April 20, 2017
3. There are usually at least three sides to every story.
Alas, therein the problem. Over-capacity massively driven by Qatar but people only point fingers at highly visible Emirates https://t.co/8BHss0kcBp
— Will Horton (@winglets747) April 21, 2017
4. Creative ways to ensure passengers a good flight’s sleep
South Korean LCC Jeju Air offers passengers on overnight flights option to stretch out with 'Sleeping Seat Package' https://t.co/6l6ul8DIV8 pic.twitter.com/oOms5Dd3SA
— AirlineTrends (@airlinetrends) April 19, 2017
5. Qatar Airways becomes first airline to comply with Resolution 753.
Congratulations @qatarairways on this major milestone. https://t.co/xqMmGvOhus
— FlightChic | ✈️💺 (@designerjet) April 18, 2017
6. Turkish Airline starts its own laptop loaner program.
Turkish Airlines to offer laptops to passengers affected by electronics ban https://t.co/8dRU9kjKW4 #electronicsban
— starflyergold 🕊 (@starflyergold) April 19, 2017
7. How airlines cater to families in-flight.
The Traveling Family https://t.co/HYln39ALTo via @theAPEXassoc //Family fun in-flight? Airlines have come up with great solutions.
— FlightChic | ✈️💺 (@designerjet) April 18, 2017
8. New views for Dreamliner aircraft
Is this the next Dreamliner window? https://t.co/SnFTIMPego via Aircraft Interiors International Magazine
— FlightChic | ✈️💺 (@designerjet) April 18, 2017
9. Boeing’s latest mass lay-offs.
Boeing sacks hundreds of engineers, stock jumps https://t.co/Dw6WYSir2n via @eturbonews
— FlightChic | ✈️💺 (@designerjet) April 17, 2017
Boeing issues new layoff notices to 429 workers in Washington state https://t.co/J4fAVXhCke via @seattletimes
— FlightChic | ✈️💺 (@designerjet) April 22, 2017
10. Should airports be cities?
The Airport City and Aerotropolis Business Model: maybe, or maybe not, a guaranteed success https://t.co/JdB7atpKEL
— Will Horton (@winglets747) April 19, 2017
11. The industry should carefully study these views on the United incident.
Throwing book at United’s rules https://t.co/rpJmpRe1WH //Great article. This is the problem in a nutshell.
— FlightChic | ✈️💺 (@designerjet) April 17, 2017
A perspective on the United Airlines story https://t.co/7kYaRm22vb //Excellent analysis w/ important recommendations for the industry.
— FlightChic | ✈️💺 (@designerjet) April 20, 2017
12. There is a problem with flight behaviour that goes deeper than unruly passengers, and further than United.
NEW: American Airlines grounds flight attendant after altercation with passengers over a stroller captured on video https://t.co/YYNLhFHtyJ pic.twitter.com/zfStkwHRrG
— ABC News (@ABC) April 22, 2017
13. At least American Airlines knew to respond immediately and empathically.
We’re deeply sorry for the pain we’ve caused our customer and her family and this does not represent our values.
— americanair (@AmericanAir) April 22, 2017
What occurred yesterday was upsetting for everyone and that’s why we acted quickly to look after our customer and her family.
— americanair (@AmericanAir) April 22, 2017
What we see on the video doesn't reflect our values or how we care for customers. We're deeply sorry. https://t.co/LS0P7pFEyZ
— americanair (@AmericanAir) April 22, 2017
But there are issues which must be resolved through recruiting and training, and also by acknowledging that staff are under stress.
This needs to be a focus of training for airlines. Not easy. Staff are also under stress. Need to recruit/encourage these skills. https://t.co/oiP5vb1JO1
— FlightChic | ✈️💺 (@designerjet) April 22, 2017
14. American’s flight attendant union makes valid comments on crew stress in general, though this might not be the best time or the best way to make their point.
AA video: Here's the full statement by Bob Ross, president of @APFAunity, which represents @AmericanAir flight attendants. pic.twitter.com/1AasQ39mSr
— David Koenig (@airlinewriter) April 22, 2017
15. Munoz won’t chair United board.
"But he reportedly gave up the seat voluntarily." https://t.co/9VrtxAYdQ3
— FlightChic | ✈️💺 (@designerjet) April 21, 2017
16. AirAsia invests in Touristly
AirAsia looks to boost ancillary services through Touristly investment https://t.co/A1zwIwDhaB
— FlightChic | ✈️💺 (@designerjet) April 21, 2017
17. Vroom. Vroom. Eco-friendly with adequate legroom.
Electric flying taxi by Lilium successfully completes its first voyage: https://t.co/6SK35UujeX pic.twitter.com/jrX8pEcXuf
— Dezeen (@dezeen) April 21, 2017
18. Meanwhile, on a Delta flight…(We need some comic relief.)
Seriously, @delta??!? pic.twitter.com/j9pZlcDyAU
— Mark Halperin (@MarkHalperin) April 22, 2017
I HEARD HE TIED HIS OWN BOWTIE MARK AND HE JUST WANTS TO SAY HI AND MAYBE A NOGGIN PAT SHOW SOME RESPECT 13/10 https://t.co/5BEjzT2Tth
— WeRateDogs (@dog_rates) April 22, 2017
Little more background on @dog_rates dapper pup who was NOT wearing leggings and WAS doing an ace job. 18/10 give him wings, @delta https://t.co/ffiwSIsVlR
— FlightChic | ✈️💺 (@designerjet) April 22, 2017