Airline News Page 134
TAP RECONNECTS THE CITIES OF LISBON AND PORTO ALEGRE
TAP resumed flights to Porto Alegre, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, this Tuesday, 1 April. Flight TP117 left Lisbon at 14:20 and arrived at Porto Alegre-Salgado Filho International Airport at 21:45, thus resuming connections to Porto Alegre after the heavy rains of May 2024. TAP will connect Lisbon and Porto Alegre with three flights a week, operated with the modern A330-900 neo aircraft, with capacity for 298 passengers.
Ryanair’s Prime: a subscription, not a loyalty program – but why now?
Ryanair’s surprise launch of its “Prime” subscription last week isn’t a traditional loyalty program—it’s a paid membership model. For €79 annually (or £79 in the UK), travelers get reserved seats, travel insurance, and monthly fare discounts. But why introduce this now? What’s the strategy behind it? The move signals a shift in the airline’s approach, prioritizing upfront revenue and customer retention over traditional loyalty points. While the details of the program have caught attention, the real significance lies in Ryanair’s push to reshape how budget airlines interact with travelers.
New sunshine route to sub-Saharan Sal takes off!
easyJet and easyJet holidays have celebrated the launch of their first flights and package holidays from London Gatwick to the beautiful island of Sal in Cape Verde. easyJet’s first ever sub-Saharan service took off this morning for the first time and will operate every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the year, with package holidays available to a range of hotels.
BOC Aviation Orders 50 Boeing 737 MAX Jets to Support Global Airlines
Boeing and BOC Aviation have announced a new, firm order for 50 737-8 jets, expanding the lessor's 737 MAX portfolio to 215 737-8s and 737-9s. BOC Aviation will increase its Boeing order book to 139 unfilled orders. BOC Aviation currently has 69 737 MAX airplanes on operating leases to more than 15 airlines worldwide.
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Air Canada lines up for take-off with new Porto to Montréal route
Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline and flag carrier, is gearing up for take-off with its bumper summer schedule, including a new route between Porto and Montréal. The global airline is set to touchdown in Portugal’s second city, Porto, for the first time on 5 June 2025, before departing for its home hub, Montréal, later that same day.
Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia Receive Final Go-ahead
Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia have received final go-ahead from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for the airlines’ integrated alliance. This final determination officially signals the green light for Virgin Australia’s new 28 weekly flights between Australia and Doha – operated under a wet-lease with Qatar Airways – to proceed.
United Receives FAA Certification on Starlink Aircraft and Schedules First Commercial Flight for May
United have announced the FAA has approved its first Starlink-equipped aircraft type and that the first commercial flight is planned for May, less than eight months after the deal was first announced.
Airshare Named Official Private Aviation Provider of the PGA of America and 2025 Ryder Cup
The PGA of America and Airshare announced today a new multi-year partnership: Airshare will be the "Official Private Aviation Provider" of the PGA of America and the Ryder Cup in 2025 and 2029, as well as the PGA Championship and PGA National Club Championship through 2029. As part of the partnership, Airshare is also joining forces with the Southern California, South Florida, Metropolitan (New York) and Southwest PGA Sections in an effort to help promote golf in local communities.
LLA leads Europe in Next-Gen Aircraft usage
London Luton Airport (LLA) continues to lead the way in the adoption of quieter, more fuel-efficient "next-generation" aircraft, with the highest proportion of passenger flights operated using these advanced models than any other major European airport. Data from aviation intelligence specialist RDC Aviation shows that between March 2024 and February 2025, almost half (47.8%) of commercial passenger flights departing from LLA were operated using Airbus neo or Boeing Max variants, which reduce emissions by up to 20% and have a reduced noise footprint.
SAS broadens its global network with additional Delta codeshare destinations
SAS announces the expansion of its partnership with Delta Air Lines, offering a wide range of new trans-Atlantic options and ensuring a more convenient travel experience between Scandinavia and North America. Starting April 2nd, 2025, customers will benefit from an expanded codeshare between SkyTeam partners SAS and Delta. The agreement will present a broader range of destinations and increased frequencies, providing a more streamlined and convenient journey.
Cathay and Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) collaborate to offer customers multiple insurance protection
Cathay and Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) (“Zurich”) are excited to announce a new strategic partnership that aims to elevate the lifestyle of Cathay members. This collaboration, “Cathay x Zurich partnership - Protect daily lives, Earn Miles” will provide a diverse selection of general insurance solutions alongside a seamless customer journey. The new offerings are designed to safeguard every facet of Cathay members’ lives while enabling them to earn Asia Miles.
Southend-on-Seeing more of Europe
easyJet has today opened its 10th UK base at London Southend Airport, creating 140 direct jobs for pilots and crew in the UK and supporting 1200 indirect jobs*. This marks a continued trajectory of UK growth for the airline as it opens a second base in as many years, having launched at Birmingham International Airport in 2024, fuelled by UK demand for its flights and package holidays.