Airlines News Page 37
Brazilian airline announces direct flights between Rio and Orlando
GOL Linhas Aéreas, Brazil’s most on-time airline, has announced new non-stop flights between Rio de Janeiro’s RIOgaleão International Airport (GIG) and Orlando International Airport (MCO). This operation will be conducted by an Airbus A330, a twin-aisle aircraft accommodating nearly 300 passengers. Tickets will be available soon through GOL’s official website.
WIZZ MULTIPASS RETURNS TO THE UK
Wizz Air, the fastest-growing European airline and London’s local airline, has reopened sales of its WIZZ MultiPass subscription in the UK, giving travellers the opportunity to fix the price of their flights and optional baggage for a full year. Available from 12 March 2026 across all international routes to and from the UK, WIZZ Multipass enables customers to secure a fixed monthly flight price regardless of seasonality or last-minute demand.
United and Chef’s Table Bring Together World-Renowned Chefs to Create New, Exclusive Inflight Meals
United is teaming up with Chef’s Table, the brand behind the award-winning Netflix series, to introduce 10 new, exclusive meal experiences to its United Polaris® international business class menu. The airline has enlisted 11 world-renowned chefs from four continents – representing United’s seven U.S. hub cities and key international gateways in London, Tokyo and São Paulo – to curate regionally-inspired meals.
Lufthansa offers 60 percent of its long-haul flights despite strike action
Following the call by the Vereinigung Cockpit union for full-day strikes on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 March 2026, Lufthansa has published a special flight schedule for both days. More than 50 percent of the originally planned flight programme can be offered on Thursday and Friday. For long-haul connections, the proportion is as high as 60 percent.
American Airlines elevates inflight flavor with Smash Kitchen
Customers on board select American Airlines flights can now enjoy a new way to elevate their inflight dining experience as the airline partners with Smash Kitchen, the fast-growing, better-for-you food brand known for bold flavor and real ingredients.
Elevated travel experience coming to Austin with new Admirals Club lounge
American Airlines is continuing its investment in premium customer experiences and the Austin, Texas, community with plans to open a new, expanded Admirals Club® lounge at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The new lounge will span more than 12,000 square feet on the west side of the terminal, doubling its current footprint at AUS, and introduce a first for American’s lounge network: an outdoor terrace space. Guests will enjoy expansive views of downtown Austin and the airfield, creating a uniquely local and elevated atmosphere for customers.
IATA Advances AI Initiatives to Support Air Cargo Operations
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is advancing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in air cargo with three initiatives to improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety and compliance, and accelerate innovation across the global air cargo value chain:
Malaysia Airlines Premieres Character-Led Campaign ‘Pilot Parker: A Story of Malaysian Hospitality’
Malaysia Airlines today unveiled its latest character-led campaign, ‘Pilot Parker: A Story of Malaysian Hospitality’, an 80-second video inspired by a true passenger story that captures the personal touches and attentive service at the heart of the airline’s signature Malaysian Hospitality.
Airlines raise airfares as fuel costs surge amid Middle East conflict
Australia’s Qantas Airways, Scandinavia’s Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and Air New Zealand announced airfare increases on Tuesday, citing a sudden surge in jet fuel costs linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The three carriers said the spike in energy prices had significantly increased operating costs, forcing them to pass some of the burden on to passengers through higher ticket prices. Airlines are particularly sensitive to fuel price swings because fuel typically accounts for a substantial share of operating expenses.
Jet2holidays reaches 1,500 certified sustainable hotels milestone
Jet2holidays has announced that 1,500 hotels in its collection are now classified as a ‘Certified Sustainable Hotel’, meaning that they meet an official standard for sustainable accommodation practices on ABTA’s list of hotel certification schemes.
Oscar®-nominated movies now playing on Delta
Before the red carpet rolls out at the March 15 Oscars®, Delta customers can already be watching this year’s most talked-about nominated films, curated by the expert inhouse team behind Delta’s in-flight entertainment. With thousands of seatback screens and live satellite TV on select aircraft, customers can build their watchlist or even tune in to the awards live while flying.
Norwegian Group reports strong February passenger growth and load factors
In February, the Norwegian Group had a total of 1.6 million passengers. Norwegian recorded 1.32 million, while Widerøe had 298,000. The month saw strong demand for this time of year, with capacity well-adjusted to meet market seasonality.