Hawaiian Plans to Lay Off 73 Workers Following Merger

An airline spokesperson said that these eliminations are 'primarily for duplicative, noncontract operations support roles at airports.'

Ryan Ewing

Friday, October 25, 2024 at 04:16 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Hawaiian A330-200 in Seattle. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

With the Alaska Airlines merger now complete, Hawaiian Airlines plans to trim its workforce. According to the Anchorage Daily News, the Honolulu-based carrier will cut dozens of jobs by the end of the year.

The layoffs include 73 noncontract employees — 57 based in Hawaii with the rest located on the mainland. An airline spokesperson told the Daily News that these eliminations are “primarily for duplicative, noncontract operations support roles at airports.”

In a letter to the state of Hawaii’s labor agency, Alaska Airlines human resources chief Andy Schneider detailed the position cuts. 52 eliminations will take place at Hawaiian’s headquarters, four at a cargo hangar, and one at the airport itself. No details were provided on the mainland layoffs.

The spokesperson also shared that the affected employees will keep their jobs through Dec. 17 with pay through the year along with a severance package.

Most of the airline’s noncontract workforce — primarily consisting of corporate staff — received offers to stay at the combined company for at least six months. “The intent is to retain most people for a year or longer, many with long-term offers,” the spokesperson added.

The $1.9 billion Alaska-Hawaiian merger was finalized on Sept. 18. Now, the company is working to move both brands under a single air operator’s certificate.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Livery of the Week: PLAY Airlines

Icelandic ultra-low-cost carrier PLAY Airlines has made a bold statement with its distinctive livery, which was unveiled in 2019.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, October 25, 2024 at 03:38 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

My aircraft for the flight up to Iceland, TF-PPE (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)

Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is proud to present our ‘Livery of the Week’ series. Every Friday, a team member will share an airline livery, which can be from the past, present, or even a special scheme. Some airline liveries are works of art. The complexity associated with painting around critical flight components and the added weight requires outside-the-box thinking from designers. The average airliner can cost upwards of $200,000 to repaint, creating a separate aircraft repainting industry as a result.

Have an idea for a livery that we should highlight? Drop us a line.

Icelandic ultra-low-cost carrier PLAY Airlines has made a bold statement with its distinctive livery. The airline’s aircraft are painted a vibrant shade of red, a departure from the traditional liveries often seen in Europe.

This striking color choice is complemented by a simple, sans-serif typeface for the airline’s name, which is prominently displayed on the fuselage.

A PLAY aircraft rendering (Photo: PLAY Airlines)

The red livery is not only visually striking but also serves as a branding tool, helping PLAY Airlines stand out in a crowded market. The airline’s website and marketing materials also incorporate the same bold red color scheme, reinforcing the brand’s identity.

While some may find the red livery to be unconventional, it has certainly generated buzz and attention for PLAY Airlines. The airline began operations in 2019 and has recently pivoted to a more point-to-point model, abandoning some North American routes.

Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.

Ryan Ewing

U.S. Agencies to Survey Public on Airline Competition

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Justice jointly announced a broad public inquiry into the state of competition in air travel .

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Friday, October 25, 2024 at 03:29 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Aircraft movements at New York LaGuardia Airport. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Justice jointly announced a broad public inquiry into the state of competition in air travel on Thursday, according to a DOT news release.

The agencies are surveying the public via a Request for Information (RFI) on consolidation, anticompetitive conduct and other issues affecting the availability and affordability of air travel options. The public will have until Dec. 23 to submit comments, which will be posted to Regulations.gov.

The DOT release stated that the RFI covers topics on previous airline mergers, exclusionary conduct, airport access, aircraft manufacturing, airline ticket sales, pricing, rewards practices and the experiences of aviation workers. All market participants from passengers to airlines and ground crews are invited to provide comments for the RFI.

“Americans count on air travel to visit loved ones, explore their country, and get business done,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in the release. “Good service and fair prices depend on ensuring that there is real competition, which is especially challenging for the many American communities that have lost service amid airline consolidation. Our goal with this inquiry is to identify and remove barriers to competition so that more Americans can access the opportunities that come with good, affordable air service.”

In September, the DOT launched a separate, similar inquiry focusing on rewards programs offered by American, Delta, Southwest and United.

In August, the DOT proposed a new rule prohibiting airlines from charging extra fees to seat families together on flights. The DOT also enacted rules mandating airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for significantly delayed or canceled flights in April.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.

Frontier Offers Veterans Discounted Flights

Ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier is offering a 50% discount on base fares for veterans and their families through December 18.

Tolga Karadeniz

Friday, October 25, 2024 at 12:06 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Frontier Airbus A320neo. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Frontier is recognizing veterans in the lead-up to Veterans Day with a special promotion combining discounted fares and a story-sharing opportunity.

Active and retired military personnel can leverage the promo code “VETS” at FlyFrontier.com to receive a 50% discount on base fares for a wide selection of flights scheduled through Dec. 18. This initiative allows veterans to travel affordably and potentially reunite with loved ones or explore new destinations.

“It’s our privilege to honor those who have served,” said Tyri Squyres, vice president of marketing at Frontier, in a news release. “Awarding 10 veterans with free flights ahead of Veterans Day, and providing all active and retired military with discounted fares for themselves and their loved ones, is our way of expressing appreciation for their service.”

Important Details and Restrictions

While the promotion offers significant savings, there are a few key details to keep in mind. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 27 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The discount applies to travel Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays from now until Dec. 18, with blackout dates on Nov. 26-27 and Nov. 30, along with Dec. 1-2.

The discount applies only to base fares and excludes the highest fare classes (J, N, I, C, R, Y, B, and H). Roundtrip purchase is required with a seven-day advanced booking. Certain routes may not be eligible for the discount. The discount applies only to the base fare and does not include government taxes and fees or additional carrier-imposed charges.

Additional travel services, such as baggage and advance seat assignments are available for purchase separately at an additional charge

Sharing Stories, Winning Free Flights

In addition to the promotional offer, Frontier invites veterans and active service members to participate in a story-sharing initiative, detailing what being a veteran signifies to them. Ten randomly chosen participants will win two $250 Frontier flight vouchers, sufficient for roundtrip travel to numerous destinations within the airline’s network.

Tolga Karadeniz

Tolga is a dedicated aviation enthusiast with years of experience in the industry. From an early age, his fascination with aviation went beyond a mere passion for travel, evolving into a deliberate exploration of the complex mechanics and engineering behind aircraft. As a writer, he aims to share insights , providing readers with a view into the complex inner workings of the aviation industry.

United Schedules First Greenland Route

With the new route, United becomes the first U.S. carrier to operate regular service to Greenland with flights starting in June 2025.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, October 25, 2024 at 10:46 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A United Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in Newark. (Photo: Shutterstock | GingChen)

United’s new route between its Newark, New Jersey, hub and Nuuk, Greenland, is now available for booking. The airline first announced the service in early October.

With the new route, United becomes the first U.S. carrier to operate regular service to Greenland. Due to the airport’s size, Nuuk has lacked intercontinental service, with airlines instead flying to Kangerlussuaq Airport, which is nearly 200 miles away.

Next month, Nuuk is slated to open a new airport with an extended runway of approximately 7,000 feet. The airport’s current runway is just over 3,000 feet long, accommodating small turboprop aircraft.

United’s Greenland Schedule

The Chicago-based airline is set to begin service to Greenland on June 14, 2025. Seasonal flights will continue through Sept. 24, 2025.

Newark-Nuuk flights will operate twice per week on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. According to the latest booking information on the carrier’s website, both outbound and return legs will be daytime departures.

Flights to Nuuk depart Newark at 11:30 a.m. local time, landing at 6:45 p.m. The return flight leaves Nuuk the next day at 9 a.m., arriving back in Newark at 10:30 a.m. Newark-Nuuk service operates on Saturdays and Sundays.

During the summer months, Nuuk’s time difference is three hours ahead of New York. Flight times between the two cities are four hours and 15 minutes on the outbound leg and four hours and 30 minutes on the return.

Ryan Ewing

Virgin Atlantic Plans Cargo-Only Flights

On Friday, the U.K.-based carrier announced cargo-only services between London Heathrow and Brussels during the winter months.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, October 25, 2024 at 10:01 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Virgin Atlantic A330-300. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Virgin Atlantic is adding its shortest route, but the flights will only haul freight. On Friday, the carrier announced service between London Heathrow and Brussels.

The airline confirmed the new route will not haul passengers; instead, it will be utilized solely for cargo. It plans to use a mix of Airbus A330-300s and A350-1000s on the route with capacity for up to 50 tons of freight per flight.

While the carrier regularly carries belly cargo on long-haul passenger flights, it hasn’t operated freight-only services since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During the winter period, we will operate services to Brussels, a destination we are familiar with, having flown there successfully during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Virgin Atlantic commercial chief Juha Jarvinen in a news release. “This new service will transport a range of goods including perishables and pharmaceuticals, offering fast connections for our customers between Brussels and the wider European region and Virgin Atlantic’s extensive route network via London Heathrow.”

The cargo flights will operate between Oct. 27, 2024, and March 29, 2025, the airline said.

Ryan Ewing

FAA Awards Nearly $1 Billion in Airport Terminal Modernization Grants

Funding will go for projects such as new baggage systems, security checkpoints, and increased airport gate capacity, the agency said.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Friday, October 25, 2024 at 06:00 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Terminal D at DFW Airport (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The FAA announced Thursday it would be making an nearly $1 billion investment in airport terminal modernization.

The grants, which total $970 million, are funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will be awarded to 125 airports in 46 states, Guam, and Palau, the FAA said. They will fund projects such as new baggage systems, security checkpoints, and increased airport gate capacity, the agency said.

“We’re working to ensure passengers’ safety, comfort, and convenience throughout their airport journey,” Shannetta Griffin, FAA associate administrator for airports, said in a statement. “[This] investment also builds communities by providing good-paying jobs and infusing dollars in local economies.”

FAA said projects funded through the latest round of grants include:

$40 million to Tampa International Airport (KTPA) in Florida to connect Terminal D to the main terminal with an automated people mover and add nine passenger boarding bridges to move passengers through more efficiently.
$15 million to Denver International Airport (KDEN) to reconstruct the baggage handling system including the oversized baggage lift replacements to increase efficiency and capacity.
$3.6 million to Des Moines International Airport (KDSM) in Iowa to construct four new terminal gates and a waiting area.
$1.5 million to Purdue University Airport (KLAF) in Lafayette, Indiana, to replace an 80-year-old terminal and meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements.
$1 million to Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (PASI) in Alaska for the remodel and expansion of the existing terminal building that includes a passenger waiting area.
$33.2 million to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS) in Texas to fund a portion of the new Midfield Terminal B construction project, which will add at least 20 new gates to accommodate increased airline operations and competition. This grant will fund a portion of Phase 2, which includes the construction of a 518-foot underground tunnel to connect the new terminal to the existing terminal.
$15 million to Salt Lake City International Airport (KSLC) to fund Phase 4 of the Airport Redevelopment Program for construction of approximately 16 new gates as part of the Concourse B expansion to increase capacity and access for new entrants.
$10 million to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (KBZN) in Montana to fund a portion of the terminal reconstruction and expansion project, including the checkpoint lanes, baggage claim, and approximately three gate areas to increase energy efficiency and capacity.
$13.5 million to General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (KPIA) in Illinois to fund the tower shaft and equipment to replace the 65-year-old sponsor-owned and FAA-staffed airport traffic control tower (ATCT).
$13 million to Tulsa International Airport (KTUL) in Oklahoma to replace an FAA-operated ATCT, improve visibility, and enhance ADA access.
$7 million to Shreveport Regional Airport (KSHV) in Louisiana to move and rebuild an FAA-operated ATCT and improve visibility. The project includes construction of an access road, associated utilities, and site preparation for tower relocation.
$1.75 million to Griffiss International Airport (KRME) in Rome, New York, to update a 40-year-old sponsor-owned ATCT, including upgrades to the HVAC, plumbing, roof, guardrails, and windows as well as communication, fire protection, electrical, and security systems.
$1 million to Martin State Airport (KMTN) in Middle River, Maryland, to build a new ATCT, replacing the 82-year-old sponsor-owned tower.
$1 million to Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field (KFFC) in Georgia to fund the design of a new sponsor-owned ATCT.

“Investing in America’s airport infrastructure isn’t just about upgrading runways and terminals—it’s about growing local economies, creating jobs, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of travel,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “With the grants we’re announcing…—nearly $1 billion in total—we’re helping modernize 125 airports across the country in order to make their operations safer, more accessible, and more convenient for travelers.”

An interactive map showing additional projects and how funding is being spent may be found here.

Editor’s Note: This story first appeared on FlyingMag.com.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Spirit Selling Over 20 A320-Series Jets

The beleaguered ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) plans to sell 23 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft starting this month, according to an 8-K form filed Thursday.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 06:01 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Spirit Airbus jets. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Spirit is cutting its fleet in an effort to conserve cash. The beleaguered ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) is selling 23 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft starting this month, according to an 8-K form filed Thursday.

As part of the sale, the airline said it entered into a binding agreement with aerospace firm GA Telesis on Oct. 18. The transaction’s expected purchase price is $519 million.

“We are thrilled to announce this significant acquisition, which adds a large number of highly sought-after Airbus A320ceo and A321ceo aircraft to our portfolio,” said Marc Cho, president of GA Telesis LIFT Group, in a news release. “The A320ceo family of aircraft is renowned for its efficiency, performance, and reliability, making it an attractive option for airlines across the world. We are confident these aircraft will provide significant value to our customers as they continue their operations.”

In the same filing, Spirit states that the aircraft will be delivered to the buyer between October 2024 and February 2025. The carrier has a total of 212 aircraft in its fleet, including several that are grounded due to Pratt and Whitney engine issues.

The soon-to-be-removed aircraft are older current engine option (CEO) variants. Spirit has 64 A320ceos and 30 A321ceos, data from planespotters.net shows. The sale will reduce the airline’s total fleet by nearly 11%.

With the sale proceeds and subsequent aircraft debt removal, Spirit expects to boost its liquidity by $225 million next year.

Workforce Cuts

In addition, Spirit noted an $80 million cost-cutting plan in 2025, which will primarily be driven by workforce reductions. This announcement comes just weeks after the airline furloughed 186 pilots on Sept. 1.

“As part of its continued strategy to return to profitability, the Company has identified approximately $80 million of annualized cost reductions that it plans to begin implementing in early 2025,” the carrier said in the filing. “These cost reductions are driven primarily by a reduction in workforce commensurate with the Company’s expected flight volume.”

Even with reports of renewed merger talks, Spirit expects capacity to be down in the mid-teens year-over-year. The carrier just recently secured more time to refinance some of its debt, effectively delaying a bankruptcy filing.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Oct. 24, 2024 at 8:15 p.m. ET to add comment from GA Telesis.

Ryan Ewing

Southwest, Activist Investor Make Peace

Southwest announced plans Thursday to appoint six new independent directors to its board as part of an agreement reached with activist investor Elliott.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 05:21 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 airplanes at Dallas Love Field. (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)

Southwest announced plans Thursday to appoint six new independent directors to its board as part of an agreement reached with Elliott Investment Management L.P. to end hostilities between the two sides.

According to a Southwest news release on Thursday, appointees David Cush, Sarah Feinberg, Dave Grissen, Gregg Saretsky and Patricia Watson will become independent directors of the board effective on Nov. 1. Pierre Breber, the former vice president and CFO of Chevron, was also appointed to the board.

Executive Chairman Gary Kelly will accelerate his retirement, which – along with the previously announced retirements of six other Southwest directors – will go into effect on Nov. 1. After his retirement, Kelly will assume the title of Chairman Emeritus.

The new board – reduced to 13 members by Southwest’s 2025 annual shareholder meeting – will appoint a new independent chairman. Saretsky, Cush and three additional Directors to be appointed by the reconstituted Board will serve on the Finance Committee, with Saretsky serving as Chair.

“We are pleased to have reached a collaborative resolution with Elliott, continuing our Board refreshment with the addition of new directors who bring complementary skills and experience,” Kelly said in the release. “I am confident this Board will continue to hold the leadership team accountable for executing its transformational plan and delivering financial performance. It has been the honor of my lifetime to work with our People and serve our Customers in making Southwest the leader it is today. I believe Southwest’s best days lie ahead under the vision and leadership of Bob Jordan and the oversight of this reconstituted Board.”

As part of the collaboration, Southwest entered into a cooperation agreement with Elliott to halt hostilities between the two. Additionally, Elliott has informed Southwest that it withdrew its request to call a special meeting of shareholders. Elliott also no longer intends to nominate candidates to stand for election to Southwest’s board.

Elliott Partner John Pike and Portfolio Manager Bobby Xu provided the following statement:

“We are pleased to have come to an agreement with Southwest on the addition of six new directors that will enhance and revitalize its Board,” they said. “They are all highly qualified and will bring diverse skills and backgrounds to the task of overseeing Southwest under the leadership of a new Board Chairman. We believe the strategic changes Southwest has announced since we commenced our engagement, together with the new independent directors and governance improvements, will position the Company to enhance business performance, drive operational execution and evaluate additional changes to create long-term shareholder value. We are grateful to Southwest’s shareholders, labor groups, and leadership for their constructive engagement, and we look forward to a strengthened Southwest delivering on its full potential.”

During Thursday’s earnings call, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan commented on the recent settlement with Elliott.

“We’re very pleased to have come to a collaborative resolution with Elliott,” Jordan said. “As we welcome our new members to our board – all of whom I had a chance to interview, talk to and get to know – our focus remains on executing our plan, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. I can promise you it’s all eyes forward here as we work to set up Southwest for success for generations to come.”

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

American’s CEO Blasts Boeing Again

American Airlines chief Robert Isom isn't thrilled with Boeing's ongoing issues, again blasting the manufacturing giant during a Thursday CNBC interview.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 03:37 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An American 737 MAX 8 in Renton, Washington (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

American Airlines chief Robert Isom isn’t thrilled with Boeing’s ongoing issues, again blasting the manufacturing giant during a Thursday CNBC interview. Like many carriers, the Fort Worth-based airline has scaled back its aircraft delivery outlook, resulting in some network changes.

In April, American reduced capacity on a handful of long-haul routes, citing Dreamliner delivery delays. Some of these cuts will last into early next year.

“I look forward to the day when they’re not just a distraction,” Isom said referring to Boeing. “We’ve been struggling with them…for over the last five years.”

Despite the delays, Isom stated that he expects the airline to meet its planned capacity for the remainder of 2024 and likely in 2025. “We’re going to make sure [that] we’re protected,” he added.

Isom noted that the 737 MAX only accounts for roughly 1% of the carrier’s total capacity.

“I feel really confident about us being able to deliver and manage our business no matter what is going on at Boeing,” Isom continued.

Earlier this year, American committed to adding 115 737 MAX 10s to its fleet, including a firm order for 85 of the yet-to-be-certified type and a conversion of 30 previous MAX 8 orders. The airline also has 787-9s on order.

During the interview, Isom confirmed that he’s spoken with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg.

“At the end of the day, though, we need [Boeing] to deliver quality aircraft on time and I’ll be welcoming that phone call…,” he concluded.

This is not the first time Isom has sharply rebuked Boeing. In a January earnings call, he told investors that “Boeing needs to get their act together.”

Airlines Speak Out

Isom joins a slew of global airline executives speaking out against the beleaguered aerospace giant. Emirates president Sir Tim Clark even went as far as suggesting that a bankruptcy filing could be on Boeing’s horizon.

Cathay Pacific’s operations chief Alex McGowan told The Business Times that delays with the 777X are a “disappointment” to the carrier.

Ryan Ewing