Stories

Aer Lingus Adds New U.S. Route

Aer Lingus announced the launch of Ireland’s first nonstop flight from Dublin to Nashville, Tennessee, starting in April 2025.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Aer Lingus A321neoLR (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Noah Escobar)

Aer Lingus announced the launch of Ireland’s first nonstop flight from Dublin to Nashville, Tennessee, starting April 12, 2025. The new route will operate four times a week using the carrier’s yet-to-be-delivered Airbus A321XLR aircraft.

The airline will operate the route almost year-round with a pause in January and February. Between Dublin and Nashville, the flight time is scheduled at nine hours and five minutes; it’s eight hours and 10 minutes from Nashville to Dublin.

“We are thrilled to add Nashville to our expanding North American network, offering Irish customers direct access into one of the most exciting and culturally rich cities in the United States,” said Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus’ chief commercial officer, in a news release. “The connection between Irish and American country music runs deep and Nashville’s iconic status as the capital of country music makes it a dream destination for music lovers. Its fast-growing fashion, finance, healthcare and automotive industries also offer plenty of opportunities for business travellers.”

Nashville has seen a plethora of new international service in recent months, including Icelandair to Reykjavík along with increased capacity on British Airways’ flight to London Heathrow.

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.

What Is Airline Revenue Management?

Travelers searching for flights are no strangers to changing ticket prices, multiple fare classes, and complex pricing models.

Andrew Chen
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Aircraft in Los Angeles
JetBlue and Delta aircraft in Los Angeles. (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)

Travelers searching for flights are no strangers to changing ticket prices, multiple fare classes, and complex pricing models. The modern-day flight booking process involves navigating each airline’s fare options, deciding when to book, and wondering why some transatlantic flights are cheaper than shorter domestic hops.

There is a complex set of mechanics behind what travelers see. Airlines have a limited number of aircraft and limited seat capacity. As profit-seeking companies, they work hard to maximize the revenue generated for each flight through the use of an extensive set of analytical tools. This process is known as revenue management.

Demand Analysis and Price Setting

Revenue management is all about analyzing and forecasting demand and then determining pricing. The concept is not exclusive to airlines. Other companies with complex inventories and fluctuating demand – such as telecommunications companies and hospitality providers – also invest significantly in revenue management.

A key task in revenue management is predicting future customer demand. Revenue management teams use historical data, statistical models, and other analytical tools to forecast demand and set prices. Airlines employ modern technology to assist them in these tasks, including algorithms, artificial intelligence, and data analysis software.

In addition to predicting demand, revenue management teams focus heavily on the willingness to pay of their customers. Setting prices to maximize revenue is a complicated task that requires balancing a plethora of factors and considerations. Airlines strive to set their prices to optimize revenue while also filling their planes, and revenue management employees are tasked with working towards this goal.

Aspects of Revenue Management

Revenue management has many facets. Airlines must address difficult questions and challenges in their quest to maximize revenue. Here are some examples of the work done by revenue management teams.

Fare Classes

As part of their pricing strategy, airlines have different fare classes for each cabin. For example, a traveler looking to purchase an economy class ticket could have options ranging from a basic economy fare – which includes very little beyond the actual seat – to a refundable full-fare economy class ticket that includes checked luggage and seat selection.

When booking a flight, sometimes certain fare classes are not available. This is because revenue management teams determine how many seats are available for each fare class on a particular flight. The airline uses historical data and demand projections to help inform these decisions.

Dynamic Pricing

Almost all airlines now use dynamic pricing, which means that prices change depending on factors like time until departure, the number of tickets sold, and projected demand. While the individual price adjustments are often made by computers, the parameters for these automated changes are set based on the work of an airline’s revenue management team.

Overbooking

Many airlines engage in a practice known as overbooking, which is when an airline will sell more seats than there are physically available on the aircraft. They do this to maximize revenue because there are often passengers who fail to show up for a flight. The decision about how many seats can be sold per flight is a complex one that requires analyzing historical trends and the level of risk the airline is willing to take. Selling extra seats brings in more revenue for the airline, but having to deny boarding to passengers adds costs too for the airline.

The Importance of Revenue Management

In an industry where profit margins can be razor-thin, optimizing revenue is exceptionally important.

Airlines are faced with this challenge each and every day, and revenue management professionals work hard to fill as many seats as possible while maximizing revenue for the company.

Andrew Chen

Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.

Delta and Saudia Ink New Agreement

Delta and Saudia have signed a new codeshare agreement opening new destinations for both carriers, strengthening the U.S. airline's Gulf presence.

Zach Cooke
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Delta 737-900ER in Las Vegas. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Early Wednesday morning, Delta and Middle Eastern giant Saudia signed a codeshare agreement. This news comes after Delta had previously signed a memorandum of understanding with new Saudi Arabian carrier Riyadh Air. 

The new agreement with Saudia will expand on an existing interline agreement between the two carriers as both are a part of the SkyTeam alliance. The new codeshare agreement will allow Delta customers to connect on Saudia to nine destinations in Saudi Arabia. Reciprocally, Saudia customers will have the ability to connect to 12 destinations in the United States out of Delta’s hubs in New York and Los Angeles according to the latest press release.

Perry Cantarutti, senior vice president of alliances for Delta, is enthusiastic about the new agreement stating that “strengthening our partnership responds to customer demand for more travel choice between the Gulf and North America.”

Middle Eastern Giants

Delta now has agreements with two different carriers in the Middle East. Currently, American Airlines and United Airlines have agreements in place with Qatar Airways and Emirates respectively. Since strengthening relationships, the two U.S. major carriers have each launched their own service to the Middle East. American serves Doha from Philadelphia and United serves Dubai from Newark. 

With longer range A350-1000s on order, Delta appears to be gearing up for the launch of new routes. At an event reported on by Thrifty Traveler, the carrier’s CEO Ed Bastian stated a press release regarding the signing of an agreement with IndiGo will be released in the coming days. Along with this announcement was the statement by Bastian that Delta “really want[s] to serve the market directly.” The A350-1000 aircraft on order would allow Delta to once again fly this route economically after retirng its fleet of Boeing 777-200 aircraft during the pandemic.

Thus, the idea of non-stop flights to Saudi Arabia by the carrier is a future possibility. At the time of writing, no United States airline flies to Saudi Arabia. Delta at one point flew to the Middle East, specifically Dubai, with the Boeing 777 until the route was discontinued in 2016. A potential new route would mark the carrier’s re-entry to the Middle Eastern market for the first time in nearly a decade. 

While Delta has agreements signed with both Saudi Arabian carriers, the two have also signed agreements with each other. This agreement includes codeshare agreements as well. While Saudia is established connecting Saudi Arabia with the world, Riyadh Air is gearing up to take on the Middle Eastern mega giants of Emirates and Qatar Airways. 

Zach Cooke

Zach’s love for aviation began when he was in elementary school with a flight sim and model planes. This passion for being in the air only intensified throughout high school when he earned his Private Pilot Certificate. He then attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, earning his certificates and ratings to later flight instruct and share his passion for aviation with others. He now resides in the North East living out his dream as an airline pilot.

KLM Faces Tough Times, Cuts Cost

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines implements strategic cost-cutting measures to enhance financial stability and address industry challenges.

Tolga Karadeniz
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A KLM 737-800 in Amsterdam (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced a series of cost-cutting measures to improve its financial performance and ensure long-term sustainability. The airline, facing rising costs and operational challenges, seeks to bolster its bottom line amid a challenging industry landscape.

KLM’s announcement comes as the airline industry continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. While passenger demand has rebounded, airlines have faced challenges related to rising fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages. According to Marjan Rintel, KLM’s President and CEO, the airline’s flights are full, but its overall capacity has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels.

Cost-Cutting Initiatives

In a recent statement, the carrier outlined several initiatives to be implemented over the coming months. These measures include increased productivity through automation, mechanization, and reduced absenteeism, aiming for a 5% increase in labor productivity by 2025.

Additionally, KLM will streamline its organizational structure to eliminate redundancies and reduce overhead costs, potentially restructuring certain departments or outsourcing non-core functions. The airline will also identify areas where expenses can be cut, such as real estate, non-critical investments, and procurement.

To mitigate the impact of the pilot shortage, the airline is implementing strategies to ensure that all flights can be operated with a balanced distribution between intercontinental and European routes. Additionally, the airline is addressing the shortage of technicians and supply chain issues that have led to reduced flight operations. Measures are being taken to minimize cancellations, and if necessary, KLM will explore options for partially outsourcing maintenance services.

Financial Goals and Employee Impact

The airline’s financial goals also include achieving a structural profit margin above 8% by 2026-2028, targeting a €450 million improvement in its operating result. Bas Brouns, KLM’s Chief Financial Officer, emphasized that the new measures will both increase revenue and cut costs, strengthening the airline’s cash flow and improving financial management.

He noted that these actions will support KLM’s billion-dollar investments in fleet renewal and customer experience enhancements. Brouns highlighted that in the coming years, KLM will transition to quieter, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient aircraft, aligning with government agreements and reducing noise pollution for Schiphol’s local communities.

While the announced measures are expected to have a positive impact on financial performance, they may also have implications for employees. KLM has expressed a commitment to protecting jobs as much as possible, but some restructuring could be necessary.

 

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.

Alaska Continues 737-900 Retirements

Alaska is retiring some of its oldest jets next year. Currently, the Seattle-based airline's fleet includes eight Boeing 737-900s.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Alaska 737-900
An Alaska 737-900 in Phoenix. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Alaska is retiring some of its oldest jets next year. Currently, the Seattle-based airline’s fleet includes eight Boeing 737-900s.

These aircraft — which are different from the 737-900ER variant — have an average age of nearly 23 years old. They are a rather rare type, too, with only 37 in service around the world, according to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data.

In 2001, Alaska became the launch customer for the 737-900. At the time, it was the largest variant of Boeing’s best-selling aircraft type.

Next year, the carrier plans to retire its few remaining 737-900s. In an August filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Alaska noted that the sub-fleet will drop to six aircraft by the end of 2024, then zero in 2025.

On Tuesday, the airline retired two more 737-900s — registered as N305AS and N306AS — leaving only eight in the carrier’s fleet. Interestingly, N305AS was the first-ever 737-900 to enter service, delivered on May 15, 2001.

Alaska took delivery of the first Boeing 737-900 in 2001. (Photo: Alaska Airlines)

The aircraft were ferried from the carrier’s Seattle hub to a storage facility at Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona. Schedule data from Cirium Diio shows the 737-900s operating through January 2025.

Alaska has no immediate plans to phase out its fleet of 79 737-900ERs (Extended Range). This type is a far more popular version of the 737-900, with nearly 500 in service worldwide.

 

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.

NBA Nabs Approval for VIP-Configured A321neos

The National Basketball Association (NBA)'s charter fleet of Boeing 757-200s is set to get a major upgrade in the coming years.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

The Airbus A321neo completes its first flight (Photo: Airbus)

The National Basketball Association (NBA)’s charter fleet is about to get a major upgrade. On Wednesday, the Department of Transportation approved a change in the agreement between Delta and the league, allowing for newer aircraft.

Delta currently operates a fleet of 11 Boeing 757-200s for the NBA that are leased from Aviation Capital Group. These aging jets — which are well over 30 years old — feature a special VIP-configuration.

According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, the 757s have only 72 seats, a stark difference from the 199-seat configuration used on regular Delta flights. The 757s were first introduced to the NBA’s travel schedule as part of a 2015 agreement with the Atlanta-based airline.

New Aircraft

In July 2024, a law firm representing the airline and league submitted plans to extend the agreement, which was slated to end in September 2026. Now with DOT approval, the revised agreement includes a fleet of up to 14 specially configured Airbus A321neo aircraft.

A Delta A321neo (Photo: Delta)

As first reported by Corporate Jet Investor, these aircraft will have humidifiers and lie-flat beds onboard with interiors being designed by Comlux. They will be used to shuttle players from the NBA’s 30 teams along with coaches and other staff between games.

Like the 757 arrangement, Delta will operate the Airbus aircraft, placing them under its operating certificate. During the league’s off-season, the airline can also utilize the aircraft for “ad-hoc” charters.

A July filing from the parties says the A321neos will be delivered over approximately 32 months, equipped with Pratt and Whitney GTF engines. Delta’s current fleet of A321neos includes 62 active aircraft.

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.

FAA: No ‘Significant Safety Issues’ Found Following United Audit

The Federal Aviation Administration says it completed a monthslong safety review of United Airlines, finding no major issues.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

United Dreamliner
A United 787-9 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The Federal Aviation Administration says it completed a monthslong safety review of United, paving the way for the airline to fully resume certification activities.

In a statement, a spokesperson from the agency said it found no “significant safety issues” following the Certificate Holder Evaluation Program (CHEP) audit. The review stemmed from a flurry of headline-making incidents earlier this year.

These incidents included a United Boeing 777-200 losing a tire during takeoff from San Francisco in March. The next day, a 737 MAX 8 slid off the end of a wet runway at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The airline’s CEO acknowledged the string of incidents in a March letter to customers.

“Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, our airline has experienced a number of incidents that are reminders of the importance of safety,” he said. “While they are all unrelated, I want you to know that these incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus.”

The FAA’s audit began in late March, prompting the airline to delay the launch of some new routes.

United declined to comment on the ending audit, instead directing inquiries to the FAA.

 

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.

Kenya’s Skyward Express Expands Internationally

Skyward Express, a Kenyan private airline, is preparing to launch a new route to Dar es Salaam, marking its first international expansion.

Victor Shalton
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Skyward Express Fokker aircraft
A Skyward Express Fokker aircraft (Photo: AMISOM/Omar Abdisalan, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Skyward Express, a Kenyan private airline, is preparing to launch a new route to Dar es Salaam, marking its first international expansion. Starting November 15, 2024, the airline will offer non-stop flights from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam three times a week on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays. These flights will be operated using Fokker 100 aircraft, as announced on September 26, 2024.

This new service will introduce competition to a route already served by Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, and Precision Air. It will also be Skyward Express’ second route from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, bringing the airline’s total route network to 10. The service is designed to attract both business travelers and tourists looking for convenient travel options between the two cities.

While Skyward Express primarily operates from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, this new route strengthens its presence at JKIA. Earlier in September, the airline acquired its first Dash 8-400 aircraft (previously operated by Horizon Airlines) as part of De Havilland Canada’s newly launched OEM Certified Refurbishment Program. This program includes the installation of new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A engines.

Additionally, Skyward Express also received its third Fokker F100 (registration 5Y-SKB, MSN 11369), which arrived in Nairobi on March 8, 2024, after stopovers in Luxembourg, El Alamein, and Djibouti. This is the airline’s second F100 delivery within a month, following the arrival of MSN 11395 on February 10, and the first delivery (MSN 11416) in June 2023.

With these new additions, Skyward Express now operates three Dash 8 aircraft, alongside a fleet that includes one Dash 8-300, one Dash 8-100, three Fokker 100s (with another expected soon), one Fokker 70, and two Fokker 50s. Established in 2013 and based at Wilson Airport, the airline primarily serves Kenya’s domestic market.

Founded by a group of Kenyan pilots and investors, Skyward Express initially focused on ad hoc charters within East Africa. Over the years, the airline has significantly expanded its operations, becoming one of the leading carriers in the Kenyan domestic market. It currently offers flights to destinations such as Mombasa, Lamu, Eldoret, Lodwar, Diani/Ukunda, Malindi, Kitale, Kakamega, and Migori, with plans to add more regional destinations soon.

Victor Shalton

Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.

33,000 Boeing Workers Lose Health Care Coverage

Boeing has cut health care coverage for 33,000 of its workers and their families as machinist strikes continue to halt production in the Pacific Northwest.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Boeing 737 aircraft (Photo: (Photo: Shutterstock | VDB Photos)

Boeing has cut health care coverage for 33,000 of its workers and their families as machinists union strikes continue to halt production in the Pacific Northwest.

A news release from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) emailed Tuesday stated that workers were informed of the cuts by U.S. Postal Service notifications to their homes. The move is being criticized by striking union members as a misstep by Boeing.

“Boeing executives cannot make up their minds,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant in the release. “One day they say they want to win back the trust of their workforce. The next moment, on the heels of many recent missteps by their labor relations team, Boeing executives are now tripping over dollars to get pennies by cutting a benefit that is essential to the lives of children and families, but is nothing compared to the cost of the larger problems Boeing executives have created for their workforce and for the company itself over the last ten years. Their missteps are costing not just the workers but our nation.”

Bryant called for action by Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg.

“It’s time for the new CEO to truly engage at the proposal-based level and to take the reins from his subordinates who are fumbling critical decisions like this one,” he continued. “There is no reason the health benefits question could not have been punted on to allow more time for negotiations at the table – it is an unnecessary and cruel decision by Boeing executives that will cost the company much more than it saves them, both short-term and long-term.”

Jon Holden, president of IAM District 751, said his fellow union members, who have been on strike since Sept. 13, were prepared for this kind of treatment.

“It’s been a long couple of decades with many threats to their livelihoods and this was an expected action in line with this management team,” Holden said in the release. “Over the years, members are often impacted by ill-advised decisions from the C-Suite, yet we stand strong and confident in our efforts to raise the standard for everyone.”

IAM refused to vote on Boeing’s “final” contract offer last week, stating that the company bypassed the negotiating process by broadcasting the offer publicly. That offer expired on Friday.

Bryant said delays by Boeing have caused IAM members to be kicked off their insurance plan.

“This is unnecessary and could have been avoided by continuing talks to come to an acceptable agreement, instead of walking away from mediation last Friday,” Bryant said. “Our members continue to be strong in their resolve and will not settle for anything but a fair contract that recognizes and rewards the critical and dedicated work they perform.”

In a statement sent to NBC affiliate King 5, Boeing confirmed that health care coverage ended for the striking employees on Monday. The company said it is prepared to meet at any time and negotiate with the aim of reaching an agreement as soon as possible.

Boeing did not immediately respond to AirlineGeeks’ request for comment.

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.

Qatar Airways Plans New North America Route

Qatar Airways announced that it will launch a new service to Toronto Pearson International Airport starting in December 2024.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 (A7-BEG) receives a water cannon salute as it arrives in Seattle. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Qatar Airways announced that it will launch a new service to Toronto Pearson International Airport starting on December 11, 2024. This marks the airline’s 14th route to the Americas and its second destination in Canada, joining Montréal.

The new route will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring 42 Qsuite Business Class seats and 312 Economy seats. Flights will operate three times per week.

“The addition of a fourteenth gateway to our Americas network is also a testament to our aim in maintaining a key presence across the local market, and cements our reputation as a reliable global connector,” said the airline’s CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer in a press release.

Flights from Doha to Toronto will depart at 9:50 a.m., arriving at 3:55 p.m. local time. The return flight will depart Toronto at 8:00 p.m., landing in Doha at 4:30 p.m.

The carrier briefly operated a handful of repatriation flights to Toronto in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.
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