Czech Airlines Ceases Operations After 101 Years

Czech Airlines will no longer operate under the "OK" code with the remaining two Airbus A320 aircraft in the fleet operating under Smartwings.

Zach Cooke

Monday, October 28, 2024 at 09:38 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Czech Airlines A319 landing at London Heathrow. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

European carrier Czech Airlines (CSA) officially ended operations on Saturday. The carrier, which inaugurated service in 1923 and joined the SkyTeam alliance in 2001, will no longer operate under its respective carrier code and brand, thus also parting ways with the SkyTeam alliance.

The Prague-based flag carrier has been dwindling in size since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before shutting down, CSA has two Airbus A320 aircraft in its fleet.

The carrier returned its sole A330 in 2020 resulting in the loss of its long-haul network. While the airline had newer Airbus products on order with deliveries anticipated to begin in 2020, the new aircraft were never handed over to the flag carrier. Airbus sought financial compensation from CSA for lack of payment for the order.

While the carrier will no longer operate, aircraft and assets will be absorbed by Smartwings, which has a significant stake in the flag carrier. The company is also based in the Czech Republic and operates out of Prague. Smartwings currently operates 40 Boeing 737 aircraft and one Airbus A320. The two remaining A320 aircraft in the CSA fleet will be transferred over to the Smartwings fleet.

However, according to the Czech Republic publication Radio Prague International, the two CSA A320 aircraft, along with four new A220 aircraft, will continue flying in the CSA livery.

Leaving SkyTeam

SkyTeam made a statement regarding the shut down of operation by one of the oldest carriers in the world. However, the dwindling size of the carrier meant that SkyTeam didn’t believe there would be much of an operational change as “the departure of Czech Airlines from SkyTeam will have little impact on the overall network.”

The major alliance also stated that five other members will continue operations in Prague. Smartwings is not currently a part of any airline alliance.

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.

Delta Plans New Long-Haul Route

Delta is expanding its long-haul network yet again with a new South America route that is slated to begin in January 2025.

Ryan Ewing

Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 09:37 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Delta A330-300 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Delta is growing its long-haul network with a new route set to begin in January 2025. The Atlanta-based carrier continues to expand its international portfolio in 2025, announcing seven new European routes just last month.

According to the most recent Cirium Diio schedule update, the airline plans to connect Boston with São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport beginning Jan. 6, 2025. Flights are slated to operate three times per week on an Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

The airline’s partner LATAM operates the same route, which Delta may be replacing, according to airline insider JonNYC on Twitter/X.

A Delta spokesperson confirmed the route addition: “From January 6 to March 27, 2025, Delta will operate flights between Boston and São Paulo-Guarulhos, a route currently served by LATAM. Customers holding tickets for this route during that period will be automatically rebooked onto Delta-operated flights with no changes to their original departure dates.”

Outbound flights operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, scheduled to depart Boston at 9:00 a.m. local time before landing in the Brazilian city at 8:45 p.m.

Return flights are scheduled overnight, leaving São Paulo at 10:45 p.m., and arriving in Boston at 6:40 a.m. the next day. Currently, the route is only scheduled between January and March.

The airline also serves São Paulo from its Atlanta and New York-JFK hubs.

Boston-São Paulo joins several recently-announced 2025 routes by the airline, including Salt Lake City-Seoul along with Minneapolis-Copenhagen.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at 10:58 a.m. ET to add a statement from Delta.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Spirit Slated to Cut Fleet by 11% in 2025

With the 23 A320s and A321s removed from its 2025 fleet plan, the carrier will have nearly 11% fewer aircraft by the end of 2025.

Ryan Ewing

Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 07:30 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Spirit Airbus A321 (Photo: Shutterstock | Ron Adar)

Struggling Spirit is looking to bolster its liquidity next year as it embarks on an aggressive fleet shake-up. The ultra-low-cost carrier — which lost nearly $200 million in the second quarter — continues to face challenges as reports surface of a potential bankruptcy filing.

The airline’s fleet is set to change materially in 2025. By February, Spirit will remove 23 of its older Airbus A320 and A321 jets in a deal valued at $519 million.

In addition, the carrier is retiring its two remaining A319s in Q2 2025, though the current schedule only has the aircraft operating through early January.

Spirit expects year-over-year capacity to be down in the midteens range next year, it said in a Thursday 8-K filing.

Pratt and Whitney Issues Worsen

The airline continues to grapple with Pratt and Whitney engine issues on its newer A320neo-series aircraft. Currently, Spirit has 21 A320neos in storage along with one A321neo, according to data from Cirium Fleet Analyzer.

In the same 8-K filing, Spirit stated that it expects a year-over-year increase of A320neo-series aircraft removed from service due to the engine troubles. The carrier did not provide a specific figure.

Spirit published its latest fleet plan on Aug. 1, which does not include the 23 A320 and A321 removals. By year-end 2025, the airline’s fleet will include 219 aircraft in total. It plans to take delivery of six A321neo aircraft next year.

Excluding five retired A319s, Spirit’s current fleet consists of 212 aircraft. With the 23 A320s and A321s removed from its 2025 fleet plan, the carrier will have nearly 11% fewer aircraft by the end of 2025.

Ryan Ewing

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

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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Edited By:

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