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DOT Mandates Cash Refunds for Flight Delays and Cancellations

New regulations mandate airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for flights experiencing substantial delays or cancellations

Tolga Karadeniz
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

American Airlines DFW Airport
Overlooking DFW Airport's Terminal B. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

In a landmark decision that it says bolsters passenger protections, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled a comprehensive set of regulations on Wednesday. These new rules mandate airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for significantly delayed or canceled flights.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg hailed the reforms as a transformative moment, declaring during a press conference, “This is a big day for America’s flying public.” He emphasized that the regulations represent the most significant expansion of passenger rights in the DOT’s history, prioritizing prompt and guaranteed cash refunds.

Previously, airlines held discretionary power regarding the delay threshold that triggered a refund obligation. The newly established DOT framework mandates automatic cash refunds for domestic flights exceeding three hours in delay and international flights exceeding six hours. These protections apply to all tickets, regardless of purchase channel, encompassing direct airline purchases, travel agents, and online booking platforms.

The DOT’s rulings clearly stipulate that passengers “shall be entitled to a full cash refund if their flight is canceled or substantially altered, and they decline alternative transportation or travel vouchers proffered by the airline.”

Furthermore, the regulations require airlines to provide cash refunds for lost luggage not delivered within a 12-hour timeframe. As per the new framework, refunds must be issued within seven days and must be in the form of cash unless the passenger explicitly chooses an alternative form of compensation. Notably, airlines are prohibited from solely issuing vouchers or credits in scenarios where cash refunds are mandated. A grace period of six months has been granted to airlines to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when airlines fall short of their obligations, without any unnecessary hassle or haggling,” Secretary Buttigieg stated in an official press release.

Alignment with European Standards

The new DOT regulations bring the U.S. closer to existing passenger rights standards in Europe. For instance, the European Union (EU) Regulation 261/2004 mandates cash compensation for flight delays exceeding three hours for short-haul flights and 4 hours for long-haul flights. Similar to the new DOT regulations, the EU also requires airlines to offer passengers re-routing or a full refund if their flight is canceled.

However, some key differences remain. The EU offers compensation for delays exceeding 2 hours for some itineraries, while the DOT sets the threshold at three hours for domestic flights. Additionally, the EU offers tiered compensation based on the length of the delay, while the DOT focuses on a guaranteed refund for the inconvenience.

Empowering Passengers to Avoid Hidden Travel Expenses

The DOT also revealed ongoing efforts to develop additional regulations focused on eliminating hidden fees that disproportionately burden passengers, enhancing the rights of wheelchair-using passengers to guarantee dignified and safe travel experiences, and establishing mandatory compensation and amenities for airline-induced delays or cancellations.

Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the DOT’s commitment to protecting passengers from surprise fees, claiming these efforts will result in billions of dollars saved for American travelers annually.

The new DOT regulations encompass refunds for unused pre-paid services such as Wi-Fi access, seat selection, or in-flight entertainment.

Secretary Buttigieg declared that the Southwest fine establishes a “new standard” for airlines and passenger rights. “To be clear, we want the airline sector to thrive,” he elaborated. “It is precisely why we provided extensive support during the pandemic and honestly it’s why we’re being so rigorous on passenger protection.”

“Airlines are not enthusiastic about us holding them to a higher standard,” Secretary Buttigieg conceded. “But I know they will be able to adapt to this.”

The industry group Airlines for America, representing leading U.S. passenger and cargo airlines, responded to the news in a statement to ABC News. The statement noted that its members “already offer a range of options, including fully refundable fares,” according to the news outlet. It further claimed that consumers are “given the choice of refundable ticket options with terms and conditions that best suit their needs at first search results.”

The group also noted that the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued a combined $43 billion in customer refunds between 2020 and 2023, with nearly $11 billion in refunds issued in 2023 alone.

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.

JetBlue Introduces New Inflight Entertainment Platform

JetBlue has announced the introduction of a new inflight entertainment platform known as “Blueprint by JetBlue' which will debut on select aircraft.

Andrew Chen
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

JetBlue's "Blueprint" inflight entertainment platform includes a "watch party" feature that allows up to six passengers to watch a film or show simultaneously (Photo: JetBlue)

JetBlue has announced the introduction of a new inflight entertainment platform. Known as “Blueprint by JetBlue,” the system will have increased personalization and customizability, as well as entertainment options that are designed to parallel the at-home streaming experience.

Bringing the Streaming Experience to the Skies

Blueprint includes a “watch party” feature that allows a passenger to watch the same film or show at the exact same time with up to five others on their flight. The airline touts itself as the first to offer simultaneous family-style viewing for up to six customers. Player controls – such as play and pause options – can be controlled on all linked screens.

For frequent flyers and travelers with connecting itineraries, the new platform allows passengers to have a user profile that is accessible across all aircraft with Blueprint. Customers can save their favorite selections, as well as system settings like language and closed captions preferences. There is also the option to stop watching a film or television show on one flight and start watching it from the same spot on a subsequent flight, as long as it is on a Blueprint-equipped aircraft. The later flight could be a same-day connection or a flight further in the future. To take advantage of these features, passengers will have to opt-in to authenticate their profiles on each flight.

The new platform also includes features that extend beyond inflight entertainment. JetBlue is known for having personal greetings on their seatback screens, and the system will now allow customers to change their preferred name. Seatback meal ordering will also be extended on Airbus A321neo aircraft with its business class product, Mint, meaning that the option will be available on transatlantic flights.

Rollout and Availability

According to the airline, Blueprint will be available on aircraft equipped with Thales’ AVANT inflight entertainment system. This includes all Airbus A321neo, Airbus A321LR, and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, as well as most of the carrier’s refurbished Airbus A320-200s. With the carrier’s sizeable Airbus A321-200 and Embraer E190 fleets excluded from the upgrade, only approximately half to two-thirds of JetBlue’s current fleet will feature the new platform.

A Mint suite on board one of JetBlue’s Airbus A321LRs. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Mateen Kontoravdis)

“JetBlue has always been an innovator as the first to have seatback screens and fast, free and unlimited Wi-Fi on every aircraft,” said Jayne O’Brien, JetBlue’s Head of Marketing and Customer Support. “By launching Blueprint by JetBlue, we are doubling down on our commitment to help customers create an inflight experience tailored to their needs and preferences, making their flight as comfortable as their own living rooms.”

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.

Southwest Closes Four Stations Amid Ongoing Boeing Delivery Woes

Southwest is ceasing operations at four airports and limiting capacity at others, citing ongoing aircraft delivery delays at Boeing.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Southwest 737
A Southwest Airlines 737-700 pushing back in Pittsburgh. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Southwest is ceasing operations at four airports and limiting capacity at others, citing ongoing Boeing delivery delays. The all-Boeing operator has cut its 2024 aircraft delivery plan by more than half.

On Aug. 4, 2024, the carrier says it will close stations in Bellingham, Cozumel, Houston-IAH, and Syracuse. Southwest will also “significantly restructure” operations in several markets, including capacity cuts in Atlanta and Chicago O’Hare.

“To improve our financial performance, we have intensified our network optimization efforts to address underperforming markets. Consequently, we have made the difficult decision to close our operations at Bellingham International Airport, Cozumel International Airport, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport,” said Southwest CEO Bob Jordan in an earnings press release. “I want to sincerely thank our Employees, the airports, and the communities for all their incredible support over the years.”

According to Cirium Diio schedule data, the station closures will result in roughly 1,200 fewer flights in September 2024. The carrier did not provide specific details on further capacity cuts.

Hiring Slowdown, Voluntary Time-Off

In addition to network reductions, Southwest also plans to reduce its hiring outlook. Earlier this year, the Dallas-based carrier announced that it plans to halt pilot hiring in 2024.

The airline says voluntary time-off programs will be offered to employees. It expects to finish 2024 with approximately 2,000 fewer employees compared to 2023.

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.

Southwest’s Flight Attendants Vote in Favor of Sweeping New Contract

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556 at Southwest ratified a new four-year contract after its flight attendants voted in favor of the agreement.

Benjamin Pham
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Southwest 737 MAX jets
Southwest 737 MAX 8 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) Local 556 at Southwest ratified a new four-year contract after its flight attendants voted in favor of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). As a result, the Dallas-based carrier is the first major airline in the U.S. to ink a new, enhanced contract with its flight attendants.

The four-year contract includes numerous enhancements for pay, including a 22.3% ‘snap up’ raise effective on May 1,  premium pay for extended duty days, increased pay for irregular operations, three percent pay increases for the next three years, and additional compensation for lengthy ground time. Flight attendants will also receive $364 million in retroactive wages, paid out based on how much flying was completed during negotiations.

Additionally, company-paid maternal and parental will be offered, and healthcare will be given to those who are caring for a newborn child.

“Our Flight Attendants embody Southwest’s legendary Hospitality as they take care of our Customers and keep them safe throughout their travels,” Adam Carlisle, Vice President of Labor Relations at Southwest Airlines, said in a statement. “This agreement rewards our Flight Attendants and includes provisions that strengthen Southwest’s operation.”

The local TWU 556 chapter represents more than 21,000 flight attendants across Southwest’s network. Previously, the airline’s flight attendants rejected the initial tentative agreement last year in December. However, 81 percent of votes cast were in favor of this new agreement.

“This deal provides significant raises and critical quality-of-life improvements for TWU’s Southwest Flight Attendants who worked through historic operational meltdowns and a global pandemic,” TWU International Executive Vice President Alex Garcia said in a press release. “TWU Local 556 won quantifiable compensation throughout all phases of the day that will put real money into our Flight Attendants’ pay checks. This is the least they deserve after years of hard work and negotiations.”

Southwest’s Pilots

Earlier this year in January, the carrier’s pilots – represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) – also approved a new contract, which included several pay raises. Now, with both the pilots and flight attendants receiving new contracts, 11 union-represented workgroups at Southwest have ratified new agreements since October 2022.

Benjamin Pham

Benjamin has had a love for aviation since a young age, growing up in Tampa with a strong interest in airplane models and playing with them. When he moved to the Washington, D.C. area, Benjamin took part in aviation photography for a couple of years at Gravelly Point and Dulles Airport, before dedicating planespotting to only when he traveled to the other airports. He is an avid, world traveler, having been able to reach 32 countries, yearning to explore and understand more cultures soon. Currently, Benjamin is an Air Transporation Management student at Arizona State University. He hopes to enter the airline industry to improve the passenger experience and loyalty programs while keeping up to how technology is being integrated into airports.

Hawaiian Slated to Return Grounded A321neos to Service

Hawaiian Airlines says it expects to return all 18 of its Airbus A321neo aircraft to revenue service in the coming weeks.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Hawaiian A321neo aircraft
A Hawaiian Airbus A321neo (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Hawaiian Airlines says it expects to return all 18 of its Airbus A321neo aircraft to revenue service in the coming weeks. Like many operators worldwide, the Honolulu-based airline has been forced to ground several A321neos due to ongoing issues with Pratt and Whitney’s GTF engines.

“On another positive note, we expect our full A321neo fleet to be available for service within the next couple of weeks based on current engine availability, including the return of some engines from overhaul visits,” Hawaiian chief Peter Ingram said during prepared remarks on the call.

According to FlightGlobal, the airline had up to five A321neo aircraft grounded that were waiting for engines or subsequent parts. At the time of writing, Hawaiian now has two A321neo jets in storage.

Issues with Pratt and Whitney GTF engines have plagued several airlines. The engine manufacturer’s parent company recently stated that it expects 50 A320neo-family aircraft will be grounded through 2026, and up to 650 grounded in the first half of this year.

Issues Not Quite ‘In the Rearview Mirror’

The airline uses its A321neo fleet largely on oceanic crossings between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. During the earnings call, Ingram stopped short of saying issues with the engines are completely behind Hawaiian.

“I would hesitate to use the term ‘in the rearview mirror’ because, clearly, there still is a global shortage of engines,” he added. “And so, having taken some of that pain in 2023, we’re now seeing engines returning from the overhaul shop, and that has left us at Hawaiian in a relatively more enviable position than some other carriers that…have dealt with the aftermath of engines that have had to go in for inspections a little bit later. I will caution it’s a fluid situation.”

The airline – which lost $138 million in the first quarter – says it hopes to “benefit” by having the A321neo fleet fully operational.

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.

Condor Takes Delivery of First A320neo

German leisure carrier Condor has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft, marking another step in the airline's fleet modernization program.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Condor takes delivery of first Airbus A320neo aircraft (Photo: Airbus)

German leisure carrier Condor has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft, marking another step in the airline’s fleet modernization program. The new aircraft was leased from Avolon and features a striking red version of the carrier’s livery.

This delivery is part of Condor’s ongoing efforts to update its fleet, which already includes the A330neo for long-haul flights. The airline retired its aging Boeing 767 fleet earlier this year and plans to phase out the 757 in 2025.

The carrier has a long history with the A320 family, having operated these aircraft on its European routes for over two decades. The A320neo offers Condor improved efficiency and passenger comfort compared to previous generation models, according to Airbus.

The new A320neo is powered by Pratt & Whitney engines and features Airbus’ Airspace cabin design in a 180-seat configuration. Per Aeroroutes, the carrier has scheduled initial routes for the new aircraft starting next month.

Condor also plans to receive the larger A321neo, which it expects to receive in the coming months. The airline has 13 A320neo and 28 A321neo aircraft on order.

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.

JetBlue Reveals Diminished First Quarter Earnings

The New York-based carrier announced that its revenue will be down between 6.5% and 11.5% in the second quarter relative to last year.

John McDermott
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A JetBlue Airbus A320 on the ground in Boston. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

On Tuesday, JetBlue announced that it has adjusted its annual revenue forecast. The carrier announced that its revenue will be down between 6.5% and 11.5% in the second quarter relative to last year, more than double the 3.8% drop analysts expected. Annual revenue is expected to be in the low single digits, and sales for the year are expected to be flat.

“We’ve got to get the business back to profitability,” JetBlue finance chief Ursula Hurley said during an earnings call. The company was profitable in March, Hurley said, but it is difficult to know whether it will break even in the second half of the year.

Profitability would mean free cash flow, Hurley said, which would allow the airline to pivot to paying down its debt.

The financial difficulties JetBlue is facing are due mainly to “significantly elevated capacity” in its flights to Latin America. The region is critical to the company, accounting for more than ⅓ of its capacity.

“[Latin America] is a very strong market for JetBlue from a margin perspective,” CEO Joanna Geraghty told analysts. “These headwinds are transitory, and we will continue to double down in this area.”

“We have full confidence that continuing to take action on our refocused standalone strategy is the right path forward to ultimately return to profitability again,” Geraghty continued

JetBlue has continued to struggle since its deal to acquire low-cost competitor Spirit was blocked by a federal judge. JetBlue has left multiple markets and reduced its capacity on others in an attempt to shift focus toward profitable measures.

Shifting Priorities

In Tuesday’s earnings call, Geraghty emphasized that JetBlue is working to ensure it is focused on the right type of customer. JetBlue’s core geographies and customers have changed significantly since the pandemic. Most significantly, JetBlue says it is shifting to focus more on leisure travel than on corporate fliers.

“Leisure travel remains an increasing priority for customers, and there is no longer the same divide between corporate and leisure travel as more people can take advantage of the ability to work from anywhere,” Geraghty said.

“However, that also means most of the industry has shifted a portion of their flying to meet this increasing demand for leisure travel, allocating capacity to many of JetBlue’s bread and butter routes,” she continued.

Other airlines, such as United and Delta, have reported strong demand, especially among business and international travelers. Though JetBlue is focusing on leisure travel at the moment, it continues to expand its international offerings to take advantage of new market shares it did not have just a year or two ago.

Pratt & Whitney Difficulties

Equally important to JetBlue is the operational issues that have arisen with Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines. Issues with these engines arose last year and have impacted the global Airbus A220 and A320 fleets, among others, meaning that nearly ⅔ of JetBlue’s aircraft are impacted. Longer engine inspections mean aircraft are not flying as much, which consequently means they do not earn as much money.

JetBlue is seeking compensation from Pratt & Whitney for the engine issues, adding that the situation is “frustratingly fluid.” It plans to buy outright 12 leased jets originally set to be returned to their owners in order to maintain capacity.

“A key component of our work to return our business to profitability is ensuring we maintain a low-cost base in a year where we are not growing,” Geraghty said.

According to Reuters, the carrier’s investor meeting has been moved from May to the fall.

John McDermott

John McDermott is a commercial pilot pursuing a career in professional flight. His passion for aviation began in an Ann Arbor bookstore with a tale of enemy pilots during World War 2, and he hasn't looked back. Besides flying and writing for AirlineGeeks, John volunteers with Professional Pilots of Tomorrow and travels whenever he gets the chance.

South African Airways: No Further Route Expansion

South Africa’s national carrier, South African Airways (SAA), will not be adding any routes to its network in the near future.

Lorne Philipot
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

South African A340
A South African Airways A340-300. (Photo: Shutterstock)

South Africa’s national carrier, South African Airways (SAA), will not be adding any routes to its network in the near future. The collapse of the protracted equity partnership deal with private investor Takatso Consortium has impacted the airline, leaving SAA unable to carry out its planned route network expansion. 

Rebuilding South African Airways

Since emerging from a business rescue process in 2021, the airline has cautiously been rebuilding its flight schedule and route network. It has experienced several challenges including aircraft shortages and technical issues in the period post-COVID-19, as it tried to scale up operations.

SAA’s Route Network

Initially, the restarted airline operated flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa; before reintroducing flights to several destinations in neighbouring African nations. Now, coming up on three years since exiting business rescue, the airline flies to 14 destinations. 

South Africa’s flag carrier operates domestic routes including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth in South Africa.  Regionally, it flies to Windhoek, Namibia; Harare and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; Lusaka, Zambia; Mauritius; Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire; Accra, Ghana; and Lagos, Nigeria.

Intercontinental flights include Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Perth, Australia – launching on April 28.

No Further Route Expansion

In a televised interview, the chair of SAA’s Interim Board of Directors Derek Hanekom said that the airline now, fully back in state hands, will not see further route expansion in the short term. 

Hanekom said that no additional new routes would be launched for a couple of years, without capital injection from an equity partner or loans from capital markets. 

“We were planning to go beyond Perth as our second intercontinental flight. We were planning to do London, Frankfurt and North America. All of that has to be suspended, or rather, delayed. So, we are not going to go beyond Perth for the next couple of years,” Hanekom said. 

He said that in its current form South African Airways is a small and sustainable operation that does not rely on handouts from the state. “It’s not where we want it to be but it’s growing slowly and we believe, sustainably,” Hanekom stated.

Lorne Philipot

Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.

Royal Air Maroc, Safran Strengthen Engine Maintenance Partnership

Royal Air Maroc and Safran have deepened their collaboration in aircraft engine maintenance, including expansion plans for its Casablanca facility.

Victor Shalton
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Royal Air Maroc Boeing 737-800
A Royal Air Maroc Boeing 737-800. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Royal Air Maroc and Safran have deepened their collaboration in aircraft engine maintenance. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Safran Aircraft Engines Services Morocco (SAESM), a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and Royal Air Maroc, unveiled an extension to its Nouaceur plant adjacent to Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, as announced in a press release on April 18, 2024.

The event was joined by Mohammed Abdeljalil, Moroccan Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hamid Addou, Chairman and CEO of Royal Air Maroc, Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, and Abdallah Chatter, governor of the Nouaceur region.

The partners also formalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the continued expansion of the facility, encompassing an additional 2,000 square meters (21,500 sq. ft) of space. This expansion is set to bolster the capacity from 70 to 100 shop visits annually by 2026.

SAESM is solidifying its stature as a center of excellence for the CFM56 engine family within Safran’s broader maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) network, providing airlines with services spanning the entire MRO process, from diagnosis to performance assurance at the test bench.

The CFM56 engine, developed by Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace through their CFM International joint venture, currently powers a significant portion of Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 airliners, with over 33,000 engines delivered.

“Today marks the onset of a new chapter in our collaboration with Safran. This agreement will not only facilitate the expansion of our Casablanca facility but also enhance our expertise in the aviation sector. Royal Air Maroc takes pride in partnering with Safran to bolster Morocco’s aviation landscape and elevate our nation’s standing in the global aerospace arena,” stated Hamid Addou, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Royal Air Maroc.

To support this growth, SAESM plans to recruit approximately 100 individuals by 2026, increasing the plant’s total workforce to 350. Additionally, it will leverage key local academic alliances, backed by Royal Air Maroc and Safran Aircraft Engines, to nurture MRO proficiency in Morocco.

Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, remarked: “We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Royal Air Maroc and tap into the pool of top-tier talent in Morocco, aligning with our robust industrial focus on the CFM56. Since its inception 25 years ago, SAESM has emerged as a benchmark in our global MRO network, distinguished by operational excellence, innovation, and carbon footprint reduction.”

In an effort to curb CO2 emissions from Safran’s facilities, the Casablanca site is investing in the installation of solar panels on building rooftops and parking lot shade structures, aiming to achieve a 30% share of renewable energy by 2025.

According to the Groupement des Industries Marocaines Aéronautiques et Spatiales (GIMAS), Morocco has 140 companies specialized in aeronautics and space, making it one of the most attractive in the continent in this field.

The country’s aerospace sector is undergoing significant expansion with a notable project focused on converting Boeing 777-300ER aircraft into freighters, a venture, announced on April 13, 2024, between Kansas Modification Center, LLC (KMC), Stratos Industries, and Integrated Aerospace Alliance, LLC (IAA).

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.

Air China to Resume Havana Service in May

Air China is planning the resumption of service to Cuba with the opening of reservations for a new route from Beijing Capital Airport to Havana.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Air China Boeing 787-9 in Los Angeles.
An Air China Boeing 787-9 in Los Angeles. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Air China is planning the resumption of service to Cuba with the opening of reservations for a new route from Beijing Capital Airport to Havana with a stopover in Madrid (MAD).

According to Aeroroutes, flights will begin on May 17, 2024, and operate twice weekly using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The initial schedule features flights on Tuesdays and Fridays, moving to Tuesdays and Saturdays starting on June 11, 2024. Flights are currently bookable until Sept. 28, 2024.

This marks a return to Havana for Air China, which previously served the route via Montreal until 2020, cutting the market due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline has been increasing flights to Latin America in recent months with the return of flights to Sao Paulo (GRU).

Starting in May, the carrier will have up to 11 weekly flights to Madrid, which includes both the Havana and Sao Paulo stopover flights.

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.
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