The Week In Travel

American Airlines and JetBlue have been ordered this week to dissolve their partnership, named Northeast Alliance, following a ruling by the Massachusetts US District Court. The two carriers first announced the strategic partnership in July 2020 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing them to coordinate flight schedules and share revenue on selected routes. US District Judge, Leo Sorokin, labelled the agreement anti-competitive, stating that the two carriers act as one entity, ‘allocating markets between them and replacing full-throated competition with broad co-operation’.

In technology news, Etihad Cargo has unveiled an advanced AI-powered solution to enhance its operations. The airline has implemented a new AI-driven platform to optimise cargo capacity management and improve efficiency. By harnessing this new technology, Etihad Cargo aims to streamline processes, increase productivity, and provide better service to its customers.

Over in Europe, Lufthansa has reached an agreement with the Italian government to take a 41% stake in ITA Airways, formed from the remnants of Alitalia in 2020, with a view to a full takeover in the future. As part of the deal, Italy’s ministry of finance will provide €250 million in capital to ITA as part of the agreement, and the German-led airline group will have the option to acquire the remaining shares at a later date.

In sustainability news, Dublin airport operator DAA has unveiled a new incentive scheme to encourage airlines to operate aircraft that emit lower levels of CO2. The airport plans to give airlines flying more efficient aircraft a ‘low emissions discount’ on aeronautical charges, while those operating ‘high emission’ aircraft will have to pay higher charges. The airport has hopes for the new initiative to go live within the next six months.

And finally, two Australian women found out the hard way that airline baggage rules are not there to be broken. Adriana and Emily were set to board a Jetstar flight from Melbourne to Adelaide when they discovered that both their cases were over the weight limit. In an attempt to avoid a fine, both piled on around 15 garments each, including t-shirts, jackets, jumpers and trousers. Despite their efforts, the airline staff were not convinced, and both women were fined $65 AUD.