British Airways Launches Austin-London Route

British Airways began new service on Monday between London Heathrow and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas. The route is the first regular transatlantic service to operate from the Texan city. (www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com) More...

Delta to Spend $770 Million to Upgrade Aircraft Interiors

Delta Air Lines announced that it will invest over three quarter billion dollars to refurbish the interiors of its Boeing 757-200, 737-800, Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. The upgraded interiors will feature power outlets at every seat, slimmer seats with adjustable headrests, overhauled lavatories, and other features that will enhance passenger comfort. (www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com) More...

Canadian North Expands Service Between Iqaluit and St. John’s

Canadian North announced it will expand its passenger and cargo service this year. On June 20, the airline will introduce seasonal, non-stop flights between Iqaluit and Halifax, Nova Scotia, with same-plane service available to St. John’s, Newfoundland. (www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com) More...

United Debuts Embraer 175 Planes in United Express Fleet

United Airlines announced it has added its first Embraer 175 aircraft to its United Express fleet. The airline added additional service between Chicago and both Boston and Washington, D.C. using the new planes. (www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com) More...

Air Canada Suspends Flights to Venezuela

Air Canada announced that it has halted flights to Caracas, Venezuela, effective immediately, in response to ongoing civil unrest in the city and country. “Due to ongoing civil unrest in Venezuela, Air Canada can no longer ensure the safety of its operation and has suspended flights to Caracas until further notice,” the airline said Monday in a statement posted on its website. (www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com) More...

Congress Considers Bill to Prohibit In-Flight Mobile Calls

A member of the US House of Representatives has introduced a bill to ban the use of mobile phones to make calls during a flight. The bill was presented by republican Bill Shuster to the House on Monday. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to make a decision by Thursday. A recent survey conducted by Frequent Business Traveler found that over 90% of frequent flyers are opposed to in-flight calling. (www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com) More...

Bombardier Delivers American Airlines’ First CRJ900 NextGen Jet - New Jets Use 5% Less Fuel Than Previous Versions

American Airlines announced that it took delivery of its first new Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, which was unveiled at a media event at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Tuesday. The new jet is the first of 30 CRJ900 NextGen aircraft that American ordered from Bombardier last December. (www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com) More...

American Buys London-Heathrow Slot for $31 Million

Cyprus Airways said it will sell American Airlines its landing slot at London Heathrow Airport on Monday. The airline will receive $31 million for the slot, which will “enhance the company’s liquidity for 2015,” according to a Cyprus news release. (www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com) More...

FAA Downgrades India’s Aviation Safety Rating

U.S. regulators downgraded India’s aviation-safety ranking Friday, a move that will crimp plans for India’s airlines to increase service to the U.S. The Federal Aviation Administration announced the change in the country’s status from Category 1 to a Category 2. The change will also mean that current flights will face existing checks, according to India’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation. (www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com) More...

United to Launch First Ever Non-Stop Service from U.S. to Chengdu

United Airlines will launch non-stop service between San Francisco and Chengdu, China on Monday. The route is the first-ever service from the North American continent to China’s fourth largest city. (www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com) More...