Next steps of the wind down of the Northeast Alliance of JetBlue and American Airlines

American Airlines and JetBlue have begun to work through the initial steps to wind down the pro-competitive, pro-consumer Northeast Alliance. These steps include:

Codeshare flights between American and JetBlue will no longer be available for sale starting July 21.

Customers will have through July 20 to update any existing American booking with a TrueBlue member number or an existing JetBlue booking with an AAdvantage member number.

AAdvantage members can use their AAdvantage miles to book and ticket an award itinerary on JetBlue through July 20.

This is just the first step in the wind-down process that will take place over the coming months. We will continue to work with the JetBlue team to ensure customers who have existing codeshare bookings can travel seamlessly without disruption to their travel plans.

“We are disappointed to be ending popular benefits like codesharing and reciprocal loyalty benefits. We know customers will miss these features and believe the U.S. Department of Justice’s position opposing them misses the mark,” said Dave Fintzen, vice president, Northeast Alliance, JetBlue. “With the court’s recent ruling and the termination of the NEA, we have to sunset them in short order. Even as these benefits end, we are still committed to minimizing disruption to existing travel plans and continuing to deliver great value and our award-winning product and service to our customers.”

Top 20 Airlines......

Each month OAG produces an Airline Frequency and Capacity Trend Statistics Report, flight data included is sourced via Schedules Analyser; a cutting-edge platform for airline schedule analysis. The report contains key facts and figures including Seats by Region, Top 20 Country Pairs, Top 20 Airlines, and Top 20 Airports, plus additional information regarding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the recovery of the travel industry. The data below is for the month of July 2023.

Airline Frequency & Capacity Trends Statistics | OAG

Northeast Alliance update for customers

American Airlines and JetBlue have begun to work through the initial steps to wind down the pro-competitive, pro-consumer Northeast Alliance. These steps include:

Codeshare flights between American and JetBlue will no longer be available for sale starting July 21.

Customers will have through July 20 to update any existing American booking with a TrueBlue member number or an existing JetBlue booking with an AAdvantage member number.

AAdvantage members can use their AAdvantage miles to book and ticket an award itinerary on JetBlue through July 20.

This is just the first step in the wind-down process that will take place over the coming months. We will continue to work with the JetBlue team to ensure customers who have existing codeshare bookings can travel seamlessly without disruption to their travel plans.

“We are disappointed to be ending popular benefits like codesharing and reciprocal loyalty benefits. We know customers will miss these features and believe the U.S. Department of Justice’s position opposing them misses the mark,” said Dave Fintzen, vice president, Northeast Alliance, JetBlue. “With the court’s recent ruling and the termination of the NEA, we have to sunset them in short order. Even as these benefits end, we are still committed to minimizing disruption to existing travel plans and continuing to deliver great value and our award-winning product and service to our customers.”

American Airlines adds more ways to visit Miami with record-breaking winter schedule

Winter is about to get warmer as American Airlines continues to grow its footprint at Miami International Airport (MIA) with seven new routes and one brand-new international destination. With more than 380 peak-day flights this winter, American solidifies its position as the largest airline at MIA with service to 150 destinations.

“With a more than 30 year-history at Miami International Airport, American is proud to serve as the hometown airline, providing our customers with an unparalleled network that includes unique destinations like Governor’s Harbour, Bahamas; Anguilla; and Sacramento, California,” said Juan Carlos Liscano, American’s Vice President of MIA Hub Operations. “Next winter we’re proud to continue to invest in the undisputed gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, a true point of pride for our more than 14,000 locally-based team members.”

From MIA, American operates flights to more than 85 unique destinations, including more than 45 in Latin America and the Caribbean. With service to more than 70 destinations across the U.S., American will offer the most convenient way for customers to take in all that Miami has to offer or enjoy one-stop access to the largest network of destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean of any U.S. airline.

A new destination and more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean

Starting Feb. 3, American will become the only U.S. carrier flying nonstop from MIA to Governor’s Harbour, Bahamas (GHB). Service will operate twice weekly on Embraer E175 aircraft, complementing the airline’s winter schedule for the Bahamas that will include up to 14 daily departures to six destinations.

Additionally, the airline will expand its winter schedule from MIA to Latin America and the Caribbean, now including more than 140 peak-day departures to more than 70 destinations, including Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR); Cartagena, Colombia (CTG); and Tortola, British Virgin Islands (EIS).

Destination	Service notes	Flights Operate
Governor’s Harbour, Bahamas (GHB)	New service on Tuesdays and Saturdays	Service begins Feb. 3
Anguilla (AXA)	Increase to two daily flights	Dec. 20 – Jan. 7
Barranquilla, Colombia (BAQ)	Increase to two daily flights	Dec. 20 – Jan. 7
Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI)	Increase to three daily flights	Dec. 20 – Jan. 7
Cancun, Mexico (CUN)	Increase to six daily flights	Dec. 20 – Jan. 7
Cartagena, Colombia (CTG)	Increase to three daily flights	Dec. 5 – Apr. 3
Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR)	Increase to three daily flights	Dec. 20 – Jan. 7
San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)	Increase to four daily flights	Dec. 20 – Jan. 7
St. Maarten (SXM)	Increase to three daily flights	Dec. 20 – Jan. 7
Tortola, British Virgin Islands (EIS)	Increase to three peak-day flights	Saturdays; Dec. 20 – Jan. 7

More ways to Miami than any other airline

This winter, American will offer the most convenient nonstop access to MIA with service from seven new domestic destinations. The new domestic destinations include year-round daily service to Portland, Oregon (PDX) and Sacramento, California (SMF); as well as seasonal weekly service to Buffalo, New York (BUF), Cedar Rapids, Iowa (CID); Lexington, Kentucky (LEX); Wichita, Kansas (ICT) and Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM).

Destination	Service notes	Flights Operate
Portland, Oregon (PDX)	New daily service	Year-round service begins Nov. 5
Sacramento, California (SMF)	New daily service	Year-round service begins Dec. 20
Buffalo, New York (BUF)	New Saturday-only service	Nov. 11 – Mar. 30
Cedar Rapids, Iowa (CID)	New Saturday-only service	Nov. 11 – Mar. 30
Lexington, Kentucky (LEX)	New Saturday-only service	Nov. 11 – Mar. 30
Wichita, Kansas (ICT)	New Saturday-only service	Nov. 11 – Mar. 30
Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM)	New Saturday-only service	Nov. 11 – Mar. 30
Milwaukee (MKE)	Increase to daily service	Dec. 20 – Apr. 3
Oklahoma City (OKC)	Increase to daily service	Dec. 20 – Apr. 3
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA)	Increase to five daily flights	Dec. 20 – Jan. 7
Denver (DEN)	Increase to three daily flights	Dec. 20 – Apr. 3
San Antonio (SAT)	Increase to two daily flights	Dec. 20 – Jan. 7
San Diego (SAN)	Increase to two daily flights	Dec. 20 – Jan. 7
Seattle (SEA)	Increase to two daily flights	Dec. 20 – Jan. 7

American Airlines releases 2022 Sustainability Report

American Airlines issued its 2022 Sustainability Report today, providing updates on the company's strategy and progress on key issues over the year. The report affirms American's focus on the sustainability issues most important to its business and stakeholders, including climate change, customer and team member safety, human capital and customer service.

“Over the past year, American has worked tirelessly to fly more and bring people together again,” American's CEO Robert Isom said. “I'm deeply proud of our team for building back our airline, developing a pipeline of new and diverse talent and advancing our climate goals — all while remaining steadfastly committed to our why: caring for people on life's journey.”

American's strategy for reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 is focused on running a more fuel-efficient operation, with more fuel-efficient aircraft increasingly powered by low-carbon fuel. Over the past several years, American has undertaken the most extensive fleet renewal effort in the history of its industry — giving the airline the youngest mainline fleet among U.S. network carriers. In 2022, American took meaningful steps forward across its strategy — from adding new-generation aircraft to its fleet and finalizing its most significant sustainable aviation fuel offtake agreement to date to announcing investments in two companies focused on the development of low-carbon, hydrogen-powered aviation.

In 2022, American became the first airline globally to receive validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) that its intermediate 2035 GHG reduction targets comply with the criteria in the SBTi's first aviation pathway. The company's Sustainability Report also includes a detailed discussion of American's risks and opportunities related to climate change, as recommended by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.

American Airlines announces commercial redevelopment of Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport

American Airlines, in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports, today announced a $125 million commercial redevelopment program for Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The project will feature a new Great Hall and is expected to bring more than 60 new shopping and restaurant offerings to the terminal. With an emphasis on locally owned and diverse businesses that will create economic opportunities for the community, the new program will showcase New York's world-renowned culinary scene and establish a unique sense of place for travellers.

“We look forward to working with our project partners, the Port Authority and the local community to deliver a transformative dining and shopping experience that represents the dynamic New York region,” said American's Vice President of Airport Affairs and Facilities Amanda Zhang. “We're committed to ensuring a world-class experience at Terminal 8 and this commercial redevelopment will further elevate the travel journey for our customers and our oneworld® partners.”

Following the recent completion of a $400 million expansion of Terminal 8, the commercial redevelopment will further enhance the customer experience at the terminal with a complete redesign and expansion of the concessions program, including dining, retail, duty-free shopping, performance space and new digitally enabled experiences for American's customers.

Terminal 8 has also become a world-renowned gateway for American's oneworld partners. Within the past year, British Airways, Iberia and Japan Airlines relocated operations and Qantas returned service to Terminal 8.

American Airlines receives eighth consecutive perfect score on the 2023 Disability Equality Index

For the eighth consecutive year, American Airlines has received a top score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) and was named one of the best places to work for disability inclusion in 2023. The DEI exists to help businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment/underemployment of people with disabilities.

“At American Airlines, we proudly strive to create an open, inclusive culture where people from all backgrounds and abilities feel welcome,” said Cedric Rockamore, American’s Chief Diversity Officer. “We are honoured to be recognized for our inclusive efforts and are committed to continuous improvement in building an environment where the individual abilities of our team members are valued.”

The DEI was launched in 2015 by Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and is acknowledged today as the most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in business. By taking the DEI, companies demonstrate their commitment to disability inclusion and equality, as well as broader social issues.

No more Northeast Alliance for JetBlue and American Airlines

Two of the major airlines in the U.S. have been ordered to smash up an alliance agreement following a long trial in the U.S. courts.

The Justice Department had originally taken legal action against JetBlue and American Airlines in September of  2021 claiming the tie-up between the two carriers, was having a detrimental impact on the market, cutting choices and raising fares. However, in fact there have been more services and routes introduced during the time of the alliance and fares have, allowing for inflation, reduced. 

Now JetBlue and American have been told to dismantle the alliance by U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston, with the news welcomed by Merrick B. Garland, the Attorney General who said  "The Justice Department will continue to protect competition and enforce our antitrust laws in the heavily consolidated airline industry and across every industry. - Today's decision is a win for Americans who rely on competition between airlines to travel affordably" 

JetBlue said: "The DOJ’s proposal is too onerous and overreaching, ignoring arguments the DOJ itself presented at trial about the benefits of similar aspects of other domestic carrier partnerships."

Jetblue, which is busy with its takeover of budget carrier Spirit has said it will not appeal the decision, despite the millions it has already spent on the court case.  In a statement, the hometown airline said: "Despite our deep conviction in the procompetitive benefits of the NEA, after much consideration, JetBlue has made the difficult decision not to appeal the court’s determination that the NEA cannot continue as currently crafted and has instead initiated the termination of the NEA." The beginning of a wind-down process that will take place over the coming months the airline advises and local analysts have said JetBlue will axe 14 services before the end of the year. However, for the moment, nothing will change and existing bookings will be honoured. 

Embracing Pride through allyship

An American Airlines team member shares how she became a true diversity, equity, and inclusion champion, showing how allyship is a way for everyone to celebrate equality during Pride month.

Nearly 30 years ago, Customer Relations Manager Banu Scruggs migrated to the United States from Turkey with hopes of living out her American dream. She was just 25 but had big dreams of pursuing higher education with a bachelor's in business management and a master's in criminology.

Her first and only job has been with American over the last 30 years. As a Reservations agent, Banu embarked on a career surrounded by colleagues who would become some of her closet friends, several of whom were a part of the LGBTQ+ community. They welcomed and accepted her as a foreigner when she needed it the most. In return she gained love, respect and a better understanding of the challenges the LGBTQ+ community faced. Banu said she loved her team and her role, which further helped expose her to different cultures, ways of life and diverse practices and set the foundation for her advocacy work in DEI.

American Airlines announces largest-ever winter schedule to the Caribbean and Latin America

American Airlines has released details of its winter 2023 schedule for the Caribbean and Latin America, which features two new services and expanded frequencies on 21 routes.

The carrier aims to solidify its position as the leading carrier flying nonstop between the United States and Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. In winter 2023, American will operate more than 2,250 weekly flights to 90 destinations in the region, marking a 10% increase in seat capacity compared to winter 2022.

“This coming winter we're looking forward to adding more service to the destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean that our customers want to visit, including popular spots like Cancun, Montego Bay and Punta Cana, as well as our newest destination, Tortola,” said José A. Freig, Vice President of Operations and Commercial for Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. “We are proud to strengthen our lead as the largest U.S. airline in the region, with more flights and seats to more destinations than any other single carrier or partnership.”

From 5th December, American will expand service on 10 routes from Charlotte (CLT) operating through the winter. Customers will have more options to choose from with 40% more seats available from CLT to Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America compared to winter 2022.

Starting 9th December American will launch new nonstop service to Cancun, Mexico (CUN) from Nashville, Tennessee (BNA), and Cincinnati (CVG). Service from BNA and CVG will operate on Saturdays through March. These new routes will complement the airline's more than 35 peak-day flights to Cancun, including the most recent announcement of a second daily service from Austin, Texas (AUS), starting 5th November. 

American drops free 1st bags for international basic economy passengers.

The U.S. mega-carrier American Airlines has dropped 1st free bag for basic economy passengers on international routes.  Now AA will charge $75 for the 1st bag on routes Between Israel and U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean (including Haiti), Central America, and South America. 

The fee also applies to services to or from India, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.

Optional and baggage service fees − American Airlines

Basic economy is the lowest fare level on American, which now includes just the seat and snacks and they also allow you to take on a cabin bag of limited dimensions. 

Dallas Fort Worth Airport and American Airlines agree long term lease use and lease agreement.

American Airlines and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) have signed a new 10-year Use and Lease Agreement, which includes $4.8 billion in pre-approved capital investments, including the construction of Terminal F, the renovation of Terminal C, construction of gate expansions at Terminal A and Terminal C, and other significant modernization projects.

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and DFW Airport CEO Sean Donohue gathered at DFW today for a special event to announce the Use and Lease Agreement, marking a new era of growth and innovation for the world's second-busiest airport.

“American is proud to call North Texas home, and DFW is our largest hub and a central gateway to our extensive international and domestic network,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “American has led the growth that has propelled DFW to become the second busiest airport in the world and we are thrilled to finalize a new lease agreement and capital plan that sets the stage for American, DFW and the North Texas region to continue to grow for years to come. We value our longstanding relationship with DFW and are grateful to Mayor Parker, Mayor Johnson, the DFW Airport Board and Sean for their continued partnership.”

“We are very proud that Fort Worth-based American Airlines has signed this important agreement to cement DFW’s status as American’s main hub and help us continue to meet the incredible demand we are experiencing in North Texas,” said Mayor Parker. “Our region will become the nation’s third largest metro region within the next 10 years, and it’s no surprise that we have the second busiest airport in the world. Today’s agreement ensures DFW Airport is ready for the future and to continue serving as Fort Worth’s gateway to the world.”

“As a growing, international city, Dallas takes great pride in its partnerships with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and American Airlines,” said Mayor Johnson. “DFW Airport connects our community to the world and fuels economic growth throughout our region and state. We all recognize that North Texas is the place to be. Signing the new Use and Lease Agreement is one step to ensure our region remains well-positioned to thrive in the future.”

Steve Johnson named vice chair and chief strategy officer of American Airlines

American Airlines confirmed this week that Stephen Johnson has been named Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer. In this expanded role, Johnson will lead and help shape American’s strategic efforts and initiatives across the enterprise and have responsibility for American Eagle and American Airlines Cargo.

"This is part of our long-term plan to continue strengthening our senior leadership team,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “Steve has served as an incredible leader and a trusted advisor to our airline over the past three decades, and to me personally throughout my first year as CEO. He will continue to guide our strategy, our focus on the economy and its impact on our business, and our corporate development, working closely with our board and senior leadership team. And I know our Regional and Cargo teams will excel under Steve’s leadership as those businesses continue to evolve and continue to provide outstanding service to customers throughout our global network.”

Following the retirement of Derek Kerr, Johnson will have responsibility for the airline’s cargo and American Eagle regional operations, with a focus on developing new strategies for those businesses. Heather Garboden, American’s Senior Vice President of Regionals and Cargo, will report to Johnson in his new role.

11th year in a row American Airlines wins at the Freddie Awards.....

For the 11th consecutive year, the American Airlines AAdvantage programme was recognized as the Best Elite Programme in the Americas during the 2023 Freddie Awards, held last evening at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington D.C.

“The Freddie Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in travel loyalty. To be recognized as the best of the best by our loyal AAdvantage members 11 times is special to us,” said Scott Chandler, American’s Vice President of Revenue Management and Loyalty. “Our team is dedicated to designing a program to help members achieve their travel goals and earn more rewards before and between status tiers. This vote of confidence from our members confirms we’re on the right path, and it will inspire us as we continue to advance the program.”

Since 1988, the Freddie Awards have recognized achievements in the travel loyalty industry in the Americas, Europe and Africa, the Middle East and Asia/Oceania. The awards, which honour both airline and hotel loyalty programs, are based entirely on votes from travellers around the world. Ballots are available in more than ten languages and this year more than 9 million votes were cast worldwide.

The AAdvantage program is free to join and gives members access to some of the best that American offers. Members can enjoy benefits like the ability to manage trips and credits with ease, earn miles towards reward travel and access to exclusive promotions.

American Airlines employee dies on tarmac of Austin int'l airport

Authorities in Austin Texas confirmed an American Airlines employee had died on the tarmac of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport after the vehicle he was on struck an airbridge. Austin-Travis County EMS said the person died of "traumatic injuries" but had no further details.

The airport confirmed the incident and said that staff had worked with the emergency services, but said the accident had no significant impacts on its operations.  

American Airlines confirmed the man was an employee and issued the following statement: "We are devastated by the accident involving a team member at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members."

Austin Police Department told reporters the male was pronounced dead at the scene and the department's Vehicular Homicide Unit was investigating the incident as an accidental death at this time.

American Airlines AMTs guide students for upcoming Aerospace Maintenance Competition

At American Airlines Hangar 2 on the north side of Chicago O’Hare International Airport, a team of aspiring aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) from the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) Chicago campus have been hard at work practicing for the 2023 Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC). Under mentorship from two seasoned American Airlines AMTs, the team has been preparing to go head-to-head with other student teams from across the country in more than 25 events. American is sponsoring the AIM team as part of its ongoing partnership with the school to train the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals.

This year’s AMC, held in Atlanta April 18-20, is in conjunction with Aviation Week’s MRO Americas and brings together teams from schools, airlines, military, general aviation, repair and maintenance organizations and space to compete against each other in real-life maintenance scenarios. In addition to the AIM student team, American is sponsoring six teams of aviation maintenance professionals from around the system along with two additional student teams.

50 years later: A trailblazer paved the path for women on the flight deck

In 1972, Bonnie Tiburzi wrote to every major airline carrier in the United States asking for a job, and every single airline turned her down, except for one. In March of 1973, American Airlines offered Bonnie a position as First Officer — making her the first woman to fly for a major commercial airline at the early age of 24.

Bonnie bravely broke barriers in the male-dominated profession and paved the path for women aviators to follow. As we celebrate 50 years since she started flying for American, we honour the women that inspired her and those she has inspired to take the controls on the flight deck.

American Airlines donates aircraft engine to Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Chicago

Though the last American Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-80 took its final flight in 2019, a vital part of the historic aircraft will continue powering the future of aviation maintenance. Today, the airline donated a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) during the Aviation Technician Education Council annual conference in Chicago. The engine will be used by students for hands-on training at the school’s Chicago campus pursuing their aviation maintenance technician (AMT) certification.

"American is honoured to donate this important piece of aviation technology to students at AIM,” said Evie Garces, American’s Vice President of Line Maintenance. “As a former AMT, I know first-hand how important it is to have access to equipment like this as you’re learning new skills. The MD-80 powered American’s future when it took its first revenue flight in 1983, and this engine will help power students’ futures as they work toward their certifications and career aspirations for years to come.”

The engine donation is part of our ongoing partnership with AIM that provides students with ongoing engagement with American’s team of aviation maintenance professionals and access to American’s maintenance facilities, as well as guarantees top candidates from AIM’s Chicago campus interviews with American.

“We are excited to enhance our partnership with American Airlines in 2023, and receiving this impressive aircraft engine will allow us to provide more resources and experience to our student body in Chicago,” said Dr Joel English, Executive Vice President of AIM. “Hands-on training on a range of airframes and powerplants is essential for the AIM graduate to become prepared to join the workforce after graduation. American sees the value of investing in our diverse student population, and this donation will help us prepare our current students to become tomorrow’s American Airlines technicians.”

American Airlines donates $1.1 Million to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Over the past 38 years, American has raised more than $45 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through the annual Celebrity Ski event.

 This year, the airline made a $25,000 donation in honor of Chief Customer Officer Alison Taylor and her commitment to the organization ahead of her upcoming retirement.

 CF Foundation awarded American’s former executive Elise Eberwein with its prestigious Jena Award for her service to the foundation and its mission.

American Airlines and its partners raised more than $1.1 million to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation this month at the Celebrity Ski event in Beaver Creek, Colorado. To date, American has raised more than $45 million for CF Foundation through the annual event.

“For nearly four decades, we’ve gathered on the ski slopes with a group of generous team members, sponsors and supporters of the foundation to rally for the fight against cystic fibrosis,” said American Airlines Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Ron DeFeo. “While the event is filled with skiing and fun, the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is incredibly important, and we are proud to do our part in combating this serious disease.”

More than 400 people attended the event this year, including celebrities from the sports and entertainment industries. Attendees skied alongside Olympic athletes and enjoyed performances by John Oates and Warner Music recording artist Teddy Swims.