US FAA cuts minimum flight requirements at New York airports

Citing air traffic controller staffing issues, U.S. regulators announced on Friday they will again extend cuts to minimum flight requirements at congested New York City-area airports through October 2024, giving relief to airlines who faced delays because of government staffing issues, reports Reuters. 

Under minimum flight requirements, airlines can lose their takeoff and landing slots at congested airports if they do not use them at least 80% of the time. The waiver allows airlines to not fly some flights and still retain slots.

The FAA said the number of certified controllers at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (N90) "is still not sufficient to allow the FAA to handle normal traffic levels,"

The FAA said it continues working "on a long-term solution to solve the chronic low levels of fully certified air traffic controllers at N90."

Airlines for America, an industry group, said it appreciated "this latest waiver extension as the FAA navigates air traffic controller staffing shortages... U.S. airlines will continue to operate larger aircraft to help reduce pressure."

The Empire State Building Observatory named number 1 attraction in the U.S.......

The Empire State Building has been named as the number one attraction on the list of Top Attractions in the U.S. for the second consecutive year, plus it was also the fifth worldwide attraction in Tripadvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best.

“We are thrilled for our frontline and management teams who have earned this recognition and once again thank the creative minds behind our $165 million masterpiece of exhibits and improvements at the Empire State Building Observatory. The Empire State Building is the authentic, must-visit attraction in New York City,” said Tony Malkin, chairman, president, and CEO at Empire State Realty Trust. “Our valued guests placed ESB in the top spot for two consecutive years and we are grateful for their recognition without which this is not possible”

The Empire State Building Observatory Experience recently underwent a $165 million, top-to-bottom reimagination that added a dedicated guest entrance, an immersive museum that celebrates the icon from the moment it was conceived to its current place in pop culture, and a completely reimagined 102nd Floor Observatory with unmatched, 360-degree views.

“Congratulations to the 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best winners,” said John Boris, chief growth officer at Tripadvisor. “The travel resurgence we’ve seen throughout the past year has even further heightened the competition. Ranking among the Best of the Best demonstrates that you have provided exemplary experiences to those who matter most: your guests. With changing expectations, continued labour shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am continually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt. Cheers to another successful year!”

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The Empire State Building to light up in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’

Tonight, Friday, 24th March, the Empire State Building (ESB) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s legendary album “The Dark Side of the Moon” with a special anniversary version of the famous original album artwork to spin in its mast.

“‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ is as authentic, global, and iconic an album as the Empire State Building is a building, so it is only logical to celebrate it atop ESB’s world-famous tower,” said Anthony E. Malkin, chairman, president, and CEO at Empire State Realty Trust. “On March 24 she will celebrate this milestone anniversary alongside the multitude of Pink Floyd fans throughout the world.”

Released in 1973, “The Dark Side of the Moon” is one of the best-selling albums of all time with more than 45 million copies sold worldwide. The album is praised for its innovative production techniques and creative use of instruments and has influenced countless artists throughout its 50-year history.

Direct flights between Abidjan and New York John F. Kennedy Airport to restart from 29 May 2023 with Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest network operating carrier in Africa, has confirmed it plans to restart direct flights between Abidjan and New York John F. Kennedy  Airport from 29 May 2023. 

Ethiopian first started serving New York from its main hub  Addis Ababa via Abidjan in June 2019. However, the route was suspended in March 2020  due to COVID-19. Later, the flight resumed serving New York via Lomé starting in  October 2020. 

The four times weekly flights will be operated between Addis Ababa and New York via  Abidjan on Boeing 787 aircraft. 

Regarding the resumption of the flight, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said “We are excited to bring back our direct flight between Abidjan and New York. We have long been offering flights with the best connectivity between the US and Africa. The resumption of our Abidjan-New York flight brings back the flexibility that our passengers love. We have been increasing frequencies and adding new destinations in Africa, Europe, Middle East, and Asia in the past couple of months and we are delighted that the  Abidjan-New York route is coming again.” 

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates to more than 130 international passenger and cargo destinations from its main hub Addis Ababa including to Abidjan, where Ethiopian provided 42 years of uninterrupted service since November 1980. Ethiopian will also be commencing a new passenger service to Atlanta, USA starting on 16 May 2023. Atlanta will be Ethiopian Airlines’ 6th destination in the US following its passenger services to New York, Newark, Chicago, Washington DC and cargo service to Miami. 

New York - the city that never sleeps has so much to offer the visitor, with attractions like ntrepid Sea Air Space Museum where you can take an interactive journey through history and innovation as you explore the legendary aircraft carrier "Intrepid", the space shuttle Enterprise", and the world’s fastest jets.

JetBlue announces seven new domestic and international routes set to take off in 2023 - from New York and Boston focus cities

JetBlue has announced that a variety of new routes launching this year – many made possible through its Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines – delivering more competition and new choices to customers in the airline’s New York and Boston focus cities. JetBlue is also advancing its focus city strategy on the West Coast with the introduction of an all-new international route in Los Angeles. These routes add more JetBlue flying across all corners of the airline’s route map in the Americas.

“The Northeast Alliance continues to provide us with new opportunities to unlock even more growth potential in New York and Boston, with added benefits for customers across our network as we introduce new flying in markets where for too long travelers have had little or no competition,” said Dave Clark, head of revenue and planning, JetBlue. “At the same time, we’re introducing new flying elsewhere in our network to grow on the West Coast as part of our broader 2023 growth plans.”

New York and New England

JetBlue’s new flying in New York and Boston brings a new choice to many routes with limited competition today and is made possible through JetBlue and American’s innovative NEA. Across New York’s three major airports, the NEA will fly more than 500 daily departures in 2023, as well as nearly 200 daily departures in Boston. So far, the NEA has resulted in approximately 50 new routes out of JFK, LGA, BOS and EWR; increased frequencies on more than 130 existing routes; 90 nonstop routes with increased capacity; and 17 new international routes launched.

SAS launches two new routes from Aalborg and Gothenburg to New Jersey, starting April 2023.

Following this route expansion, residents in Aalborg and Gothenburg will be able to fly directly to New York three times weekly with SAS’ latest addition to their fleet - the Airbus A321 Long Range.

“As part of SAS’ strategy to strengthen the regional offering in Scandinavia, we are pleased to add intercontinental routes from Gothenburg and Aalborg. We see a demand from secondary cities and are delighted to connect even more parts of the world. The Airbus A321 Long Range is a slightly smaller long-distance aircraft and perfect in size for servicing the regional markets. Having a comfortable way of travelling with fewer stops to exciting cities such as New York, is something we believe will be highly valued by our travellers,” says Erik Westman, EVP & CCO, Network and Revenue management.  

Gothenburg and Aalborg with its surrounding regions offer a range of activities for leisure travellers as well as being home to many companies with international touchpoints, making the new routes relevant for both business and leisure travellers.

The new routes complement SAS' other four routes to New York and SAS will offer a total of five daily departures from Scandinavia to New York.

Gothenburg - New York  Newark

Frequency: 3x weekly

Outbound Wed/Fri/Sun

inbound Tue/Thu/Sat

starting 27 April

Aalborg - New York Newark 

Frequency: 3x weekly

Outbound Mon/Thu/Sat

Inbound Wed/Fri/Sun

starting 27 April

The flights will operate throughout the summer 2023 season and will return for the summer 2024 program.

Facts about Airbus A321 Long Range (A321LR)

The Airbus A321 Long Range is part of the latest generation of aircraft and is expected to reduce climate-impacting emissions by 15-18 percent compared to similar previous-generation aircraft. This latest addition to the fleet means travellers get access to more intercontinental routes with fewer stopovers, and shorter travel times to and from Scandinavia.

The aircraft has 22 Business, 12 Plus and 123 Go seats, meaning a total of 157 seats in a single-aisle aircraft. The seats are specially chosen for the A321LR to optimize comfort in all three travel classes. Seats in SAS Business are fully flat seat beds and there are different mood light scenarios in the cabins, as well as hi-speed WiFi. Every seat is equipped with IFE screens, PC power and/or hi-power USB. The reduced noise level inside the cabin will further enhance the travel experience on board. The A321LR is part of SAS’ ongoing fleet renewal and will reduce climate-impacting emissions compared to previous generations of similar aircraft.

Making LaGuardia the airport experience Delta customers deserve

Allison Ausband, Delta's E.V.P. and Chief Customer Experience Officer sets out her views on New York's LaGuardia Airport and the carrier's transformation together over the past nearly 40 years – and what this latest reinvention means for the airline's customers.

I’ll never forget the first time I flew into LaGuardia Airport as a young flight attendant 37 years ago. Just like the city itself, the airport’s energy and magic was infectious. It was palpable. I remember how excited I was getting off the plane, standing in the terminal and thinking: I’m in New York City!

When I started flying with Delta in 1985, I had the opportunity to see the world. I grew up in a small town in Georgia; New York City was the place to be. Everyone wanted to visit – to experience all the city had to offer. The airline landscape was vastly different then, and Delta didn’t have much of a presence in New York. That year, we operated only 34 daily flights from LaGuardia. Those flights were spread across 14 cities, ranging from Dallas-Fort Worth to Fort Lauderdale.

Huey Francis is one of Delta’s longest-serving employees. He’s approaching 50 years with the airline, 39 of them at LGA. We met at the airport last week, and I loved reminiscing with him a bit.

“When I first started (soon after Delta’s merger with Northeast Airlines), we had just six gates. There were just travel agents, no Expedia or anything like that. And they didn’t know about Delta. So, Delta employees used to give up one day off a week to knock on travel agents’ doors and explain everything (about our company),” he said.

Delta’s acquisition of Pan Am in 1991 changed everything and gave us the ability to see the world out of New York City. It took a lot of work to get our foot in the door in New York, but we knew we had the right product to win. With Pan Am, we gained international routes out of JFK and shuttle service for our business travellers from New York to Boston and Washington, D.C. In the decades that followed, Delta people showed grit and resilience through an economic crisis, bankruptcy, and a merger with Northwest Airlines.

A Delta Shuttle Boeing 727 in 1991 at LaGuardia.

Delta's dazzling Terminal C facility at New York’s LaGuardia Airport

Delta is celebrating its latest investment in New York as it prepares to open its new Terminal C at LaGuardia Airport to customers on June 4, a massive milestone in the $4 billion programme to transform and modernize one of the airline’s key hubs.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and other New York public officials celebrated the milestone by debuting a gleaming check-in, security and baggage claim facility and a new ten-gate Concourse E at an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday 1st June.

“Today marks a new beginning for Delta customers and employees at our LaGuardia hub with the opening of this remarkable new terminal,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “It’s been more than a decade since Delta committed to growing – and winning – in New York, and we’ve been unwavering in our efforts to become New York City’s No. 1 airline. It’s thanks to the 10,000 New York-based Delta people that we’ve been able to invest nearly $7 billion in New York airports since 2010, deliver the products and experiences our New York customers deserve, and become part of the fabric of the New York community that means so much to so many of us.”

Delta accelerated construction timelines during the pandemic to deliver this facility to New York customers even faster than anticipated. The airline will fully complete the entire four-concourse terminal by the end of 2024, almost two years earlier than originally planned.

Ultimately, Terminals C and D will consolidate into one state-of-the-art facility, spanning 1.3 million square feet and featuring 37 gates across four concourses. Delta continues to double down on its vision for the future of travel, building airports of the future that are comfortable, easy to navigate and part of an effortlessly connected journey, capable of absorbing and supporting new innovative experiences as technology evolves. Recently, Delta also revealed the completion of the first major phase of its $2.3B Sky Way at Los Angeles International Airport.

Terminal C is designed to deliver the efficiency and speed New York travellers often need, allowing them to navigate to and from their gates quickly and intuitively with the latest technologies such as hands-free bag drop, self-serve check-in and Digital ID screening capabilities.

Customers will have the option to check-in via a spacious, centralized lobby, complete with 36 full-service check-in counters and 49 self-service kiosks, or bypass it altogether and utilize the direct-to-security drop-off option to head directly to one of the 11 security checkpoints. Additionally, all five entry points offer baggage drop for easy bag check.

Digital art is another prominent design feature; with a massive digital art installation made of 34 lenticular panels, displayed overhead the security checkpoint, while a 238-foot digital backwall in the check-in lobby will feature TSA wait times, wayfinding in both English and Spanish as well as Sky Club volume and gate information.

Concourse E is the second of four new concourses to open, with ten new gates, nine of which will be operational on opening day, able to accommodate various narrowbody aircraft types as well as offer larger gate seating areas.

Longtime Delta partner OTG will bring to life a variety of restaurant options, including Bubby’s Diner, Chuko Ramen, Essex Burger, Poppy’s Bagel, and Starbucks. Airport retailer Stellar Partners collaborated with Delta to deliver specialty retail stores and news and gift outposts such as Beekman 1802, BuzzFeed News, Le Labo, MAC, Patricia Nash and True to New York.

In addition to a gleaming central headhouse and concourse, LGA will house the largest Delta Sky Club in the system, with architectural touches that evoke New York City from the turn of the 20th century, such as harlequin-patterned screens and rich warm metals. With seating for nearly 600 guests to relax and recharge over a sprawling 34,000 square feet (in its end state), the Club features a gourmet kitchen, premium bar, two food buffets and two hydration stations.

Curated artwork throughout reflects New York City’s dominance in the international art scene. Future additions to the Club include a year-round, all-weather Sky Deck, a second premium bar and a third hydration station.

Terminal C also offers a multi-sensory room, providing a calming, supportive environment for customers with sensory sensitivities and their families as they travel.

In support of Delta’s broader sustainability commitments, Terminal C will be LEED® Silver-certified with multiple sustainable elements incorporated throughout including:

LED lighting

Exterior glass that automatically tints based on the weather and time of day

Charging for electric ground support equipment

An ice-making plant that produces ice during off-hours to cool during the day, reducing power demand during peak periods

“In a word, the new Terminal C is magnificent – an architectural gem that dwarfs the facilities it replaces in size, style and functionality,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “It represents 21st-century air travel that is world-class in every respect – which can now be said of the entire whole new LaGuardia airport, which six years ago was among the most reviled in the nation. I congratulate and thank Governor Hochul, the entire Delta team for their indefatigable efforts and the many employees of the Port Authority who collaborated to make this a reality. Today proves what our region can accomplish when we really put our collective will behind such an ambitious goal.”

Delta is LGA’s largest carrier, offering up to 255 daily flights to nearly 70 destinations this summer. The airline’s unique dual-hub position at LGA and JFK allows it to offer New York customers 465 total peak daily departures to more than 120 domestic and international destinations.

The second major phase of the Delta Sky Way at LGA is just one of several recent infrastructure milestones that Delta has unveiled as part of the airline’s decade-long, $12 billion investment to transform the travel experience on the ground and in the air.

Subject	Fact
Facility	Delta and the PANYNJ are jointly investing $4 billion at LGA that will consolidate Terminals C and D into a brand-new, state-of-the-art terminal facility. Spans 1.3 million square feet 36 full-service check-in counters 49 self-service kiosks 16 bag-drop counters including a bag drop option at every entry point. 11 security lanes opening day, with capacity to add up to five additional lanes in the future Nine lanes with fully automated technology 37 gates across four concourses (in its end state) Five spacious baggage claim carousels
Concourse E	Concourse E: The second of four, new concourses to open at the same time as the headhouse. Ten new gates (nine of them operational on June 4) that will be able to accommodate Delta’s full domestic fleet of narrowbody aircraft
Sky Club	Terminal C at LGA will be home to the newest and largest Delta Sky Club in the system (at end state), featuring architectural touches that evoke New York City at the turn of the 20th century, such as harlequin-patterned screens and rich warm metals. Curated artwork throughout the Club reflects New York City’s dominance in the international art scene. The Club will boast over 34,000 square feet (at end state) to relax and recharge, with seating for nearly 600 guests upon opening. The Club features a gourmet kitchen, premium bar, two food buffets and three beverage bars. A future addition to the Club will see the completion of a year-round Sky Deck featuring exceptional outdoor views.
Restaurants	In partnership with longtime partner OTG, Concourse E features a variety of premier restaurant options, including: Bubby’s Diner Chuko Ramen Eggy Weggy Essex Burger Poppy’s Bagel Starbucks Sunday Supper Trattoria
Retail	Airport retailer Stellar Partners collaborated with Delta to deliver specialty retail stores and news and gift outposts such as: Beekman 1802 Briggs & Riley BuzzFeed News Le Labo MAC Patricia Nash True to New York
Sustainable Facility	Terminal C will be LEED® Silver-certified with multiple sustainable elements incorporated throughout including: LED lighting Exterior glass that automatically tints based on the weather and time of day Charging for electric ground support equipment An ice-making plant that produces ice during off-hours to cool during the day, reducing power demand during peak periods
Art, Design & Digital Elements	A world-class art program in partnership with the Queens Museum, showcasing custom pieces from six local artists that share a compelling story of New York’s immigrant history, its people and the importance of the city’s diversity. Digital art; a massive digital art installation made of 34 lenticular panels is displayed overhead the security checkpoint while scenes from the five boroughs greet customers at the baggage claim vestibules. A 238-foot digital backwall in the check-in lobby will feature gate information in addition to TSA wait times and Sky Club volume Digital signage provides customers with clear and simple wayfinding that includes walk times between gates.
Multi-Sensory Room	Located through security is a multi-sensory room, providing a calming, supportive environment for customers with sensory sensitivities and their families as they travel.
Cargo DASH Office	Cargo customers can now drop off small parcels to the new DASH office, conveniently located on the check-in floor (floor three). Additionally, there are five DASH-designated parking spots on the mezzanine level, just a 90-second walk to the drop-off location, for same day DASH and DASH Critical shipments.
Network	Delta is LGA’s largest carrier, offering 255 daily flights to nearly 70 destinations this summer. With more than 465 total daily departures to over 120 domestic and international destinations between our LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) hubs, Delta offers nonstop service to all of New York’s 40 most popular domestic markets

All photos from Delta Air Lines

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MCR buys The Lexington Hotel, New York City for $185 million

Hotel operator MCR confirmed that it has acquired the 725-room The Lexington Hotel in New York for $185 million, which equates to $255,000 per guestroom. 

Located along Lexington Avenue’s Hotel Alley at 48th Street, the iconic Lexington Hotel was landmarked in 2016 as one of the most architecturally significant properties in Manhattan. Since its opening in 1929, The Lexington Hotel has housed historic figures, international celebrities, world leaders and renowned sports icons. Speciality suites are inspired by residents including Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio and Ella Fitzgerald. The hotel has also held an array of famous entertainment venues, including the legendary Hawaiian Room, Chateau Madrid and Denim & Diamonds, in the past.

The Lexington’s Autograph Collection affiliation allows the hotel’s rich history to be reflected through unique design elements and a boutique feel. The hotel’s ambience captures Jazz Age Manhattan in a way that’s sure to inspire history buffs and trendy travel connoisseurs.

The hotel is well-positioned to reopen in August and, under MCR’s experienced management, will once again welcome guests from across the globe!

In addition to an onsite fitness centre, the hotel is connected to a brand new, state of the art, 15,000-square-foot Crunch gym featuring cardio equipment, weights, full-service locker rooms, Rituals beauty products and group fitness classes.

Get your morning started at the Starbucks on the lobby level with a beverage and a freshly baked pastry. And be sure to check out the hotel’s bar for a nightcap. The Prohibition era-inspired The Stayton Room boasts cocktails and artisanal bar fare.

The Lexington Hotel is located at 511 Lexington Avenue at 48th Street and features:

725 pet-friendly guestrooms and specialty suites

The Stayton Room, offering a craft cocktail menu and artisanal bar fare

A 15,000-square-foot state of the art Crunch gym, one of the largest in Manhattan

A Starbucks on the lobby level

3,713 square feet of event space across six rooms

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American Express will reopen the new bigger Centurion Lounge at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

American Express will reopen the new Centurion Lounge at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and the space will double in size and offer locally inspired amenities that bring New York City's rich culture to life,  at least that's the idea.

With 10,000 square feet in the airport’s brand-new Terminal B, the relocated Lounge is more spacious and more convenient, located after travellers pass through security screening.

According to Amex,  some of the top features include a study space designed in partnership with New York City independent bookstore McNally Jackson, custom design elements from New York-based designers, a menu curated by Wayan’s Cédric Vongerichten, locally inspired beverages, and more.

“We’ve collaborated closely with local partners and small businesses to create a space that embodies some of New York City's most unique experiences,” said Pablo Rivero, Vice President, Loyalty Travel Experiences & Benefits. “With the reopening and expansion of our Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport, we are looking forward to having this lounge join the rest of our Centurion Network and provide eligible Card Members even more places to relax and unwind during their travels.”

This location is the brand’s second outpost in New York City, joining the Centurion Lounge at John F. Kennedy Airport which opened last Fall.

“We’re thrilled to welcome The Centurion Lounge by American Express to LaGuardia Terminal B as another example of the truly exceptional experience travellers can expect at the new terminal. We’re so pleased that Terminal B travellers will have access to this new state-of-the-art lounge where they can rest before their flights and refuel with thoughtfully sourced cuisine and locally inspired refreshments,” said Stewart Steeves, CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, manager and developer of Terminal B.

A New Look for New York: American Airlines Welcomes Customers to a Reimagined Arrivals and Departures Hall at LaGuardia Airport

Innovative facility at Terminal B to reshape customer journey beginning Saturday, June 13

This week, American Airlines will welcome customers to the new, state-of-the-art Arrivals and Departures Hall at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B. The new space will offer a clean, comfortable, efficient experience for travellers and provide an upgraded workplace for thousands of the airline’s New York-area team members.

Beginning Saturday, June 13, the new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall will serve as American’s main arrival and departure facility at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), including ticketing, check-in, security screening and baggage claim. Light and bright in design, it hosts expanded dining and shopping options, along with direct connections to all concourses.

“As more customers take to the skies, American is ready to welcome them to New York in this reimagined facility, launched by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and developed in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and LaGuardia Gateway Partners,” said Jim Moses, Vice President of Northeast Hubs and Gateways for American Airlines. “By centralizing our operation, we can better care for our customers — delivering an intuitive, seamless experience from curb to gate.”

JetBlue posts pre-tax loss of $354 million in the first quarter 2020

New York's hometown airline JetBlue Airways has today released its latest results for the first quarter of 2020, during which the carrier saw a dramatic drop in revenues and post a pre-tax loss of around $354 million. The first quarter 2020 revenue declined 15.1% year over year as a result of a 52% decline in March revenue due to the impact of COVID-19, resulting in both lower demand volumes and a very challenging fare environment following a very solid start to the year.

The first also reported that its operating expenses increased 7.1% year over year at the same time as the carrier managed to cut costs by $150 million from the planned cost base in the first quarter driven by variable cost reductions, mainly through capacity cuts in March and fixed costs reductions achieved by adjusting work schedules where possible and eliminating some discretionary spend. The airline advised that it had taken $936 million for the US government's CARES Act Payroll Support Programme.  

“I could not be prouder of our JetBlue family – not just over the past two decades – but for their service to each other, our customers, and our communities as they provide an essential service during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Robin Hayes, JetBlue’s Chief Executive Officer. "While much of our team is focused on navigating the near-term challenges, we are focused on how the business will look for customers and crewmembers as we transition to recovery. We believe our inherent strengths as a trusted brand with an unparalleled culture and superior product will serve us well."

Other highlights include:

JetBlue ended the first quarter with approximately $1.8 billion in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, or 22.2% of 2019 revenue.

JetBlue repaid $102 million in regularly scheduled debt and finance lease obligations during the first quarter of 2020.

JetBlue has taken the following measures to-date to bolster liquidity:

Raised $1.0 billion under a secured, 364-day term loan.

Drew down $550 million under the existing credit revolver.

Negotiated with business partners to extend payment terms and reduce expenses.

Revised order book with Airbus, resulting in a $1.1 billion reduction in aircraft capital expenditures through 2022.

Deferred plans to take delivery of four leased aircraft announced in January.

Paused A320 cabin restyling program, having completed over half of our fleet.

Suspended all non-essential projects across the organization.

Ceased share repurchases until further notice.

Resulting from the actions taken, JetBlue expects to reduce its daily cash burn from an average of $18 million in the second half of March to just below $10 million in May, excluding the CARES Act support of approximately $5 million per day through the end of the third quarter.

Delta’s first new LaGuardia concourse to open this autumn

As summer begins, Delta teams are already looking ahead to the fall – and to celebrate the next major milestone in the airline's history of investment in New York and at LaGuardia Airport.

The first of four concourses that will comprise Delta's new state-of-the-art terminal at LGA is scheduled to open this fall, furthering the airline's commitment to enhancing the New York customer experience from ground to air. The spacious 105,000-square-foot concourse will feature floor-to-ceiling views of Citi Field and Flushing Bay, gates that can accommodate a range of aircraft types, and dining options from favourite New York chefs and eateries.

"The historic infrastructure project underway at LaGuardia is a significant component of the more than $12 billion Delta is currently investing in airport redevelopment efforts around the country," said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. "Our customers and employees are excited to see the LaGuardia of the future more fully come into view. Many thanks to everyone who has been working hard to launch an exciting new era for Delta in New York."

One dead after helicopter crashes into New York towerblock

The New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the whole of a 54-storey office tower block on Seventh Avenue, in New York city, shook from the impact of a helicopter crash landing on its roof.

The Governor confirmed that a rooftop fire, from the crash, which was being brought under control, while the fire department confirmed the pilot of the helicopter had died.

The incident happened at around 14:00 local time, approximately 19:00 GMT today - Monday and the weather is reported as foggy, wet and rainy at the time and undoubtedly played a part in the crash landing. 

An investigation is already underway into the circumstances of the incident which involved an Augusta A109E. It is understood that the pilot reported mechanical issues prior to the crash. 

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