Ovation's weekly client e-newsletter, the Informed Traveler, keeps readers updated on travel industry news and trends.
Following is a recap of February's Top 5 (most clicked by Ovation clients) e-newsletter stories.
1. DELTA PUTS NEW NARROWBODY AIRCRAFT INTO SERVICE
Delta Air Lines has begun service on its new Airbus A220-100 aircraft with flights between New York's LaGuardia Airport and each Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport, reports Business Travel News. Delta has configured the aircraft with 12 First Class seats, 15 Delta Comfort Plus seats and 82 Main Cabin seats; seating is wider than Delta's other narrowbody aircraft.
2. PORT AUTHORITY LAUNCHES REAL-TIME TRACKING FOR TSA AND TAXI WAIT TIMES
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has launched new real-time tracking information services for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening and taxi wait times at four airports it manages, reports Airport Technology. The new service provides up-to-date information on airport websites and terminal monitors for passengers traveling at John F Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty International (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA) and New York Stewart International (SWF) airports.
3. TSA PRECHECK EXPANDS TO INCLUDE 9 MORE AIRLINES
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced the expansion of its TSA PreCheck expedited screening program to nine additional domestic and international carriers. The new partnering airlines are Air India, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Eastern Airlines, Elite Airways, EVA Airways, Japan Airlines, TAP Air Portugal and Volaris. This brings the total number of airlines participating in TSA PreCheck to 65 domestic and international carriers.
4. AMERICAN AIRLINES' FLYERS CAN SKIP AIRPORT LINES WITH LUXURY HELICOPTER RIDES
American Airlines is expanding its luxury options by teaming up with the helicopter company Blade, reports Fortune. The partnership will provide travelers with an airport shuttle through the Blade Bounce program, giving travelers a private helicopter ride to bypass street traffic and long lines at the airport. Once their helicopter lands, travelers will meet a personal escort who will walk them through priority check-in and an expedited TSA screening, before leaving them at their gate or at an American Airlines Admirals Club.
5. AMERICAN AIRLINES AND BRITISH AIRWAYS TO INVEST IN JFK AIRPORT
American Airlines and British Airways have reached an agreement to invest $344 million in upgrading Terminal 8 in New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), reports Airport Technology. The investment is expected to add a total of 70,400ft² of additional space, including 33,000ft² of public space. Both partners will modernize an additional 57,500ft² of existing space and set up lounges for airlines, baggage systems and check-in space along with upgraded concessions.
