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Hello and welcome to the The Atlantic Update for Wednesday 1 August 2018, providing a weekly bulletin on developments on transatlantic travel between Europe and North America. The Atlantic Update is published every Wednesday morning at 06:00 BST.
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BA launches Pittsburgh. What’s Next?
BA continues a steady expansion of its North Atlantic route network at London Heathrow with the launch of Pittsburgh from April 2019.
This follows a methodical approach of announcing one new route a year to cities not served by a direct route to London or, in some cases, Europe. Previous new routes include Austin, San Jose, New Orleans and Nashville.
Austin has, judging by recent capacity increases, been very successful. San Jose has been subject to targeted cancellations during Boeing 787 groundings. It is too soon to judge New Orleans or Nashville.
It is no secret that a lot of US airports would love to secure a direct link to London. Some have been meeting with BA for many years. Airports have offered BA a package of incentives such as deals on landing fees and revenue guarantees.
It is likely that there will be 1-2 further new routes. BA has actively avoided launching routes already served by Delta at Heathrow. Being the sole operator of a route to London does give the airline pricing power in the market. So that excludes Detroit, Minneapolis, Portland and Salt Lake City.
The expansion will end at some point, but there are still candidates for new routes such as Indianapolis, Kansas and St Louis.
US East Coast Weather Disruption
Storms are forecast in the New York airport area due to over the next couple of days.
Delta has issued a weather waiver for passengers due to travel today. There’s broad New York airport advice from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.
New York on Los Angeles. Los Angeles on New York.
It’s always interesting to read how your “home” city or country is covered by international media outlets.
Sometimes you learn cold hard truths. If you want to understand how Brexit is actually progressing you need to read the European press. Sometimes it can be gloriously wide-eyed. Or plain inaccurate.
The New York Times has attracted considerable criticism for an article on quiet spaces in Los Angeles by novelist Reif Larsen. It has been criticised by readers for its factual inaccuracies and its attitude towards Latino culture in Los Angeles.
However, the New York Times has also published a more thoughtful article on the prospects of success for an estimated $100billion high speed rail line between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Urbanize.LA has also published a useful primer on the geography of Los Angeles County, which comprises some 88 cities, in comparison to New York.
KLM launches Amsterdam – Boston
KLM has announced it will fly to Boston three times weekly from Sunday 31 March 2019.
This will complement the twice-daily service of its joint-venture partner’s Delta. (KLM)
Also Of Note This Week
Flying to Cape Cod (London Air Travel) and the Florida Keys. (London Air Travel)
American Airlines has launched a new TV advertising campaign highlighting its “Flagship First” international service. (AdAge)
American Airlines has changed its “basic economy” fare for US domestic flights. From Wednesday 5 September 2018, this will include a carry on bag allowance. (American Airlines)
Delta has announced a new route from Detroit to San Jose from Thursday 15 November 2018. (Delta)
United has announced a new daily service from Washington Dulles to Miami from Wednesday 19 December 2018. (United)
WestJet has reported a second quarter loss of CAD$20.8 million citing increased fuel prices, competitor capacity and threatened industrial action. (WestJet)
Late Post Publication Updates:
The Atlantic Update is published every Wednesday at 06:00 BST. If you have any comments, suggestions or tips then please drop us a line at mail [@] londonairtravel.com
