American Airlines (AA)
AA confirmed that recent changes to the oneworld website stating non-AA oneworld elites would no longer have access to AA’s lounges while flying on solely domestic itineraries were incorrect and that they have asked the alliance to fix the error. LINK.
Information has leaked indicating that AA will change the lounge access policy currently provided to premium cabin passenger on their transcontinental services. The new policy appears to state that only premium cabin passengers flying on AA’s transcontinental routes between New York (JFK) and San Francisco (SFO), JFK and Los Angeles (LAX), and Miami (MIA) and LAX will receive complimentary lounge access after 9/1/2012. LINK.
British Airways (BA)
BA will increase service between London Heathrow (LHR) and Freetown, Sierra Leone (FNA) to 3x weekly and operate the route using Boeing 767 aircraft. This is a previous BMI route acquired by BA following the merger.
Cathay Pacific (CX) / Dragonair (KA)
KA will start service between Hong Kong (HKG) and Kolkata, India (CCU) flying 4x weekly with Airbus A320 aircraft starting 11/2/2012.
CX’s in-flight magazine, Discovery, will soon be available to download onto various mobile devices. An iPad app will allow users to view the magazine through the “Newstand” feature and opt to automatically download new issues. Plans are also in place to introduce the magazine to Android, Windows, and Blackberry tablets, as well as a file version for desktops, laptops, and smartphones. LINK.
Japan Airlines (JL)
Engine problems continue to plague the Boeing 787, but as of yet JL has not been directed by engine manufacturer GE or air frame manufacturer Boeing to check for any issues. JL’s 787s continue to fly as scheduled. LINK.
LAN Airlines (LA)
Following its merger with TAM Airlines (JJ), a LA manager is indicating that an alliance decision most likely will not be made until late 2013. LA is a current oneworld member while JJ was previously a member of Star Alliance. LINK.
Malaysia Airlines (MH)
Management at member-elect MH are now hinting that the carrier’s entrance into the alliance may be pushed back into early 2013. LINK.
MH will increase flights between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Adelaide (ADL) to a daily service operated by Airbus A330 aircraft starting 10/31/2012. LINK.
Qantas (QF)
Rumors continue to swirl around QF’s partnership discussions with powerhouse Middle Eastern carrier Emirates. Emirates indicated that a code-share agreement (not revenue-sharing) could be reached within six months. LINK.
Following a test period on select Boeing 767s, QF will be launching its new Q-Streaming service in October. Customers will be provided with iPads set up to wirelessly stream 200 hours worth of movies and television shows. The service will be free of charge for all customers. LINK.