Four-way transatlantic joint venture is officially launched

The four-way transatlantic joint venture formed by Delta, Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic was formally launched earlier this week. The new mega-agreement covers 110 nonstop routes and represents 23 percent of total passengers and cargo capacity across the Atlantic. Customers will see new codeshare options, as well as the alignment of schedules to reduce connecting times. Joint venture passengers will soon be able to check-in and select their seat through any of the partner airline mobile apps or websites. From Feb. 13 loyalty members will be able to earn and use miles and enjoy elite benefits for flights on any of the four airlines’ worldwide operations. The partner carriers will also continue to work on providing a consistent, efficient experience no matter which airline is being flown.

LATAM confirms oneworld® departure date

As part of its new partnership with Delta, South America’s LATAM confirmed it will officially leave the oneworld® global alliance as of May 1, 2020. LATAM customers can continue to utilize most oneworld® benefits up through April. 30 though a number of oneworld® member airlines plan to maintain frequent flyer agreements with LATAM after April. 30. For more information please visit https://www.latam.com/en_un/about-us/latam-delta-alliance/.

American partners with GOL to boosts its presence out of Miami

As LATAM ends its partnership with American Airlines and the oneworld® global alliance, American announced it will now partner with Brazilian carrier GOL. A new code share agreement, which is subject to government approval, will provide American with 20 new destinations in South America via its Miami hub. American will also add its own service to Rio de Janeiro. 

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport closes Terminal 2

Flights out of Terminal 2 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport were transitioned over to Terminal 3 this week as the airport prepares to close Terminal 2. Terminal 3, which is now called John S McCain III Terminal 3, was renovated with a new concourse featuring a variety of restaurants and shops.

Eurostar to launch fully direct service between Amsterdam and London

Starting April 30 Eurostar passengers will be able to travel between Amsterdam and London without having to exit the train in Brussels to go through immigration and security checks. Eurostar will first offer two fully direct options but plans to add two additional frequencies later this year.

The fully direct service will reduce the total travel time by one hour allowing passengers to travel from the heart of Amsterdam to the center of London in just four hours.