Finally, Ukraine is out of the U.S. aviation radar. Travelers planning to check out of Ukraine for travel to the United States can now heave a sigh of relief. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now expressed satisfaction and says safety concerns are not worrying it any more insofar as flights out of Ukraine are concerned. The Federal Aviation Administration recently gave the go ahead to Ukraine International Airlines to launch its flights services to the United States.

According to reports, Ukraine International Airlines though has been given green signal by the Federal Aviation Administration, it is still to reveal its plan and when it is to begin its operations.

The Federal Aviation Administration had earlier placed Ukraine in Category 2 safety rating in June 2005. This had greatly disturbed Ukraine, and it was working overtime with the FAA to align its safety oversight system with ICAO standards and practices.

The FAA has now upgraded Ukraine’s aviation safety rating to a Category 1. The upgrade was done after reviewing all the safety concerns and determining that Ukraine’s civil aviation authority was complying with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The upgrade to Category 1 safety rating status would now enable air carriers based in the eastern European nation of Ukraine to start adding direct flights to destinations in the United States.

According to media reports, Ukraine International Airlines is believed to have placed orders for some Boeing 777-200LR aircrafts. With the new aircrafts, the airline expects to begin operations from Kiev to U.S. destinations in future.

Business travelers are important customers for all the airlines. Most important world airlines are upgrading their services and in-flight amenities to entice this segment of customers. After all, they have a significant role to play in their revenues. Wi-Fi is one such facility that has caught the fancy of airlines these days.

Most commercial airlines operating in the United States are doing their bit to attract the lucrative chunk of travelers to fly with them by offering internet connectivity up in the air. They believe passengers traveling on business class tickets would love to remain connected with work, and family through their journey. However, a study conducted recently by American Express Global business travel has come up with an interesting report.

According to the research, two-thirds of business travelers are least interested in connecting to the outside world while traveling. Instead, they like to take this opportunity to connect to their own selves and their passions like reading a book, sleeping, chatting, or watching a movie.

Of the total passengers surveyed 35 percent said that their companies are willing to bear the cost of the in-flight Wi-Fi, 38 percent passengers do not mind paying from their own pockets for the onboard Wi-Fi. However, 61 percent or two-thirds of passengers instead of getting a chance to remain connected online wish otherwise. Instead, they wish to break away from work and indulge in small luxuries of life.

Want to fly nonstop between Boston and Dubai? Here’s good news for you. Be prepared to book cheap flights that Emirates Airline plans to offer nonstop between Boston and Dubai from March next year.

Emirates Airline has announced it will begin flying nonstop on Boston-Dubai route starting from March 10, 2014. The airline will operate daily roundtrip flight utilizing its 226-seat Boeing 700-200LR aircraft. The tickets are already on sale and are being offered for as low as $2,400 for a roundtrip flight.

According to the airline, the flight duration will be 12-13 hours. Emirates Airline is currently operating flights between the two destinations with a stopover at New York. The airline presently connects to seven destinations in the U.S.

The direct flight between Boston and Dubai has been planned because of ever increasing demand from the passengers. The flight would depart from Dubai at 9.45 am and shall arrive at Boston by 3.15 pm. The return flight will depart from Boston at 10.55 pm and arrive in Dubai at 7.10 pm the next day.

Meanwhile, Emirates Airline has also said that it will start offering direct flights between Taipei and Dubai from February 10, 2014. The airline will initially operate six nonstop flights every week with the help of a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The Taipei-Dubai route is presently not being served by any Taiwanese carrier. With the launch of direct flights between Taipei and Dubai, the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport will become the 16th destination on Emirates Airline’s network in the Far East.

Alaska Airlines, which operates out of its hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, has achieved yet another milestone. The good news for the airline’s passengers is that their favorite operator has been voted as the United States’ most fuel efficient airline!

The declaration was made in a recent report released by the International Council on Clean Transportation. The non-profit research was conducted by the Washington D.C. based organization. The report is the first for the organization as well in terms of quantifying fuel performance for the U.S. airlines.

Alaska and its sister concern Horizon Air scored top ranks in the study conducted among 15 airlines operating out of the United States. The aim of this study was to determine the most fuel-efficient performer in the country skies.

The airline has over a period significantly invested in its fleet, technology and processes to enhance its fuel functioning. This is one of the primary reasons, which accomplished it as a better performer over its competitors. The airline is concerned toward its sustainability in line with its environment friendly policies. These efforts have helped it keep costs on the lower end and offer quality services to the customers.

The airline is indeed happy and proud of its achievements. The carrier advanced its fuel efficiency in recent years and simultaneously in the process emitted 30 percent less carbon. The airline’s decision to switch to Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q400 is the most notable cause. Both these aircrafts have created a niche for themselves as the most fuel-efficient aircrafts in their classes.

Some other measures taken by the airline to achieve this outcome include usage of eco-friendly service ware to serve meals and drinks, solar-powered boarding ramps, installation of wind-turbine solar panel in Nome, and usage of bio fuels on Hawaii flights.

Thai Airways, the flagship carrier of Thailand has a pleasant surprise for its customers. The airline industry is evolving with technology. Customers traveling with different airlines across the world have also raised the bar of their expectations. While many airlines have already launched in-flight Wi-Fi services, Thai Airways has gained necessary permissions to offer this services.

The airline has been working behind the scenes to let its customers utilize the magical waves through their journey. Internet today has become an integral part of everyone’s life and travelers flying to various destinations worldwide like to stay connected with friends and families to share their flight experiences. Some passengers need the internet to align their travel in the new city. As such, the demand for onboard internet connectivity has been gaining prominence.

The carrier intends to provide both internet as well as cellular connectivity. However, thanks to the complicated systems, customers may have to wait a little to benefit from the latter facility. Currently it is looking for vendors who can provide the internet services to passengers up in the air.

The airline, which was launched in the year 1988, has expanded its network to important destinations around the globe. It competes with other world airlines in terms of services and hospitality. Its headquarters are based in Bangkok and it operates out of its main hub in Suvarnabhumi Airport. At present, it connects Thailand with 75 destinations across 35 countries in the world using a fleet of more than 80 aircrafts.

Aviation industry has witnessed different kinds of wars in the past. However, the latest scuffle that is grabbing limelight recently is taking place in battleground Argentina. The unsaid fight is between LAN Argentina and Aerolineas Argentinas in Buenos Aires. LAN, which has been sincerely serving customers across the Latin American territory, has been asked to vacate its Aeroparque hangar in the capital city.

The airline does not seem to be in a mood to budge and has retaliated in its own interest. However, it is the customers, whose interests are at stake in reality. Apparently, the state-run Aerolineas Argentinas seems to be threatened by LAN’s presence in its home market. It fears that LAN might siphon away its customers and hence eat into its market shares.

This battle is throwing different twists and turns with every new development. Aerolineas Argentinas, which is backed by the powerful government of the country led by Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is in a strong position. However, LAN has the support of its loyal customers and goodwill behind it. It maintains that it is regular with the payment of hangar rents and has signed a contract with the authorities. This contract is valid through 2023.

The Chilean-Brazilian airline might have to face hard times in the future against the flagship carrier of Argentina. The decision to eject LAN from the airport has stirred unrest amongst the travel agents and trade unions for the fear of losing their jobs. The government on the other hand is accusing it of rousing emotions among the workers against Argentina.

In the midst of it all the big questions remains unanswered. Who will compensate the passengers in case LAN ceases operations in Argentina?

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members residing in California get ready to take advantage of cheap flights this November.
 
Alaska Airlines has announced that its Mileage Plan frequent flyer program members who reside in California can grab the opportunity to get a free roundtrip flight between San Diego and other cities on the airline’s network. This offer is valid only after the members complete two roundtrip flights between San Diego and select cities latest by November 20, 2013.

The airline said that registration is required prior to the flights. According to Alaska Airlines, the Mileage Plan members would receive a Discount Code after flying two eligible roundtrip flights. The Discount Code would be provided on or around December 20, 2013 which has to be redeemed by January 31, 2014. This would be valid for a flight between San Diego and any other destination being served by Alaska Airlines from San Diego between January 7, 2014 and November 15, 2014. The taxes and fees on the flight would, however, have to be paid.

The eligible flights from San Diego to other U.S. cities include Seattle, Santa Rosa, Puerto Vallarta, Portland, Orlando, Monterey, Los Cabos, Lihue (Kauai), Kahului (Maui), Honolulu, Fresno, Boston and Boise.

Aviation industry often witnesses wars and rat races between different airlines trying to outdo each other in service and popularity. While the airspace is an open venue to unique and interesting battles, let as look at the airlines that are trying to beat each other in route launches.

British Airways
The mighty commercial carrier of the United Kingdom is one airline that intends to expand its network rapidly. The airline threw a pleasant surprise for Austin residents by announcing the launch of London-Austin route in March 2014. It plans to operate Boeing 787 Dreamliner between these cities. This will be the carrier’s first trans-Atlantic flight to the Texan capital.

United Airlines
The big commercial carrier of the United States is taking a giant leap yet again. The airline that has been penetrating into other destinations to widen its network announced the launch of a new route between Chicago and Saskatoon and Washington Dulles and Quebec City.

Hainan Airlines
China based Hainan Airlines recently commenced service between Chicago and Beijing. The flights between these two cities operate twice a week using Airbus A340 aircrafts. However, the airline intends to double its frequency from November using Boeing 787 Dreamliners. It expects to run a daily service on the route beginning June 2014.

Alaska Airlines
The airline launched nonstop service between Seattle and Portland, Oregon. The carrier will use the services of Boeing 737-800s to operate flights on this route.

Hawaiian Airlines has been facing an increase in demand for more flights to Papeete, Tahiti. The airline has decided to comply. It has in fact planned to change the aircraft that serves the route at present. It is set to deploy 294-seater Airbus A330-200 and withdraw the services of 264-seater Boeing 767-300ER to the city.

The carrier is doing so much for the comfort of its passengers and high demand to the city. By changing the plane, it would be adding 30 more passenger seats to its overall weekly service. This change would be implemented beginning November 2, 2013.

Passengers booking Hawaiian Airlines tickets to this destination should also be ready for a schedule change. The carrier has plans to adjust schedule of its weekly flight to Papeete. From November 2, the flight HA 481 will depart Honolulu International Airport at 3:35 pm every Saturday and arrive at Faa’a International Airport at 9:30 pm. The return flight will depart Papeete at 11:30 pm every Saturday and arrive in Honolulu at 5:15 am, early Sunday morning.

The A330 aircraft is equipped with amenities for the customers. These include on-demand entertainment system fitted to every seat, enhanced legroom, and spacious interiors. The LCD monitors are touch screen and the modern entertainment system is sure to augment the experience through the travel. There is an option to choose from an assortment of movies, TV programs, music and video games.

Every customer also has a USB port fitted for usage of personal devices. The passengers would also be able to relish the complimentary meals that present the flavors of the land.

Emirates, the big player in the Middle East aviation sector has a surprise for Taiwan. The airline announced that it was launching a nonstop service to Taipei beginning February 10, 2014. The city will add to the airline’s list as 16th destination in the South East Asian region.

The carrier will initially launch the service with six-flights-a-week to Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei from Dubai. The airline will use the services of Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft on this route. This plane will comprise three classes. The first class will contain eight luxurious private suites, while the business class will have 42 lie-flat seats for its passengers. The economy class will however, provide seating capacity for 304 customers.

The airline will serve gourmet cuisine to all its passengers seated in different classes. Emirates is an airline that is renowned for offering excellent onboard services to its customers. The airline currently operates flights to 136 cities in 76 countries around the world.

It is constantly targeting new destinations as a broader part of its expansion plans. Recently the carrier launched flights to Warsaw, Algiers, and Haneda in Japan. It also has plans to launch service to Stockholm in September, Conakry, and Philippines in October this year. However, it is deviating from its usual Dubai base by launching the trans-Atlantic service between New York and Milan from October 2013. It also has Sialkot and Kiev launches lined up for November 2013 and January 2014.

The airline is also looking to widen its network across the United States. At present, it connects seven cities in the U.S. and wishes to increase the number to fifteen in the near future. It is targeting to commence flights to at least three new cities by the end of this year.