ARC NEWS
JetBlue and Spirit appeal decision to block merger
January 22, 2024
JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines have jointly filed a notice of appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in response to a ruling by a district court judge that blocked the carriers from executing the merger deal they had agreed in July 2022. The carriers say the notice of appeal is "consistent with the requirements of the merger agreement". Judge William Young of the Massachusetts district court on 16 January ruled in favour of the US Department of Justice, which had alleged in a lawsuit filed in March 2023 that JetBlue's acquisition of Spirit would reduce consumers' ultra-low-cost fare options. Spirit noted in an investor update on 19 January that it "disagrees with the US district court's ruling and continues to believe that a combination with JetBlue is the best opportunity to increase much-needed competition and choice by bringing low fares and great service".


FAA asks 737-900ER operators to inspect door plugs
January 22, 2024
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recommended operators of Boeing 737-900ERs fitted with mid-cabin door plugs to inspect the aircraft to ensure they are properly secured as investigations continue into the in-flight loss of a plug from an Alaska Airlines Max 9 on 5 January. In a safety alert for operators issued on 21 January, the FAA is encouraging 737-900ER operators to " conduct a visual inspection to ensure the door plug is restrained from any movements through the two upper guide track bolts and two lower arrestor bolts", and report their findings. "The Boeing 737-900ER mid-exit door plugs have an identical door plug design to the 737-9 Max," the FAA states. "As part of their Safety Management Systems, some operators have conducted additional inspections on the 737-900ER mid-exit door plugs and have noted findings with bolts during the maintenance inspections." The FAA adds that it is continuing to evaluate data involving the mid-cabin door plug and will determine if additional actions are required. As it was issued in a safety alert, the inspections are not mandatory yet, but are likely to be conducted by 737-900ER operators globally that have mid-cabin exit plugs fitted. Fleets data shows that there are 490 -900ERs in service and 14 in storage. Delta Air Lines is the largest operator of the type globally, with 160 in service and three stored, followed by United Airlines which has 136 in service. Alaska Airlines also has 79 -900ERs in service.


Frontier to open additional crew base in Puerto Rico
January 19, 2024
Frontier Airlines plans to open a new crew base at San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International airport in Puerto Rico in June. The low-cost carrier says the base is expected to employ up to 90 pilots and 200 flight attendants during its first year of operation. It adds that combined with airport and maintenance positions, it will likely generate about $84 million annually in local wages, with further growth expected in the coming years. "Our base will provide significant economic impact and new jobs for Puerto Ricans," states Frontier Airlines chief executive Barry Biffle. "A crew base also helps support smooth flight operations, benefiting customers flying to and from the island who will have access to a wide variety of destinations, including a number of underserved markets, as we continue to grow our Puerto Rico operations." It will be Frontier's 13th crew base.


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