European airline ticket prices have risen at a slower pace than inflation since the pandemic, according to the latest data from IATA. Average consumer prices in the EU in June were up 20% from their 2019 level, but for airfares the increase was just 16%, says the association. It sees this as underlining improvements in the industry's competitiveness. "Considering the extreme volatility of jet-fuel prices and increases in workforce salaries this is a significant achievement and stands in contrast to the continually increasing charges being pushed by our infrastructure suppliers," states IATA director general Willie Walsh. The association cites large rises in charges at airports, giving the examples of London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol. IATA is calling for "stronger regulation of monopoly infrastructure providers, to bring charges down". Walsh observes that the recovery in Europe's air transport market is "bringing with it even more competitive market conditions. Consumers will see that with more routes and more airlines to choose from. In total, last year saw 20 new airlines born in Europe. This is important because a more competitive air transport market will make Europe a more competitive place to do business."

US carrier Frontier Airlines plans to establish a new crew base at Cleveland Hopkins International airport in Ohio in March 2024. The ultra-low-cost carrier says that the new base is expected to employ up to 110 pilots, 250 flight attendants, and 50 aircraft maintenance personnel within its first year of operation. Combined with airport-based positions, the airline is expected to contribute more than $80 million in annual local wages and is anticipating further growth in the future, it adds. It currently flies to 17 routes from the airport, more than any other carrier this winter.

Flydubai has agreed to purchase 30 Boeing 787-9s. The deal, placed at the Dubai air show, represents the Middle Eastern low-cost carrier's first order for widebodies, which will diversify its from its current all-737 fleet. "Today's order reaffirms Flydubai's commitment to enabling more people to travel across its expanding network," states airline chairman Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. "The highly fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner will allow Flydubai to expand its horizon and cater to the growing demand on existing routes." Flydubai notes that half of all scheduled 787 flights are operated on short- and medium-haul connections, and says it plans to use its 787-9s partly to upgrade capacity on routes currently operated with 737s, without having to add frequencies. Stan Deal, chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, adds that the aircraft will also enable Flydubai to "open up new, longer-range routes and add capacity across its network". Flydubai currently operates 80 narrowbodies: 30 737-800s, 47 Max 8s and three Max 9s. It has an order backlog of more than 130 Max jets for delivery by 2035. The airline is "currently evaluating engine options" for its latest order, it says.