The Most Notable New Airline Routes This Week
Welcome to my 132nd weekly routes article! I've analyzed some of the most exciting new airline services that began recently. As always, there's a list of additional launches at the end. Let's dive into the latest developments.
SAS Jets to SkyTeam's Atlanta
Thirty years after being a founding member of Star Alliance, SAS will join SkyTeam on September 1. This transition is highlighted by the launch of a new route from Copenhagen to Atlanta, which began on June 17, just in time for the peak season. This daily route is operated by an Airbus A330-300, marking a significant shift for the airline. The 4,000 nautical mile (7,409 km) route was last served by Delta in 2011. With this addition, SAS now serves 10 North American airports with 14 routes, underscoring the airline's strategic shift towards SkyTeam and increased connectivity with Delta at its busiest hub.
Take Off: Turkish Airlines to Denver
Despite being announced as a future destination in 2021, Turkish Airlines officially launched flights to Denver on June 11. Initially, the first two roundtrip flights utilized the 777-300ER to accommodate dignitaries and journalists. The route is now operated exclusively by the A350-900, initially three times weekly and soon to be four times weekly. Denver becomes the longest non-stop service from Istanbul at 5,326 nautical miles (9,864 km). The route connects Denver with Turkish Airlines' extensive network, catering to significant demand from regions such as the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and South Asia.
Air Canada's Four New Long-Haul Routes
Air Canada launched four new long-haul routes between June 12 and 18, all summer-seasonal. The first was Toronto-Stockholm, served twice weekly by the 787-8/787-9, followed by Montreal-Stockholm, served thrice weekly. This marks the first time Air Canada has served Sweden. Additionally, the airline reintroduced Toronto-Osaka on June 17 after nearly 24 years, and Montreal-Seoul on June 18. These new routes highlight Air Canada's expansion into Europe and Asia, enhancing connectivity from its Canadian hubs.
Air Transat's First African Route
On June 12, Air Transat launched its first-ever route to Africa, connecting Montreal with Marrakech. This is also the first North American scheduled passenger service to Marrakech, a key tourist destination in Morocco. The route operates twice weekly during the summer and once weekly in the winter, primarily using the A321LR, with the A330-200 scheduled on Saturdays until October 19. This new service leverages the Francophile connection and the Moroccan diaspora, expanding Air Transat's reach into Africa.
Zurich to the Arctic Circle
Edelweiss, the leisure carrier of SWISS, launched a new route from Zurich to Harstad/Narvik within the Arctic Circle on June 17. The A320ceo-operated service runs on Mondays until August 26, catering to outdoor leisure travelers heading to the Lofoten region. This route highlights the appeal of unique travel experiences in the Arctic Circle.
Celebration Corner
The past week saw several airline and route milestones. United celebrated 20 years on the Newark-Edinburgh route, Qatar Airways marked a decade at Miami, Turkish Airlines commemorated 10 years in Varna, Air Canada celebrated 30 years in Toronto, and Emirates marked two decades at Vienna. These celebrations are opportunities to increase attention, improve awareness, and boost sales.
Additional Route Launches
Many other routes began recently, including Breeze Airways' first flights from Manchester, New Hampshire; Avelo Airlines' first flight to Lakeland, Florida; Gulf Air's Bahrain-Rhodes service; Etihad's Abu Dhabi-Antalya route; and Air Saint-Pierre's summer-seasonal Saint Pierre-Paris CDG service. Austrian Airlines started its first long-haul route on the 787-9 (Vienna-New York JFK), and Virgin Australia resumed Alice Springs service from Brisbane and Melbourne. American Airlines reintroduced Dallas/Fort Worth-Veracruz, and Ethiopian Airlines now serves the new airport of Nekemte in Ethiopia.
Want More?
Among other additions, Avianca launched Medellin-Buenos Aires, Hainan resumed Shanghai-Brussels, JetBlue started JFK-Tulum, Corendon began Cologne-Bodrum, and Royal Air Philippines launched flights to Danang. The list of new routes continues to grow, reflecting the dynamic nature of global air travel.