News for The Americas

HSBC Australia and Star Alliance launched (15-Nov-2022) the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card in Australia. Australian customers can earn Star Alliance Points on eligible credit card purchases that can be converted to miles/points with Air Canada, Air New Zealand, EVA Air, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Thai Airways and United Airlines. HSBC and Star Alliance stated the card is the world's first credit card created with an airline alliance and will be issued exclusively on Visa credit. [more - original PR]

Bamboo Airways announced (09-Nov-2022) cooperation with Air Canada for the optimisation of passenger benefits. The cooperation will allow passengers to earn reward points when travelling with Bamboo Airways and Air Canada. [more - original PR]

Los Angeles International Airport, via its official Twitter account, announced (08-Nov-2022) United Airlines resumed three times daily Los Angeles-Melbourne service using Boeing 787-9 equipment on 28-Oct-2022. The carrier plans to increase frequency on the service to daily from 01-Dec-2022. According to OAG, United last operated the service in Mar-2020. Qantas Airways also operates the route.

United Airlines confirmed (07-Nov-2022) the opening of its new 'United Club Fly' grab-and-go lounge at Denver International Airport, enabling busy travellers to enjoy snacks, light food options, and beverages to-go. The new lounge concept can seat up to 16 travellers with standing room for an additional eight people. United Club members, international premium cabin travellers, and United Club one-time pass holders may access the lounge. [more - original PR]

Air Canada launched seasonal daily Vancouver-London Heathrow-Mumbai service using Boeing 787-9 equipment on 30-Oct-2022, according to OAG. The service will operate through 24-Mar-2023. No other carriers operate the route.

Vietnam Airlines received (01-Nov-2022) approval from US TSA to operate scheduled, commercial, nonstop US services, becoming the first Vietnamese airlines to obtain the approval. The carrier is to operate Ho Chi Minh-San Francisco. Vietnam Airlines will become the first airline in Vietnam to operate a scheduled nonstop US service. [more - original PR - Vietnamese]

Air Canada and Emirates Airline launched (01-Nov-2022) a codeshare partnership, providing customers access to 46 destinations across the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Codeshare tickets are currently available for sale to 35 markets for travel effective 01-Dec-2022, with 11 additional markets to be added pending final regulatory approval. The carriers also plan to introduce a reciprocal frequent flyer offering, allowing eligible Aeroplan and Emirates Skywards members to earn and redeem points and gain lounge access when flying with either airline. The partnership was initially announced in Jul-2022. Air Canada president and CEO Michael Rosseau stated the codeshare partnership "will allow us to draw more connecting traffic through our Toronto global hub and expand our presence in these dynamic regions where demand for global travel is expected to grow". [more - original PR]

Sabre Corporation and BCD Travel announced (31-Oct-2022) a long term technology partnership focused on corporate travel. BCD expects to increase its booking levels with Sabre and the companies will invest and collaborate on new solutions for corporate travel. BCD CEO and president John Snyder said the company expects to "streamline our distribution technology footprint and simplify our operational, technical and future development infrastructure". Mr Snyder said new functionalities will improve the planning and booking experience for travellers, including implementing New Distribution Capability. [more - original PR]

Chicago Department of Aviation stated (28-Oct-2022) Air New Zealand resumed Chicago O'Hare-Auckland service on 30-Oct-2022. The service is set to operate three times weekly and is estimated to generate approximately USD75 million in annual economic activity for the region. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]

Brisbane Airport announced (30-Oct-2022) United Airlines launched three times weekly San Francisco-Brisbane service using Boeing 787-9 equipment on 28-Oct-2022. The service was funded by Queensland's AUD200 million (USD128.25 million) Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, and is expected to contribute AUD27 million (USD17.31 million) to the state's international travel economy. The service is also set to provide Queensland with an additional 60,000kg of weekly cargo capacity. According to OAG, no other carriers operate the route. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]