The slot will see a new, daily nonstop service run from the Washington airport to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas which is one of five new routes approved as part of the .听

Flights from DCA have traditionally been restricted by a rule that does not permit flights to exceed 1,250 miles, although exceptions to the rule are made.  

It was originally conceived that flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) would operate long-haul flights from the region.  

According to Southwest, the new nonstop service would 鈥減rovide airline consumers with much-needed choices and competition on the DCA to LAS nonstop route that currently has only one flight per day operated by another airline鈥�.听

Southwest says that if awarded the new slot it would 鈥渟ignificantly lower average fares鈥� from DCA to LAS.  

“Southwest has a long history of connecting people across the nation with important moments in their lives through competitive airfares, friendly and flexible policies, and the unmatched Hospitality of our People,” Bob Jordan, President & Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Airlines, said. “We look forward to demonstrating to the DOT that Southwest’s proposal will maximize benefits to the traveling public.” 

Southwest is also applying to provide what would be the only one-stop, same-plane/no change service between DCA and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) via LAS. 

Southwest plans to operate the proposed service between DCA and LAS seven days a week on a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with 175 seats. 

“We believe Southwest’s proposed new DCA-LAS nonstop service will lower fares and increase access for the nation’s capital, Las Vegas, and western states,” Jordan added. “Customers in both markets will benefit from competitive airfares and nonstop, hassle-free transportation aboard the airline that invented friendly, reliable flying.” 

The five new proposed routes faced stiff opposition before being approved as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act. 

Those against the new routes were concerned that DCA passengers would face more delays at the airport, which is already marred by slot constraints.听聽

What other US airlines plan

On May 15, 2024, Alaska Airlines confirmed it was applying for the nonstop service between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and DCA.    

American Airlines has expressed interest in a nonstop service between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and DCA. 

United Airlines, which has a heavy presence at IAD, reportedly opposed the new routes while Delta Air Lines is considering its options.  

The DOT has 60 days to approve applications from airlines.听

Brussels Airlines looking at Airbus A321neo and A350 for fleet expansion plans聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-05-21

Delta Air Lines will cease its Tokyo Haneda operations in October 2023 after being denied flexibility in the route by the Department of Transportation (DOT). 

Seeing an opportunity to fill the vacant slots, United Airlines swiftly sent an application to get approval to operate flights between Houston精东影业 George Bush International Airport (IAH) to HND airport. 

United is also pursuing the possibility of obtaining Hawaiian Airlines鈥� slot of night-time flights between Kona and Honolulu airports to HND airport, to replace it with a flight between Guam精东影业 Won Pat International Airport (GUM) to Haneda.

United Airlines said in a statement published by various media outlets that awarding the Haneda frequencies to United will ensure that the 鈥渦nderutilized鈥� slots will be put to use.

鈥淎warding these unused frequencies to United will ensure that these underutilized Haneda slot pairs are finally put to their highest and best use,” the statement reads. 鈥淭hese awards will allow United to serve the traveling public with convenient, daily service between United精东影业 key hub at Houston, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. where demand for flights to Tokyo is among the largest in the U.S., as well as provide first-ever Guam 鈥� Haneda service, enhancing travel opportunities for tourism, and business travelers flying to/from Guam.鈥�

In July 2023, United announced its plans for major expansion in the Asian market, launching flights to Manila International Airport (MNL) and increasing services to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Taiwan精东影业 Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).

In total, the airline plans to fly long-haul flights to 15 different international destinations across Asia by Winter 2023.

United Airlines鈥� first Airbus A321neo departs on its first flight

• Aircraft
• Airlines

byRytis Beresnevicius

2023-09-22

The Commission also proposed measures to restore connectivity between the EU and Ukraine when the time comes to reopen airspace, including a recovery period for slots.  

Airlines generally have to follow a use it or lose it rule when it comes to valuable slots at airports across Europe. Before the pandemic, airlines had to use their slots 80% of the time in order to keep them for the next season or risk being forced to give them up.  

The practice led to airlines carrying out 鈥済host鈥� flights, operating empty aircraft just to keep hold of the slots.  

The EU has already given airlines slot relief for the current summer season 2022, which runs until October 29. Under those rules, airlines have to use 64% of tier slots to retain the right to use them for the next summer season.  

EU extends airport slot relief until October 2022

• Airport

byVyte Klisauskaite

2021-12-16

The Commission has now proposed that the 80% rule returns from October 30, 2022, but will also extend the 鈥榡ustified non-use of slots’ (JNUS) tool created during the pandemic. 

That tool allows airlines to use exceptions in situations such as epidemiological emergencies, natural disasters, or widespread political unrest with a disruptive effect on air travel. 

The Commission also said it would be able to lower the use rate if air traffic levels fall below 80%, compared with 2019 figures, for four consecutive weeks due to COVID-19, another epidemiological situation, or as a direct result of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.   

EU Transport Commissioner Adina Va虇lean said air traffic demand was back and it was time to return to normal slot rates.  

鈥淏ut we must make sure we are better prepared for the unexpected,鈥� Va虇lean said in a statement on July 12, 2022. 鈥淭he 鈥楯ustified Non-Use of Slots’ clause has provided us with a particularly effective tool to manage crisis situations. Maintaining this tool will give us sufficient flexibility 鈥� an insurance 鈥� to act in case of a new deterioration of the public health situation, or indeed if we are faced with further fallout from the Russian war in Ukraine.鈥� 

If adopted, the relief provisions will apply from the start of the winter season on October 30, 2022, and last until March 26, 2024, when the Commission says air traffic is estimated to have reached full recovery. 

The US Department of Transportation said that reassigning the slots, previously operated by Southwest Airlines (LUV), would secure low-cost options for Newark passengers and improve competition.     

Southwest originally operated the slots in 2010 but dropped EWR flights in 2019. Spirit and JetBlue (JBLU) had applied for all 16 of the slots, while Alaska applied for four.  

鈥淎fter reviewing the applications against the decisional criteria announced by the Department, the Department found that Spirit will best be able to provide competition with all 16 timings, consistent with the Department of Justice精东影业 original competition remedy, and is most likely to provide the lowest fares to the most consumers,鈥� the DoT said in a statement on July 5, 2022.  

The award of the slots comes as Frontier and JetBlue (JBLU) battle for control of Spirit Airlines (S64) (SAVE). Shareholders are due to vote on the rival bids at a meeting on July 8, 2022.  

Spirit Airlines delays shareholders meeting as bidding war continues

• Airlines

byGabriele Petrauskaite

2022-06-30

However, there are conditions attached to the slots, against the backdrop of delays and cancellations that have plagued the aviation industry during the recovery phase from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The DoT is therefore requesting that Spirit provide extra information on delays and how it is helping customers.  

鈥淕iven the Department精东影业 concern over the recent airline cancellations, delays, challenges with customer service and other operational disruptions that have hurt travelers, the Department is requiring Spirit, as a condition of accepting the timings, to report additional data on disruptions facing their airline customers and its ability to provide them with accommodations.鈥� 

Air Canada CEO says disruptions 鈥榰navoidable鈥� as airline trims summer schedule

• Airlines

byMichael Jonga

2022-06-30

The sanctions mean Aeroflot, Ural Airlines and Rossiya will be unable to sell their unused take-off and landing slots at UK airports. The UK government estimates these slots are worth 拢50 million ($62 million). 

鈥淎s long as Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy,鈥� Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said in a statement on May 19, 2022.  鈥淲e鈥檝e already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we鈥檙e making sure they can鈥檛 cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports.鈥�  

Slots at capacity-constrained airports such as London Heathrow and Gatwick are highly sought after and can trade hands for millions of pounds. For example, in 2019, easyJet acquired 27 take-off and landing slots from collapsed Thomas Cook at London Gatwick and Bristol for 拢36 million ($45 million).  

BREAKING: Today we鈥檝e barred Russia精东影业 flagship carrier Aeroflot, alongside Rossiya & Ural Airlines from benefiting from their landing slots, worth up to 拢50m, at any UK airport. As we take over the Presidency, we’ll continue to punish Putin

鈥� Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps)

The UK has already made it a criminal offense for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the country. The government also has the power to remove aircraft belonging to sanctioned individuals or companies from the UK aircraft register. 

鈥淭oday, the UK Government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia精东影业 flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports,鈥� Transport Secretary Grant Shapps commented. 鈥淥ur actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots, and cashing in on up to 拢50 million.鈥� 

Truss added: 鈥淓very economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin 鈥� we will not stop until Ukraine prevails.鈥� 

Russia has taken various measures to try and keep its airlines in the sky after being hit with a range of sanctions. The Russian government has re-registered foreign-owned planes, forcing major global leasing firms to write off the value of the aircraft they had leased to Russian carriers, and overhauled a decree on certification of parts and aircraft.  

AerCap writes off $2.7 billion for jets and engines stuck in Russia

• War in Ukraine

byVictoria Bryan

2022-05-17

On December 22, 2021, the low-cost carrier announced it had acquired 15 daily slot pairs from Norwegian and will base four additional A321neo aircraft at LGW. That means it will have five aircraft based at LGW under its British unit, Wizz Air UK, from Spring 2022.  

Norwegian Air Shuttle, which has restructured its operations to focus on short-haul, no longer needs the LGW slots, it said in a separate stock exchange statement on December 22, 2021.  

鈥淭hese are excess slots Norwegian does not intend to operate following the airline精东影业 decision to discontinue long haul operations in January 2021 and could have been lost unless disposed,鈥� the Norwegian budget carrier said. 

Wizz Air said it would provide further details of new routes from LGW in due course. Wizz Air UK精东影业 biggest base is at London Luton airport (LTN). The airline added that the new slots would also create 鈥渟ignificant inbound opportunities鈥� for Wizz Air Hungary.  

鈥淎cquiring airport slots at Gatwick Airport will enable us to enhance our presence and competitive position in the London market,鈥� Wizz Air chief executive J贸zsef V谩radi said in a press release.   

While the Omicron variant has led to more travel restrictions for UK travelers, Varadi sounded a note of optimism.  

鈥淭he 2022 season has the potential to be a tremendous opportunity for UK aviation to get back on its feet,” the CEO commented. 

The Gatwick news comes shortly after Wizz Air announced a new aircraft order at the Dubai Airshow, part of its plans to reach a 500-strong fleet. The new order, unveiled on November 14, 2021, comprises the purchase of 102 A321 aircraft, options for a further 19 A321neo aircraft, as well as purchase rights for an additional 75 A321neo. 

Airbus kicks off Dubai with big A321neo family order from Indigo Partners

• Aircraft

byVictoria Bryan

2021-11-14

Instead of using at least 80% of their airport slots, the rule will grant European airlines the right to use 64% to retain its historic slots for the next summer season. Currently, the minimum airport slot usage threshold is set at 50%.

鈥淚 know the aviation sector is concerned about the new Omicron variant and the recent drop in airline bookings,鈥� Commissioner for Transport, Adina V膬lean, announced in a statement. 

The 鈥渏ustified non-use of slots鈥� rule, which protects carriers鈥� rights to its historic slots, entered into force when the pandemic-related travel restrictions hindered international air traffic across the globe.   

V膬lean added: 鈥淓ven if we are not there yet, we can take a step further towards the return to normal airport slot management next summer. The decision we adopt today is a sign of that, as we increase the requirements for slot use.鈥� 

According to Eurocontrol, the annual air traffic in 2022 will likely reach 89% of pre-COVID levels. 

Airlines call on UK government to prevent 鈥減ermanent scarring” of industry

• Civil Aviation

byVictoria Bryan

2021-12-13

Following the collapse of British regional airline Flybe and its entry into administration in March 2020, the carrier was acquired by Thyme Opco, now known as Flybe Limited, and affiliated to hedge fund manager Lucien Farrell of Cyrus Capital.

Revival hopes ignite again: Flybe applies for license

• Airlines

byGabriele Petrauskaite

2020-12-03

The acquisition, initiated on November 4, 2020, and finalized on April 14, 2021, involved a transfer of Flybe精东影业 business assets to its new owner. Among those assets were seven pairs of London Heathrow slots owned by Flybe and valued at $74 million (拢52 million) each before the pandemic. Today the slots are valued at $14 million (拢10 million).

The original Flybe was awarded the slots as part of remedial measures to spark competition and prevent the market from consolidating in favor of British Airways. Following Flybe精东影业 collapse, the slots were returned to British Airways, however, Flybe would still have the right to access them if it had an operating license after June 3, 2021.

The decision to revoke Flybe精东影业 license prevents the transfer of the slot pairs to Flybe精东影业 new owner Flybe Limited. Even though Flybe Limited holds a separate, valid, and active operating license, that does not entitle it to ownership of the slots handed to Flybe as remedy measures. Flybe Limited has been awarded less valuable slots at Manchester and Birmingham airports.

The expenses start with the planes themselves. Currently, the most expensive passenger airplane is Boeing 777-300ER that is being sold at about $375,5 million. By the end of 2019, Boeing is planning on starting flights of the newest version of the 777 model – 777-9 that breaks all the records and is priced at $442,2 million. However, we have to keep in mind that these prices are only from the catalogue. Usually, the manufacturers are flexible and the end price of an aircraft is smaller than it is being showed officially.

Even the smallest detail in an aircraft can cost thousands. Economy seats can cost from around 3 to 10 thousand US dollars per seat while first-class seating can go up to $250 thousand per seat. If a plane has an In-Flight entertainment system, passengers rarely even think about how much that could cost. But it精东影业 crazy – screen alone costs around $10 thousand. However, sometimes this goes the other way around too – even a tiny design tweak can have a significant impact on the airline精东影业 finances. One Middle Eastern airline reduced its annual fuel cost by $120 thousand by using slightly thinner leather in just 16 of its first class seats on 15 planes.

Unfortunately, costs don鈥檛 end with owning a plane. Some expenses are self-explanatory – for example, fuel, crew, technical maintenance, etc.

Besides that, have you ever thought about how much airport slots cost? Airport slot pairs are specific times that airlines buy to use in an airport. The pricing of those slots differs depending on the airports. For example, Heathrow, one of the biggest and the busiest hubs in Europe, is in high demand for airlines to conduct business to and from. All slots are currently taken, with most of them belonging to British Airways. Airlines are allowed to change slots (with additional payments if needed) and lease them. In 2008, Continental Airlines paid $209 million for four pairs of landing slots from GB Airways $52,3m each. In 2016, Oman Air that paid $75 million to Air France鈥揔LM for a prized early morning arrival topped this record. On top of that, there are parking, environment, noise, navigation charges, and passenger fees.

The before mentioned Heathrow airport charges landing fees, which are around $30 per seat/passenger. For a Boeing 747鈥�8 with around 500 seats, that comes out to over $15,500. On an annual basis, Heathrow collects $19-25 billion in landing fees alone.

And these are the final expenses only if everything goes according to the plan. But if it doesn鈥檛 airlines have to pay. Over 20 years ago, Eurocontrol did a study and found out that the costs per minute delay for an Airbus 320 is $24.7 per minute on the ground and $37 per minute in flight – between $1480 and $2220 per hour.

So, from purchasing an aircraft to operating and maintaining it 鈥� flying is expensive!