In travel news for May 23rd , 2023 we talk about the 100th birthday celebration of a decorated member of the Tuskegee Airmen, we have an update on the Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue, and more strikes are coming to London Heathrow Airport.
A Century in the Sky: Princess Cruises Celebrates Tuskegee Airman’s 100th Birthday with Unforgettable Voyage
Princess Cruises recently celebrated the 100th birthday of Lieutenant Colonel James H. Harvey III, a Tuskegee Airman, aboard Discovery Princess. The event marked an early commemoration for his upcoming centennial birthday. Harvey, an African American pilot who served during World War II, is a decorated former fighter pilot known for breaking racial barriers in the military. The crew of the Discovery Princess presented Harvey with a birthday cake, and the McChord Field Honor Guard marked his arrival on board with a traditional display of colors. Harvey, a former corporate salesman for Oscar Mayer, is currently based in Denver.
Ruling Dissolves Northeast Alliance: JetBlue and American Airlines Ordered to End Partnership
A U.S. federal court has ruled to dissolve the Northeast Alliance, a partnership between American Airlines and JetBlue Airways in New York and Boston. Judge Leo Sorkin sided with the Department of Justice and six states in their lawsuit to block the partnership on the grounds of anticompetitive behavior. This decision, following a month-long trial concluded in November, prohibits further implementation of the Northeast Alliance within 30 days. Despite the airlines' claims of potential benefits for travelers, the court found insufficient evidence to support these assertions and instead pointed to the potential enhancement of the airlines' market power.
Heathrow Assures Uninterrupted Service Despite Security Staff Strike During School Half Term
Despite the planned Strike by security staff coinciding with the school half term in late May, Heathrow Airport has assured passengers that no flights will be cancelled. The London airport is urging the Unite union to accept a 10% pay rise and has deemed the industrial action as unnecessary. This offer has been in place since January and has been improved with a £1,150 lump sum and a guarantee of an inflation-linked increase in 2024. However, the Unite union argues that Heathrow workers' average pay has decreased by 24% since 2017, with security officers earning less than counterparts at other major London airports.