It seems that the “Atlantic Joint Business” Joint Venture (made up of Aer Lingus, American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and LEVEL are preparing some major movements for Summer 2022.
The powers of the six Atlantic Joint Business combined – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
The Atlantic Joint Business is a joint venture that started in 2010, between American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia, with Finnair joining in 2013, LEVEL in 2017 and Aer Lingus in 2021.
So, what’s been extra confirmed for Summer 2022?
Aer Lingus
- Manchester – New York JFK, launched 1st December 2021, operating daily utilising an Airbus A321LR
- Manchester to Orlando, launched 11 December, 4 x weekly, daily from 2nd May 2022 utilising an Airbus A330-300
American Airlines
- Charlotte to Rome, 5 April 2022 to 29 October 2022, operating daily, utilising a Boeing 777-200ER
British Airways
- London Heathrow to Portland, 3 June 2022 onwards, operating 5x weekly, utilising a Boeing 787-8 (three-class)
- London Heathrow to Pittsburgh, 3 June 2022 onwards, operating 4 x weekly, utilising a Boeing 787-8 (three-class)
- London Gatwick to JFK New York, 28 May 2022 onwards, operating daily using a Boeing 777
Finnair
- Helsinki to Dallas, 6 February 2022 to 30 October 2022, operating 4x weekly, utilising an Airbus A350-900
- Helsinki to Seattle, 1 June 2022 to 29 October 2022, operating 3x weekly, utilising an Airbus A330-300
Iberia (increased capacity from April to October)
- Two daily flights Madrid – New York (from one)
- Two daily flights Madrid – Miami (from one)
- One daily Madrid-Chicago flight (from an intermittent service)
- Six weekly frequencies Madrid-Los Angeles (from an intermittent service)
- Five weekly flights Madrid – San Juan de Puerto Rico (from an intermittent service)
- Up to19 weekly flights Madrid – Mexico
LEVEL
- Barcelona to Los Angeles, 28 March 2022 onwards, operating 4x weekly, utilising an Airbus A330-200
In Quotes
There’s a fair number of quotes – to put it mildly, with everyone having commentary.
Seb Seward, Atlantic Joint Business’ General Manager said:
“Next summer brings exciting and convenient new routes for all of our customers, further connecting Europe with the USA. The Atlantic Joint Business offers huge benefits to our customers including the option to mix and match flights from any of the six airlines, to get the best deals and enjoy smoother connections – all on one booking.”
Reid Moody, Aer Lingus’ Chief Strategy and Planning Officer said:
As the newest airline to join the Atlantic Joint Business, the option to use Dublin as a hub and avail of new European destinations not previously served by the AJB further enhances customer choice and flexibility, in addition to the new routes into Manchester. Aer Lingus has a long history of connecting friends, families and colleagues on both sides of the Atlantic, and we are looking forward to further extending our warm Aer Lingus welcome in 2022.”
Anmol Bhargava, Vice President of Alliances.
“Our customers are starting to dream about and plan travel for next summer and we want to be ready for when they want to fly,”
“Through our creative, industry-leading Atlantic Joint Business, we can get customers where they want to go, when they want to be there while providing an easy and seamless travel experience.”
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Director of Networks and Alliances, said:
“British Airways has always had a fond connection with the USA; so, it’s an honour to offer our customers yet more direct connections to new cities. Today’s announcement to Pittsburgh and Portland is an exciting moment for customers wanting to plan ahead next year – to take a much-needed holiday or visit family and friends.”
Our new route to Portland opens up a whole variety of connections for our customers. Through Alaska Airlines, our oneworld partner, British Airways will offer codeshare connections to several destinations operated by Alaska Airlines from Portland.”
Caroline Borawski, General Manager, North America at Finnair said
“Finnair is deeply committed to providing customers throughout North America with convenient access to Finland, Scandinavia and the Baltics as well as crucial connections to additional European countries,”
“Seattle and Dallas are fantastic additions to our network in the US, and we believe they will be successful and popular routes with both leisure and corporate customers.”
Jesús López-Solás, Iberia’s Commercial, Network and Alliances Director said
“United States is one of our most important markets and we are making a great effort to increase demand with more flights and our best service in destinations such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, New York or Miami.”
Víctor Gonzalez, head of Network & Alliances at LEVEL.
“With our new service to Los Angeles we reinforce Barcelona’s long-haul connectivity by adding our fourth direct connection to the States, a strategic market for our city, given the impact it has on its tourism and business.”
Passenger benefits remain
Whilst it is nice for airlines to work together, there are some benefits for passengers, including being able to book a multi-destination ticket, access to the lounge network (if eligible) and the ability to earn and redeem across the airlines – be it in miles or points depending on the programme.
For those who need to travel – it offers more options – always a welcome thing when planning journeys.
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The line from Anmol Bhargava about a “seamless travel experience” is pretty good. Methinks the odds of a seamless travel experience next summer are rather low.
At this moment in time, I wouldn’t disagree with you