Pittsburgh to Reykjavik route. This new flight route from Icelandair is a personal favorite of Ben Mutzabaugh, senior aviation editor at TPG. He has a nostalgic connection to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) as it was the main hub he flew through in his late teens and early twenties. He has fond memories of connecting to nonstop flights all over the country from PIT. However, in the 2000s, PIT experienced a decline as US Airways dropped it as a hub and the airport’s European nonstops dried up. In recent years, PIT has experienced a resurgence and has focused on rebuilding its domestic schedules and bringing back overseas flights. Icelandair’s new nonstop route from PIT to Reykjavik is an exciting addition as it keeps Pittsburgh connected with a second transatlantic route and allows Ben to keep his memories of the airport’s glory days alive.
JSX’s service to Boca Raton. Zach Griff, senior reporter at TPG, is excited about JSX’s announcement of new winter seasonal services to Boca Raton Airport (BCT) from Westchester County, New York, and Morristown, New Jersey. Growing up beneath the flight path of BCT, Zach was shocked to hear that JSX would be launching flights to this general aviation airport. JSX operates as a public air charter model, allowing passengers to show up just 20 minutes before their flight and enjoy the convenience of departing from FBOs. Although the fares for JSX’s flights to Boca Raton are quite steep, Zach is still eager to try them out.
United’s new transpacific crossings. David Slotnick, senior aviation business reporter at TPG, finds United’s current international strategy fascinating. The airline is taking a risk by betting heavily on continued premium international leisure demand. United is launching service to destinations that might not have strong business demand but could be appealing to vacationers and those visiting friends and family abroad. Two examples of this strategy are the new routes to Manila, Philippines, and Christchurch, New Zealand. Manila has demand from Filipino Americans visiting relatives and travelers looking to explore the islands, while Christchurch provides direct access to New Zealand’s South Island with its incredible landscapes and adventure opportunities. Only time will tell if United can keep these routes profitable, but for now, it’s exciting to see where the airline plans to go next.
JetBlue: New York to Paris. JetBlue has been expanding its transatlantic network, and one route that stands out to Zach Griff is the new service to Paris. Aside from the fact that one can never visit Paris too much, JetBlue’s posh Airbus A321LR jets and chic fine dining make it a great option for traveling to or from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). The fares during the offseason are also among the cheapest in the competitive set, making JetBlue’s transatlantic services even more appealing.
New flights to Tulum. The opening of Tulum International Airport (TQO) is an exciting development, as it provides direct access to the Yucatan Peninsula tourist hot spot. Previously, travelers had to fly to Cancun and travel two hours by ground to reach Tulum. AeroMexico and VivaAerobus have already started flying to Tulum from locations within Mexico, and five U.S. carriers—American, Delta, JetBlue, United, and Spirit—will begin flying to Tulum from various domestic airports in March 2024. This new airport will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of tourism in Tulum.
A coast-to-coast turf war. Ben Mutzabaugh recalls the excitement of a good old-fashioned airline turf war. Although they are less common nowadays, one recent example caught his attention. Alaska Airlines announced new nonstop service between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD), encroaching on United Airlines’ hub. United retaliated by adding a fourth daily flight on the route, using a high-capacity Boeing 777-200. The competition between these two airlines will be interesting to watch in 2024.
American: Philadelphia to New York. Ben Mutzabaugh, who temporarily moved to Philadelphia, appreciates American Airlines’ new service between Philadelphia and New York. This route allows him to avoid multiple train connections when traveling to Long Island or flying from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Instead of lugging bags up and down stairs, he can now enjoy a convenient flight option.
In conclusion, the TPG aviation team has compiled their personal favorite new flights from 2023. These routes represent a mix of nostalgia, convenience, and exciting destinations. From Icelandair’s new route connecting Pittsburgh to Reykjavik to American Airlines’ route between Philadelphia and New York, these flights offer a range of options for travelers. Whether it’s exploring new destinations, experiencing luxurious amenities, or avoiding tedious connections, these new routes provide exciting opportunities for travel in 2023.