As we soar into 2024, the skies are buzzing with new innovative ideas. Let’s talk about all the newest airlines, airports, and flight routes that will change international travel in 2024.
From new planes and enhanced cabin features to streamlined boarding and check-in processes, there’s a lot of stuff happening in the aviation world. Some airlines are charting new territories, making traveling more accessible than ever. This includes United’s direct flight from San Francisco to Manila and Air France’s Raleigh-Durham to Paris connection. Add to that eco-conscious startups like Ecojet and Air Cahana, and it’s obvious that air travel is undergoing a transformative shift.
As the industry continues to rebound with a vengeance, travelers can expect a blend of luxury, efficiency, and sustainability. Travelers can also expect to save lots of money by flying with these new airlines and flight routes. As such, I predict that this will make 2024 a landmark year for international travelers. Let’s dive into the ever-evolving world of air travel in 2024.
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Thailand is set to launch 8 new airlines this year
In recent years, Thailand has seen a booming tourism industry. In 2023, some 27 million travelers visited Thailand, bolstering the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Thailand’s government is targeting between 35-40 million foreign tourists in 2024. They also anticipate over 130 million passengers transiting through Thailand’s six major airports. To help supply meet demand, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has approved operator licenses for 60 new aircraft.
Here are the new operators that will help increase Thailand’s tourism capacity this year:
- Really Cool Airlines
- Asian Aerospace Services
- Pattaya Airways
- Siam Seaplane
- Avanti Air Charter
- Asia Atlantic Airlines
- Landarch Airlines
- P80 air
These new airlines will compete against major carriers like Thai Airways and Asia Aviation Pcl. Be on the lookout as each of these airlines begins to introduce international and domestic flights in the coming months.
Global Airlines will start making transatlantic flights this spring
Global Airlines is a new airline that is set to launch in the spring of 2024. The airline will operate a fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft and will exclusively fly transatlantic flights.
Global Airlines will offer daily flights between London and New York City, as well as four-flights per week to Los Angeles. However, operations will not be limited to transatlantic services. Global Airlines is planning to have a “touch point” on every continent.
The airline is looking to attract passengers who are looking for a premium travel experience. Global Airlines will offer a number of features that are not typically found on other airlines, such as better seat cushions, brighter colors, snack counters, and mood lighting.
The airline is also looking to attract business travelers. Global Airlines will offer a number of features that are designed for business travelers. This includes free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a quiet cabin environment.
Founded by internet personality James Asquith, Global Airlines is set to make a big impact on the transatlantic travel industry. It will be interesting to see how the airline performs in its first year of operation.
Ecojet is leading the renewable energy revolution by investing in 70 new electric aircraft engines
Ecojet, the UK’s first all-electric airline, has made a significant move by purchasing 70 new hydrogen-electric aircraft engines from ZeroAvia. This pioneering technology aims for zero carbon emissions, with the only byproduct being water. Dale Vince, the entrepreneur behind Ecojet, envisions offering zero-emission flights by 2026, pending regulatory approval.
The engines use hydrogen to generate electricity mid-air, powering propellers. Although hydrogen production can create carbon emissions, using renewable electricity can mitigate this. As a result, this will help the airline reach its goal of “zero emission flying.”
Initially, Ecojet will operate conventional small aircraft with up to 20 seats, using kerosene, to prepare for the transition to hydrogen-electric engines. The first planes will be modest in size, but plans for larger engines could see regional aircraft carrying up to 70 passengers over 300 miles. The company has announced that flights across the UK will begin in early 2024.
Dale Vince is committed to the vision of sustainable, emission-free flying, symbolizing a broader shift towards a greener lifestyle without sacrificing the conveniences of modern travel. In the words of Dale: “We don’t have to give up flying to live a green lifestyle or to get to net zero as a country, and this is big news.”
Tulum’s new airport is officially open and ready to welcome travelers
In 2024, travelers from the US and Canada will enjoy easier access to the Riviera Maya as several major airlines launch direct flights to Tulum’s new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport.
This development eliminates the need to fly to Cancun or Cozumel and then take a long bus ride to Tulum. Direct flights will be available from major cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, and Toronto.
Here’s a breakdown of the airlines and their offerings:
- Delta Air Lines: Starting March 28, 2024, Delta will offer daily nonstop flights from Atlanta to Tulum on a 160-seat Boeing 737-800.
- United Airlines: Beginning March 31, 2024, United will operate 22 weekly flights from Newark, Houston, and Chicago, with additional daily seasonal service from Los Angeles starting May 23, 2024.
- JetBlue: From June 13, 2024, JetBlue will provide daily flights from New York’s JFK, with special fares available for early bookings.
- American Airlines: Starting March 28, 2024, American will offer daily flights from Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Miami, likely using Boeing 737 aircraft.
- Spirit Airlines: Beginning March 28, 2024, Spirit will operate daily flights from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
- Air Canada: Starting in May 2024, Air Canada will offer twice-weekly flights from Toronto and Montreal.
United becomes the first US-based airline to fly direct to the Philippines
United Airlines is making strides, becoming the first U.S. carrier to offer direct flights from the continental U.S. to Manila, Philippines.
In 2024, this service is operating daily from San Francisco International Airport to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila using the Boeing 777-300ER, United’s largest aircraft. This move is part of a broader strategy to expand into Asia, with United already operating flights to Manila from Guam and Palau.
In addition to Manila, United is resuming daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. The airline is also increasing its service between San Francisco and Taipei, Taiwan, and between Los Angeles and Hong Kong. With these new flights, United will serve 15 international destinations across the Pacific this winter.
With these additions, United’s transpacific network for the winter 2023–24 season will be 50% larger than all other US carriers combined.
For the first time ever, Americans can fly non-stop to the Algarve in Portugal
The Algarve region in Portugal, known for its sunny climate and stunning beaches, has been a popular destination among Europeans but less known to U.S. travelers. The main reason for this has been its lack of accessibility. However, this is set to change with United Airlines introducing the first and only direct flight by an American carrier from Newark to Faro, starting May 24, 2024.
This service will operate four times a week using Boeing 757-200 aircraft. It will complement United’s existing routes to Lisbon, Porto, and the Azores. Flights will depart New York/Newark at 9:50 p.m., arriving in Faro at 10 a.m. the following day, with a total flight duration of approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes. For Americans, this is a preferable option rather than having to connect early in the morning in Lisbon or Ponta Delgada.
The Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) President André Gomes has welcomed this new route, noting the increasing number of American tourists visiting the Algarve. The North American tourist market in the Algarve has seen significant growth, with a 29.3% increase compared to the previous year and a 40% increase compared to 2019. This growth is positively impacting the region in terms of tourism.
Air France launches new weekly route between Raleigh-Durham and Paris
As Paris gears up for the 2024 Olympic Games, its first in a century, the city is abuzz with excitement and preparations. Air France is contributing to this anticipation by introducing a new weekly route from Raleigh-Durham Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle. This is making travel to the French capital more accessible than ever for those in central and eastern North Carolina.
The Olympics will transform Paris into a global sports hub, with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre set to provide stunning backdrops for the events.
Perhaps the most awaited event in Paris next year is the reopening of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. After a devastating fire in 2019, the cathedral has been under restoration. It’s now set to welcome visitors by the end of 2024. This reopening will mark a significant moment of cultural and historical revival for the city.
JetBlue is now expanding its flight services into Central America and the Caribbean
In 2024, JetBlue is significantly expanding its footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean. The airline is now operating in 27 countries with new routes to The Bahamas, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Belize.
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Nassau, Bahamas (NAS): Flights will operate on Saturdays. This route offers West Coasters direct access to the Bahamas’ stunning beaches and vibrant culture.
- New York (JFK) to St. Kitts (SKB): Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Travelers can explore the world-class resorts, pristine beaches, and rich history of St. Kitts and Nevis.
- New York (JFK) to Belize City (BZE): Flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. This service makes Belize’s rainforests, barrier reef, and luxury resorts more accessible.
- Boston (BOS) to Grenada (GND): Flights will operate on Saturdays. This route opens up a unique Caribbean experience, where travelers can explore cocoa and nutmeg plantations, waterfalls, and untamed coastlines.
In addition to these international routes, JetBlue has also added a new domestic service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina.
