The Department of Transportation issued a $50m fine against American Airlines Wednesday for mistreating passengers with disabilities. According to the DOT, American had the worst track record of major U.S. airlines for damaging wheelchairs and other mobility devices between 2019 and 2023, and also performed poorly in providing prompt wheelchair assistance and dignified transfers for passengers with disabilities. One incident the DOT highlighted was a November 2023 episode during which American baggage handlers dropped a wheelchair down a baggage ramp. “The era of tolerating poor treatment of airline passengers with disabilities is over,” DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “With this penalty, we are setting a new standard of accountability for airlines that violate the civil rights of passengers with disabilities. By setting penalties at levels beyond a mere cost of doing business for airlines, we’re aiming to change how the industry behaves and prevent these kinds of abuses from happening in the first place.” Paralyzed Veterans of America, which the Department of Transportation said was responsible for three of the complaints against American that were investigated, praised the DOT's ruling. “We are pleased to see DOT making such a strong statement for how it will hold airlines accountable for jeopardizing the well-being of passengers with disabilities, particularly wheelchair and scooter users. We are confident this unprecedented enforcement will make it clear to the entire airline industry that passengers with mobility disabilities deserve to travel with the same level of safety and dignity as everyone else," PVA CEO Carl Blake said in a statement.<br/>
oneworld
US regional carrier Air Wisconsin is winding down its capacity purchase agreement with American Airlines as it initiates a strategic shift toward charter and essential air service (EAS) flying. The Appleton, Wisconsin-based carrier disclosed on 10 January that it would transition to a codeshare and interline relationship with American rather than flying on behalf of regional arm American Eagle. Air Wisconsin’s capacity purchase agreement with American is set to expire in April. The carrier says that it will focus on “federally subsidised EAS routes that deliver vital air connectivity to rural and underserved communities”. ”These routes provide critical transportation links for communities that might otherwise lack access to air travel.” Air Wisconsin has been operating its fleet of 60 MHIRJ CRJ200 regional jets under the American Eagle brand since entering an agreement with American in March 2023. Air Wisconsin says it recently retired all fleet-related debt, providing it with financial flexibility as it embarks in a new direction. ”This strategic shift underscores our adaptability and commitment to delivering reliable, customised air travel solutions where they are most needed,” says Robert Binns, Air Wisconsin’s CE. <br/>
Qantas has rejoined the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), after exiting the group nearly 15 years ago. The Australian carrier’s membership commences with immediate effect, says the AAPA on 20 January. Qantas is the association’s 17th member and its first in the Australia/New Zealand region in recent years. The return of Qantas follows the AAPA’s adding of low-cost operator Lion Air Group in November 2024. It also recently added Air India and Vietnam Airlines as new members. Qantas International and freight chief Cam Wallace says: “Qantas looks forward to working with members of AAPA as the industry embraces opportunities to meet the evolving needs of customers in a dynamic market, while at the same time confronting challenges such as climate change and supply chain disruptions.” Wallace adds that there are “many areas” that airlines can share “best practices and experiences to benefit the travelling public”.<br/>