The top tweets were chosen from influencers as tracked by GlobalData’s Influencer Platform, which is based on a scientific process that works on pre-defined parameters. Influencers are selected after a deep analysis of the influencer’s relevance, network strength, engagement, and leading discussions on new and emerging trends.

Top tweets on airlines in Q2 2021

1. Simon Calder’s tweet on UK’s travel testing mandate

Simon Calder, a travel journalist and broadcaster, shared an article on Randox, a UK-based Covid testing company, having slashed the cost of PCR tests supplied under the UK’s ‘testing for travel’ scheme from £100 ($137.89) to £60 ($82.58). With international leisure travel on hold for the UK until May 2021, the government imposed the mandate for returning travellers to undergo at least one PCR test on arrival.

The cost of the test is still expected to be barrier for travellers as travel tests typically cost £120 ($165.16), amounting to approximately £500 ($688.16) for a family of four. Experts believe cheap testing for travel depends on arrangements with the airlines.

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Username: Simon Calder

Twitter handle: @SimonCalder

Retweets: 69

Likes: 351

2. Ben Schlappig’s tweet on Etihad retiring its entire Boeing 777 fleet

Ben Schlappig, a travel journalist and blogger, shared an article on Etihad Airways’ plans to retire its entire Boeing 777 fleet by the end of 2021. The move is part of the airline’s radical transformation efforts aimed at cutting pandemic-induced losses by 2023. Etihad previously announced retirement of its Airbus A380s fleet, which is just five years old by the end of 2022.

Etihad operates 19 Boeing 777-300ERs, which are just over ten years old. The airline has already retired 11 Boeing 777s, which is expected to have big implications such as a reduced airline fleet and first-class footprint, and the absence of a long-haul aircraft from its operations, the article detailed.

Username: Ben Schlappig

Twitter handle: @OneMileataTime

Retweets: 20

Likes: 116

3. Jon Ostrower’s tweet on American Airlines’ plans to deploy Airbus A321XLRs

Jon Ostrower, editor-in-chief of The Air Current, a website providing aviation and aerospace news, shared an article on American Airlines’ plans to deploy incoming Airbus A321XLRs on transatlantic routes from Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, and Charlotte. He termed the A321XLR as a slow aircraft that is optimised to operate on thinner routes that do not support wide-bodied aircraft.

American Airlines was one of the first airlines to order the A321XLR aircraft. The carrier ordered 20 A321XLRs, and renewed 30 A321neo orders to the longer-range variant, at the 2019 Paris air show. The carrier expects to receive its first A321XLR in 2023.

Username: Jon Ostrower

Twitter handle: @jonostrower

Retweets: 12

Likes: 96

4. Leslie Josephs’ tweet on United Airlines resuming pilot hiring

Leslie Josephs, an airline reporter for CNBC, a pay television business news channel, shared an article on United Airlines’ plans to resume pilot hiring. The Airlines announced to its staff that it would be hiring hundreds of pilots in May, as the carrier planned to meet the growing travel demand post reopening.

The airline stated that it would initially look at hiring about 300 pilots whose hiring process was halted due to the pandemic. The Chicago-based airline is the first among the large US carriers that have announced pilot hiring, a sign of prepared recovery, the article noted.

Username: Leslie Josephs

Twitter handle: @lesliejosephs

Retweets: 29

Likes: 66

5. Jason Rabinowitz’s tweet on JetBlue’s new transatlantic service

Jason Rabinowitz, head of airline research at ATPCO, an airline tariff publishing company, shared an article on JetBlue’s new transatlantic service. The airline will introduce the single-aisle Airbus A321LR into its fleet to offer a unique experience to passengers who flew coach or economy in other airlines on the transatlantic route. The aircraft will feature Airspace by Airbus interiors, which will offer more personal space, bigger overhead bins and customised lighting.

The aircraft will enable passengers to build their own meals conceptualised by Dig, a restaurant group. It will also offer unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi along with access to live TV channels and other entertainment.

Username: Jason Rabinowitz

Twitter handle: @AirlineFlyer

Retweets: 4

Likes: 63