J.D. Power and Associates reports that two-thirds of U.S. smartphone owners say they have downloaded games and social networking applications to their device. More than half (54 percent) say they have downloaded travel software, such as maps and weather applications, while 53 percent indicate having downloaded entertainment-oriented applications.
JetBlue Airways has announced that tickets that include travel on Aer Lingus, American Airlines and Cape Air are now available for sale on www.jetblue.com. Aer Lingus and American Airlines tickets that include travel on JetBlue are already available on those airlines’ websites.
Expedia said that it has signed a marketing and distribution agreement with AirTran Airways. Under the agreement, AirTran Airways’ fares and inventory will continue to be available to the millions of travelers who visit Expedia, Egencia and Hotwire sites in the U.S. each month. The announcement builds on a history of successful collaboration between Expedia and AirTran beginning in 2006.
MDS and Aircell announced the results achieved through their partnership for the Gogo Inflight Internet Service during 2010 and forecasts for the year ahead. Aircell estimates that over 200 million passengers will board Gogo-equipped flights this year.
Copa Airlines announces the launch of its mobile site m.copaair.com, which provides passengers access to the major functions of the airline’s web site, copaair.com, including electronic boarding passes that can be accessed from smartphones or other portable electronic devices. Copa is the first airline to offer this service in Latin America.
Expedia, Inc. said it is planning to spin off TripAdvisor as separate company. Both Expedia, Inc. and TripAdvisor would then be publicly traded companies. Expedia, Inc. will continue to include the domestic and international operations of the company’s travel transaction brands, including Expedia.com, Hotels.com, eLong, Hotwire, Egencia, Expedia Affiliate Network, CruiseShipCenters, Venere, Classic Vacations and carrentals.com.