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World Airways to Make a Comeback as a Low-Cost Carrier with 787s

Nov. 09, 2017
3 min read
World Airways 747
World Airways to Make a Comeback as a Low-Cost Carrier with 787s
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Long-time AvGeeks, rejoice. World Airways, which was founded in the 1940s and ceased operations in 2014, was acquired on Wednesday by investment firm 777 Partners. In effect, you could see the famed World Airways livery on a tarmac near you in the future.

On Wednesday, the firm announced that it had acquired the intellectual properties of World Airways, Inc. As of now, we already know that it plans to relaunch World Airways as a long-haul, low-cost carrier, flying the most modern aircraft in the sky — none other than the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

According to a press release, discussions with Boeing are already underway for an initial order of up to 10 787 Dreamliner aircraft. At this time, there's no timeline on when World Airways will launch its operations or what kind of services it will offer passengers.

"Today, we are proud to begin preparations to launch scheduled operations from the US to Asia and Latin America," said Founding CEO of World Ed Wegel. "We will be partnering with low cost, short haul carriers in the US and in the regions we serve to provide connecting traffic to and from our initial planned gateways."

According to World Airways' website, it will have hubs in both Los Angeles (LAX) and Miami (MIA), the latter of which is where 777 Partners is based and where World Airways will also be based. Historically, World Airways was run out of Peachtree, Georgia.

World Airways, in the meantime, is in the process of relaunching its brand. On Twitter, the carrier has just one tweet...

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... and its website advertises it simply as the "first U.S. long haul, low cost carrier."

Based on Wegel's comments, World has plans to initially launch with service to Asia and Latin America. In the Latin America market, it seems World has a leg up on the competition — especially if it's low-cost. Considering that World could easily operate flights from Los Angeles to Asia and from Miami to Latin America, this makes sense.

At its peak, World Airways operated a fleet of Boeing 747s in the 1970s, an aircraft that it continued operating until closing its doors in 2014. In addition, the carrier also operated Boeing 707s, 727s, DC-8s and more. With the announcement that World will now operate one of the world's most modern aircraft in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, there's plenty to be excited about for both the carrier and passengers — and, of course, AvGeeks. And, adding one more low-cost option is a plus for budget travelers looking to get from the US to Asia and Latin America.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.