OpenSkies, a transatlantic airline from British Airways, has just received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin operations. The new airline will offer flights between Paris’ Orly Airport and New York’s JFK Airport starting in June.

JetBlue has introduced a new “Happy Jetting” brand campaign, developed in partnership with JWT New York, has been created to rename and refocus on the airline’s strategy of delivering a “true value” experience for every customer, one that includes competitive fares, award-winning service and complimentary onboard amenities, such as free DIRECTV and XM Satellite Radio, unlimited snacks and spacious leather seats.

Northwest Airlines announced an expansion of its trans-Pacific route network with new daily nonstop service from Seattle to Beijing. Scheduled to begin March 1, 2009, Northwest’s new nonstop service will connect Beijing to Seattle and destinations throughout the United States via flights operated by Northwest and codeshare partners Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air.

Russia’s long-delayed test flight for its first new airliner since the fall of the Soviet Union will take place in the first half of May, a source in Russia’s state aircraft holding company said.

Grenadian Tourism Minister Claris Modeste-Curwen said recently that the “government and American Airlines has signed an agreement resulting in the airline returning to the island from November after a 10-year absence.” This development comes after months of negotiations between the two parties.

Lufthansa is expanding its route network from Milan and in future will offer passengers a much wider choice of flights from the North Italian city to European destinations.