Month: November 2020

A new rule issued late last Friday during a holiday weekend by the U.S. Department of Transportation, codifying its longstanding definitions for the terms “unfair” and “deceptive” when the Department uses its statutory authority to prohibit unfair or deceptive practices by airlines or ticket agents, will make it more difficult for the agency to protect […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The results of pre-departure testing trials carried out by four of Heathrow’s transatlantic carriers – American Airlines, British Airways, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic – will be brought together by a study commissioned by the airport to demonstrate the effectiveness of pre-departure testing for passengers on international routes. The final report will be shared with […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) today reported the following consolidated airline ticketing volume variances, compared to the same period in 2019. These totals represent sales generated by U.S. travel agencies* and processed through the ARC settlement system. Data figures are for the seven days ending November 29, 2020.   Tickets Issued for All Itineraries:   7-Day […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The officials of China Southern Airlines announced today that the carrier launched new direct flight from the city of Wuhan in central China to Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad. According to the airline’s local branch in Hubei Province, the first flight, operated by a Boeing 787, departed with 143 passengers at 9 a.m. Monday, carrying […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Flying from the US or Russia to Turkey is no problem. Many of the Turkish Airlines flights from US gateways leave with good loads. It’s because both Americans and Turkish authorites don’t really care. Getting teeth or hair implants is the official reason for many American and Russian visitors, such services are available for a […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Today marked the launch of the WestJet-YVR COVID-19 Testing Study, a collaborative effort between researchers from UBC and Providence Health Care and project sponsors WestJet and Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR). The study—the first of its kind in Canada—is investigating a method of COVID-19 rapid testing to help inform the safest and most efficient way of […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

JetBlue’s inaugural flight from Newark, New Jersey, landed in St. Maarten on Saturday, November 21st. St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) representatives were present to welcome the arriving passengers and crew with tokens of appreciation. A plaque was also given to JetBlue representatives on behalf of the government and people of St. Maarten to commemorate the […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Emirates is re-opening its lounges around the world beginning with the Emirates lounge in Cairo International Airport. In the coming weeks, Emirates’ customers can look forward to once again enjoying Emirates lounge services in other destinations including New York’s JFK International and Manchester Airport. The airline has redesigned its lounge offering and introduced additional health […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The Worldwide Airport Slot Board (WASB), comprising Airports Council International (ACI World), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Worldwide Airport Coordinators Group (WWACG) released a joint recommendation for airport slot use relief for the northern summer 2021 season. The organizations called on regulators worldwide to temporarily adopt more flexible slot rules in line […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Boeing‘s troubled 737 MAX jet could be cleared within weeks to return to European skies after a nearly two-year grounding over two deadly crashes in which 346 people have lost their lives. European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published a proposed Boeing 737 MAX airworthiness directive this week that opens a 28-day public consultation period […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Delta Air Lines, the Aeroporti di Roma and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have joined in a first-of-its-kind trans-Atlantic COVID-19 testing program that will enable quarantine-free entry into Italy, in accordance with a decree expected to be issued soon by the government of Italy. “Carefully designed COVID-19 testing protocols are the best path for resuming international […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

November 25, 2020  FlyersRights filed a Reply in its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) case against the FAA. (Flyers Rights Education Fund v. FAA, (D.D.C. CV-19-3749 (CKK)). FlyersRights.org seeks the public disclosure of a limited set of documents related to the changes and testing of the Boeing 737 MAX to enable independent experts to evaluate […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the Aviation Carbon Exchange (ACE), an important new tool to help airlines meet their climate commitments.   ACE is the first centralized, real-time marketplace that is integrated with the IATA Clearing House (ICH) for the settlement of funds on trades in carbon offsets. IATA’s Clearing House ensures that […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments worldwide to support the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a critical step to achieving its target to cut net emissions to half 2005 levels by 2050. This target was reinforced by a resolution at IATA’s 76th Annual General Meeting yesterday which also commits the […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

87% of US respondents in the latest travel industry survey in November said they are concerned about restrictions on socializing with friends and family. This is particularly significant on the eve of Thanksgiving, a celebration which many had hoped would spur domestic travel. Domestic tourism has been referred to as the ‘lifeline’ for tourism recovery […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data revealing that the COVID-19 crisis has had a devastating impact on international connectivity, shaking up the rankings of the world’s most connected cities.   London, the world’s number one most connected city in September 2019, has seen a 67% decline in connectivity. By September 2020, it had fallen […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

An exclusive partnership designed to help airports recover from the most challenging period the aviation industry has ever faced has been signed by Routes and Airports Council International (ACI) World. The formal agreement between the two organizations will provide platforms and guidance for airports at a world level, recognizing the vital role they will play […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Air Astana is introducing a new Premium Economy Class on all flights operated by its popular   Embraer 190-E2 aircraft.  Premium Economy Class occupies seat rows from one to 12 and delivers the same award-winning levels of service and comfort of the Business Class it replaces, albeit at 35% lower fares.   The new product made its […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has partnered with information technology company SITA, to trial the use of facial biometrics in order to check in cabin crew at the airlines Crew Briefing Centre at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The trial will use facial recognition technology to identify and authenticate crew members, […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The mystical Seychelles Islands remains a fantasy escape for travelers across the globe and, although the vicious pandemic has dwindled travel, the destination maintains its allure. On the path to a slow yet steady recovery, the tropical paradise has seen the arrival of 98,894 up to November 15, 2020. Based on data provided by the […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced leadership changes approved by the 76th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM).  Robin Hayes, CEO of JetBlue is now the Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG), succeeding Carsten Spohr, Chair IATA BoG (2019-2020) and CEO of Lufthansa. Hayes will serve a term commencing immediately and ending at […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Deutsche Lufthansa AG today successfully issued an unsecured Eurobond with a total volume of 1 billion euros. The bond with a term of 5.5 years was oversubscribed by about 4 times after successful investor meetings the day before. The bonds with a denomination of 100,000 euros bear interest of 3.0 percent per year and mature on […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 76th Annual General Meeting (AGM) unanimously resolved to urgently call on governments to re-open borders to travel. IATA is proposing systematic testing of international travelers which would permit the lifting of border restrictions and provide an alternative to current quarantine rules. Quarantines essentially kill demand for air travel and governments […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that JetBlue Airways will host the 77th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Boston, Massachusetts, on 27-29 June 2021. This will be the sixth time the preeminent global gathering of aviation’s leaders has taken place in the United States and the first time it […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 76th Annual General Meeting (AGM) unanimously approved a resolution re-confirming the airlines’ unwavering commitment to safely and sustainably re-connect the planet. ​​​The resolution called on governments to:    Ensure the industry’s viability with continued financial and regulatory support,  Aid the industry in reaching its 2050 goal of cutting emissions to half […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Qatar Airways Privilege Club has cut the number of Qmiles required to book award flights by up to 49% in a major development in its transformation to provide more and better rewards to its loyal members. Privilege Club’s Qmiles requirements will be reduced for award flight for all members travelling with Qatar Airways on connecting […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a revised outlook for airline industry performance in 2020 and 2021. Deep industry losses will continue into 2021, even though performance is expected to improve over the period of the forecast.   A net loss of $118.5 billion is expected for 2020 (deeper than the $84.3 billion forecast in […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomes the publication of the Manual on Testing and Cross Border Risk Management Measures by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This document provides governments a risk-based assessment tool for using testing programs that could alleviate quarantine requirements.  It is a critical output produced by the ICAO Collaborative Arrangement […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Qantas Airways Chief Executive Officer has announced that the Australian flag carrier is planning to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all international travelers boarding their flights. In an interview with Australian television news program, Alan Joyce said that a coronavirus shot may not be necessary for domestic flights, but that it would be a “necessity” for international […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Hawaiian Airlines today announced it is offering drive-through and walk-up COVID-19 pre-flight tests for its guests traveling to the islands from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Portland and Seattle. Guests who test within 72 hours of their flight and receive a negative result prior to departure will be exempt from the state of Hawai‘i quarantine. Hawaiian’s […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it is in the final development phase of the IATA Travel Pass, a digital health pass that will support the safe reopening of borders.   Governments are beginning to use testing as a means of limiting the risks of COVID-19 importation when re-opening their borders to travelers […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO will step down from his role at the Association effective 31 March 2021.  De Juniac made known his intention to step down from the Association several months ago which enabled a search process to facilitate a smooth leadership transition. The […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Air traffic between Russia and Venezuela resumes on November 23, the civil aviation service of the Latin American country announced. Bolivia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Iran, Turkey and Panama were also added to the opening directions. On the website of the state airline of the country Conviasa, Moscow is already displayed in the search, but no […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

United Airlines announced today it is expanding its customer COVID-19 testing efforts to include flights out of Houston to select destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Starting for flights departing on December 7, customers originating from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will have the option to take a self-collected, mail-in test that meets local entry […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

As the holiday travel season approaches, travel experts and consumer advocates are repeating their calls for Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to protect travelers by adopting mandatory COVID-19 safety standards for airlines and airports. While the DOT issued safety guidance over the summer for air travel, these recommendations are strictly voluntary and compliance has varied […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

As part of Air Canada’s commitment to operating in a sustainable and responsible manner, the airline recently undertook a rigorous certification process with the International Air Transport Association to receive an industry-leading environmental certification, IEnvA Stage 2. The IATA Environmental Assessment program (or IEnvA) is an Environmental Management System specifically developed for the airline sector, […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

AELF FlightService, which recently entered the widebody charter market, signed a 14-month contract to fly charter flights for Windrose Airlines.  Beginning this week, the company will fly freight for the Ukrainian carrier on routes that include Kiev to New York and Kiev to Hong Kong. The routes will be serviced on A330-200 MSN 700 in partnership […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Delta Air Lines‘ inaugural nonstop flight offering daily roundtrip service between Boise, Idaho and Atlanta, GA began today, Friday, November 20, 2020. To celebrate the inaugural flight to the country’s busiest passenger airport in the world, several Delta executives were present, airport personnel, as well as Boise Metro Chamber CEO and President, Bill Connors. “Recruiting […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Despite recent US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of the troubled Boeing 737 MAX’s return to commercial service, China has not changed its stand on the aircraft’s safety and has not allowed the plane to take to the skies. Last year, China became the first country to ground Boeing 737 MAX jets after the second […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Brazil’s average daily flights fell from original 2,500 to about 200 during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. In the months with the highest surge of COVID-19 cases, Brazilian airlines reduced their operations by 99 percent. But now, Brazil’s civil aviation sector appears to have bounced back from the strong impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Qatar Airways, Official Partner and the Official Airline of FIFA, today unveiled a specially-branded Boeing 777 aircraft painted in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 livery, to mark two years to go until the tournament kicks off on 21 November 2022. The bespoke aircraft, which features distinctive FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 branding was hand-painted to commemorate the […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, the Largest Cargo Network Operator in Africa, has launched Trans-Pacific routes, extending from Incheon to Atlanta via Anchorage effective 09 Nov 2020. Ethiopian operates B777-200F, one of the most technologically advanced aircraft on the route, offering a remarkable freight service to our cargo forwarding customers worldwide with reduced flight hour, […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Air Astana will begin operations to the Maldives twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays from December 5, and additionally on Mondays from December 21, 2020. Flights will be operated by state-of-the-art Airbus A321LR aircraft which are configured with 16 Business class seats and 150 Economy class seats. The lie-flat business class seats are equipped […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Japanese and Canadians are in the process to select Hawaii again as a holiday destination. Visitors from Taiwan and South Korea may be welcomed back to Hawaii beaches, but fellow Americans are left behind – and there is a sad reason for this. Getting an appointment for a COVID-19 test in California for a Hawaii […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Sunny Seychelles draws closer to its Israeli market with the resumption of Air Seychelles flights on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. A resounding success, as flight HM022, operated by the destination’s national carrier from Ben Gurion Airport on the evening of Tuesday, November 17, 2020, landed at Seychelles International Airport at 0745hrs. The resumption of these […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

With rising concerns over climate change and increasing commitment from travel companies to become carbon neutral in the future, cleaner aviation is needed. It is vital that airlines adapt to this emerging demand and harness technology to create new, greener ways of flying. According to the latest COVID-19 Recovery Consumer Survey (October, 7-11), 43% of […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

With tens of millions of Americans expected to travel for Thanksgiving next week despite spiking COVID-19 infection numbers nationwide, the U.S. Travel Association on Thursday released an update to its guidance for healthy and safe travel—along with a plea for everyone to closely heed recommended best practices if traveling. At a Thursday press conference, U.S. […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Ukraine International Airlines announced the possibility of resuming flights to Yerevan (Armenia) from December 4, 2020. The restart after a long pause became possible due to the stabilization of the situation in the region. UIA plans to operate flights to “Zvartnots” airport and return flights to Kyiv twice a week. UIA is closely monitoring the […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Qatar Airways announced that it will operate three weekly flights to Abuja, Nigeria via Lagos from 27 November 2020 becoming the sixth new destination announced by the national carrier of the State of Qatar since the start of the pandemic. The Abuja service will be operated by the airline’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring 22 […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

EL AL Israel Airlines, the national airline of Israel, and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, are set to explore deeper cooperation following the signing of a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The wide-ranging MOU covers scope to introduce joint codeshare services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, as well as […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online