Even as late as the last decade of the twentieth century, it was not uncommon to hear tourism officials voice their concerns that they feared that too much, or too visible, tourism security practices would lead to visitor fear and a lowering of profits.Then COVID-19 became a reality, and every form of security became important.The twenty-first century first year of its third decade changed all the assumptions of the past.
In an ever more dangerous world, visitors and tourists demanded to know what security and health precautions were being taken, how their safety was being considered, and to whom to turn in case of an emergency.
Modern tourism authorities recognize that there is a fundamental paradigm shift underway in the travel industry and that old assumptions will no longer hold. Due to government imposed multiple shut-downs and the need to work from home, living with the business assumptions of only a few years ago is very dangerous and might make the difference between a business’ survival and failure.
Those entities and organizations in the travel and tourism industry that embrace and emphasize security will have a good chance of surviving and this includes parts of the industry, such as national parks, that are interconnected with government. The venues that provide give good security mixed with good customer service have a better chance of resilience and survival. While no one can produce absolute security, nor do we know which challenges lie ahead, the techniques found below might help you to become a smaller target and recover faster. They can help to you to use security, safety, and health as a marketing tools. The key is to begin with achievable successes and use those successes to build momentum.
• Security and safety, and public health may have different meanings to scholars and in the US government, but in the world of travel they are one and the same. In the post-COVID era it is important that we recognize that poisonous water, poor sanitation, and gunfire have the same results: the destruction of your tourism business. It is essential that the travel and tourism industry understand the relationship between risk management and security. They are two sides of the same coin. Places that receive a great deal of negative publicity, fairly or unfairly, will have to work to change the perception if they hope to survive.
• Beautification and security go hand and hand. When the environment is safe, the visitor also feels safe. Tourism security professionals know that good security begins with a perception of safety. By cleaning your streets, planting flowers, trees and mini gardens around your city, you are not only lessening the chances that a crime will occur but also increasing a visitor’s desire to spend time in your community. Make sure that when you landscape an area to do it according to the principles of CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design).
• Be careful of whom you chose to invite into your community to give advice. Tourism security specialists must know both tourism and security. There are many universities that give courses in tourism but few that understand the relationships between tourism surety and tourism. Invite people who can help a community not merely solve a problem but promote a vision. Tourism security can only be a marketing tool if it is part of a community’s total vision. That means that the vision must be accepted by the local attractions, politicians, police departments, first responders, hotels management, restaurant owners, and tourism authorities.
• Never create false senses of security, safety when it comes to visitor’s health. Never promise what you cannot fulfill. Marketing disasters occur when reality does not match expectations. Train and prepare your community to be safe and secure. Good security is not a matter of gas masks, but simple logic. Check to make sure your signage is accurate, review traffic patterns, and provide up-to-date tourism information and emergency numbers.
• Develop cooperative efforts with your local police and fire departments, first aid providers, medical personnel and hospitals. Make sure that your first responders, both public and for-profit are aware of how important tourism security is to tourism. For example, most police officers have never been trained in good tourism security. It is essential to have a person work with your local police, private security, ambulance units, and first aid units who can “translate” between tourism and security issues. Most tourism officials do not realize that police and fire departments follow strict Weberian bureaucratic procedures. If your police department’s senior administration does not support a tourism security policy and the training of officers, then there is a low probability of police cooperation. Help your chief to understand that tourism security is good business not only for the community but also for his/her department. For example, too many police departments still believe that their task is to earn money for their communities through the giving of traffic tickets. Have your city government explain to your police department that such policies are not only out of date but counterproductive.
• Offer seminars for your tourism security and safety partners. First responder departments will be much more willing to aid in tourism security if they too see the benefits. Show them how the profits from tourism can help to purchase new equipment, fund a new position or aid their budget.
• Encourage tourism security professionals and security partners to attend both in-person and on-line state and regional tourism conferences. The oldest and most famous tourism security conference is held each year in Las Vegas. Right now many of these in-person conferences are just coming back to life after a year’s absence due to the pandemic. Every major CVB should have a representative at a tourism security conference along with at least one member of its law enforcement agency.
• Know what is unsafe in your community and work with local governments to improve these security concerns. How safe is your local airport? Are hotel and restaurant workers’ backgrounds investigated? How often do we check for updated health regulations? How often do taxi drivers over charge or not clear their vehicles? Do tour companies provide their customers with what they promise? How often are credit card numbers stolen as part of an identity theft scam? What cyber security problems exist or might exist?
• Know who is studying at your local university, especially in engineering courses and who is using his or her academic career as a background for spying. University students act sociologically as if they are long term visitors. Many universities host foreign students, about whom they know very little. Are university students a positive or negative for your community? Are foreign students there only for the sake of academic learning or are they also on undercover reconnaissance missions? Tourism professionals should be working with university administrators and security specialists never to go beyond the law, but also to have a good idea about who is in their community and for what reasons.
#rebuildingtravel
Ethiopian carried 500 thousand tons of freight and 5.5 million passengers through its main hub, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.The cargo terminal has handled more than 500 thousand tons of freight during the year 2020.Ethiopia also topped the list in the most connected countries in Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest Pan-African airline, has become Africa’s topairline in passenger and freight traffic retaining its leadership position in the continent.
According to the African Airlines Association’s (AFRAA) report, Ethiopian has been ranked first by passenger and cargo traffic in 2020. Ethiopian carried 500 thousand tons of freight and 5.5 million passengers through its main hub, Addis Ababa BoleInternational Airport.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said, “We are honored tocontinue our leadership even during the Global Pandemic Crisis which has devastated the aviation industry. This is a manifestation of our resilience and agility. We are excited about the role we played in the fight against the pandemic by continuing our much-needed air connectivity within Africa and with the rest of the world without any flight suspension. We are saving lives through air transport of medical supplies and vaccines.”
Ethiopian Airlines topped the list with the highest passenger traffic transported through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. A total of 5.5 million passengers have been transported through the airport. Of this traffic, Ethiopian transported 5.2 million passengers and the remaining passengers were transported by other airlines. The cargo terminal has handled more than 500 thousand tons of freight during the year 2020.
Ethiopia also topped the list in the most connected countries in Africa due to Ethiopian Airlines’ large number of direct flights within the continent.
Up to five times weekly non-stop flights between Montreal and Kelowna.Airline links BC’s Okanagan Valley with nonstop flights to all four Air Canada hubs: Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.Air Canada’s fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300 fleet will be used on the route.
Air Canada’s newest domestic route with the only non-stop service between Montreal and Kelowna was celebrated at Kelowna International Airport today. The flights operate three times weekly, increasing to four times in mid-July and five times in August. Air Canada’s fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300 fleet featuring Business Class and Economy cabins will be used on the route.
This new route adds to the significant impact Air Canada has on the local economy and that of the province of British Columbia as a whole. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada contributed approximately $2.2 billion to BC’s GDP, annually. Additionally, Kelowna is now connected to all four of the airline’s hubs which connects the Okanagan Valley directly to Air Canada’s vast global network with at most, one stop.
“We are excited to launch the only non-stop service between Montreal and Kelowna, connecting two leading tourism destinations popular with Quebecers and British Columbians alike. Our new flights onboard Air Canada‘s ultra-quiet and environmentally-friendly Airbus A220-300 are also conveniently timed with connections to Atlantic Canada and abroad through our Montreal hub. As the country reopens, we are pleased to help friends and family reunite, and support Canada’s economic recovery and tourism industry. We know people are excited to travel again, and we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
“Our loyal partner Air Canada is once again proving how much they value our passengers with this new Montreal-Kelowna route,” said Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of ADM. “With service from YUL Montréal-Trudeau Airport currently reduced and travel options still limited, the addition of this new Canadian holiday destination comes at just the right time! This is a great opportunity for Quebecers to discover the splendours of Western Canada in complete safety, aboard the new generation Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which are much quieter and assembled at Mirabel (YMX), with local know-how. We couldn’t ask for more!”
“Air Canada’s non-stop Montreal-Kelowna service marks a vast milestone for YLW to bring travel between Quebec and the Okanagan region,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director, YLW – Kelowna International Airport. “Montreal has been a significant region for tourism in the Okanagan and we have worked numerous years to achieve this community connection. I look forward to welcoming residents of Quebec and those who connect through Montreal to our four-season paradise.”
“We are thrilled to see this new direct flight from Montreal into Kelowna opening up tremendous possibilities for domestic travel in the Thompson Okanagan Region,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, SR VP and Acting President and CEO for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. “We have been realizing an increased demand out of Quebec over the past several months with inquires from trade travel, travel media and individual and this new direct service will help satisfy and grow this demand.”
Air Canada’s Airbus A220-300 features 12 Business Class seats and 125 Economy Class seats with upgraded in-flight entertainment at every seat throughout the aircraft. Customers have more personal space thanks to the widest economy seats in the fleet, and the largest overhead stowage bins for an aircraft this size. Additional features include larger windows and full colour LED ambient and customizable mood lighting that contribute to reducing fatigue when travelling. The high ceilings, extra shoulder room and storage make this aircraft an unparalleled interior in the narrow-body segment.
The A220 helps further Air Canada’s environment commitment of net zero emissions by 2050 due to its innovative geared turbofan engines that are projected to yield up to 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per seat. The A220 is also the quietest aircraft in its category. Read the Air Canada Airbus A220 fact sheet for more information.
All Air Canada flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption and, for eligible customers, access to priority services, Maple Leaf Lounges and other benefits.
F lightR outeD epartureTimeArrivalTimeAircraftDay of OperationAC365Montreal to Kelowna19:0521:35Airbus A220-300Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, SunAC364Kelowna to Montreal10:0017:30Airbus A220-300Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun
Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has directed that all visa applications must be made and paid for online.The directive was issued and signed off by Major General Apollo Kasita-Gowa the Director of Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.Only travelers with approved visas having applied online will be granted entry into the country.
Following the forty-two day lockdown directive issued by His Excellency President Yoweri K Museveni in his latest address to the nation on the COVID-19 spike late last month, Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has since directed that all visa applications must be made and paid for online and not on arrival.
The directive was issued and signed off by Major General Apollo Kasita-Gowa the Director of Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) on 23rd June,2021.
It reads in part “…in implementing their mandate of controlling, regulating and facilitating movements in and out of the within the 42-day lockdown has directed that visa applications are made online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ as opposed to visa on arrival.”
The Directorate has further directed that:
Only travelers with approved visas having applied online will be granted entry into the countryAirline operators are to carry only passengers with pre-approved visas for visa prone countries. Failure to comply, the necessary fine will applyAll inland transit passengers will be cleared to proceedAll travelers coming in and going out of the country are required to have travel documents and other evidence to support their travelAll other online applications and renewals for immigration facilities that are Entry, Work Permits, Special Passes, Dependant Passes and Certificate of Residence can still be applied for online
Online applicants will receive an approved notification which they must print and travel with as travel authorization.
Further notice was seen by ETN from by Aeronautical Information Service of the Civil Aviation Authority confirming that in addition to airlines permitted to carry only travelers with approved and authorized visas returning residents with valid resident facility (entry/work permits , passes or certificate of residence shall bepermitted. The notice excludes nationals of countries that are exempt listed on the immigration website. The directive is effective from July 3 to July 31,2021.
However the online visa application has not been without its shortcomings. Some applicants had not received confirmation and some tour operators complained that their frantic clients were already in transit by the time of the directive.
This prompted the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) Board led by Civy Tumusiime to engage with the DCIC who resolved the matter by availing a dedicated line to immigration officer to clear stranded tourists.
Prior to the pandemic, Billy Bishop Airport welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers per year, supported more than 4,700 jobs, and generated $470 million in GDP.Porter Airlines will phase in its scheduled service to/from Toronto, offering flights to/from Montreal, Ottawa and Thunder Bay on September 8.Air Canada is also expected to restart its Montreal service in September.
PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, is pleased to confirm that commercial airline service to/from the downtown airport will resume September 8, 2021, with the announced restart of Porter Airlines on that day. Porter Airlines will phase in its scheduled service to/from Toronto, offering flights to/from Montreal, Ottawa and Thunder Bay on September 8, with eight more destinations being brought online the week of September 13. Air Canada is expected to restart its Montreal service in September as well.
“PortsToronto is pleased to confirm that Billy Bishop Airport will resume commercial airline operations on September 8, 2021, and has begun the process of recalling staff, preparing the airport, and counting down the days until we can welcome back travelers to our successful and award-winning airport,” said Geoffrey Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, PortsToronto. “Billy Bishop Airport is an asset to the city of Toronto and surrounding region given its impact on supporting the economy, facilitating trade and tourism, and providing thousands of jobs. Billy Bishop Airport will play a significant role in the economic recovery of our city and province, and we are excited to ramp up our operations and get back to the business of connecting travelers to the people, places, experiences and jobs they love.”
Commercial aircraft service was temporarily suspended at Billy Bishop Airport in March 2020, as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic and associated travel restrictions. The airport remained open during the pandemic to ensure continued operations for Ornge medevac service, and to serve regional carriers such as FlyGTA and Cameron Air, general aviation pilots, and tour operators such as Helitours.
Prior to the pandemic, Billy Bishop Airport welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers per year, supported more than 4,700 jobs, and generated $470 million in GDP. The airport looks forward to returning to these levels of service and positive impact. Air travel has already begun to rebound in many markets around the world, with the U.S. reporting a return to 65 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in May 2021, and expectations for further growth as summer approaches.
Billy Bishop Airport launched its Safe Travels Program in recent months to prepare the airport and its travelers for new and updated public health protocols associated with travel. This program is complemented by programs in place with each of its carriers – Porter Airlines’ Healthy Flights program and Air Canada’s CleanCare+ program.
Flying in the Russian Far East from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Palana may have been deadly for 23 passengers and 6 crew mebers of an Kamchatka Airlines passenger plane.The AN-26 stopped communication before landing and crashed into the Pacific Ocean.Emergency services are on the scene looking for survivors in bad weather.
Russian rescue ships are currently in the rough sea of the Western Pacific Ocean Tuesday afternoon for survivors on this Kamchatsky Airlines flight. Signals from the black box had been located.
Among the 29 people on boards were 2 children. The weather conditions are extremely difficult in the region and may have contributed to the crash.
The local government said that the aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness and the crew had passed a pre-flight inspection.
A criminal case was initiated on violation of traffic safety rules and aircraft operationThe airline has not yet confirmed the crash
Kamchatka Airlines is a Russian carrier based at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport. The carrier previously operated charter services with a fleet of turboprop and narrow-body equipment.
Passenger plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean when trying to land in Petropavlovsk 3
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy is a city and the administrative, industrial, scientific, and cultural center of Kamchatka Krai, Russia. Its population is 179,780. The city is widely known simply as Petropavlovsk. The adjective Kamchatsky was added to the official name in 1924.
The city has a magnificent setting on Avacha Bay and is overlooked by two giant volcanoes and surrounded by a long line of snow-capped mountains.
More news on plane crashes on eTurboNews
Budapest Airport’s Paris pairing with Transavia.Relaunching 22 October 2021, Transavia will commence a twice-weekly service from the French capital on Fridays and Sundays.Budapest Airport will again offer connections to Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Paris Beauvais, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Paris Orly.
Budapest Airport is delighted to announce that its airline partner Transavia is committing to reopen links between the Hungarian capital and Paris for the coming winter season. Relaunching 22 October 2021, the carrier will commence a twice-weekly service from the French capital on Fridays and Sundays, perfect for weekend visits to either celebrated city.
France has always been one of Budapest’s largest country markets and as the low-cost airline of the Air France-KLM group rejoins the market later this year, the Hungarian gateway will again offer connections to Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Paris Beauvais, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Paris Orly.
Balázs Bogáts, Head of Airline Development, Budapest Airport comments: “Reconnections to major European cities are vital for our redevelopment. Paris is renowned for its many splendours – art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture – I am sure that this route will not only prove popular with Hungarian passengers wanting to explore France, but also those wanting to visit our own wonders in Budapest.” Bogáts adds: “Budapest Airport is moving forward and Transavia’s latest announcement is another step towards the future for us.”
World Travel & Tourism Council releases new Economic Trends Report.COVID-19 pandemic saw Asia-Pacific region suffer the greatest GDP losses.America’s the least hit, saved by a strong domestic recovery.
Asia Pacific was the region hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic according to the new annual Economic Trends Report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The report reveals the full dramatic impact of travel restrictions designed to curb COVID-19 on the global economy, individual regions, and its job losses worldwide.
Asia-Pacific was the worst performing region, with the sector’s contribution to GDP dropping a damaging 53.7%, compared to the global fall of 49.1%.
International visitor spending was particularly hard hit across Asia Pacific, falling by 74.4%, as many countries across the region closed their borders to inbound tourists. Domestic spending witnessed a lower but equally punishing decline of 48.1%.
Travel & Tourism employment in the region fell by 18.4%, equating to a shocking 34.1 million jobs.
However, despite this decline, Asia-Pacific remained the largest region for the sector’s employment in 2020, accounting for 55% (151 million) of all global Travel & Tourism jobs.
Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC, said: “WTTC data has laid bare the devastating impact the pandemic has had on Travel & Tourism around the world, leaving economies battered, millions without jobs and many more fearing for their future.
“Our annual Economic Trends Report shows just how much each region has suffered at the hands of the crushing travel restrictions brought in to control the spread of COVID-19.
Air Canada is back in Jamaica after 6 months with a weekly flight using its Dreamliner aircraft and a plan to go daily soon.Jamaica’s management of the pandemic and the quality of its product has served the nation well.New flights are coming in numbers that will increase significantly with the projection for the year now at approximately 1.8 million.
On Sunday (July 4), Jamaica witnessed the return of Air Canada from the Canadian market and Condor from Frankfurt, Germany, with a Swiss flight out of Zurich, operated by Edelweiss Air, scheduled for Monday evening, all landing at the Sangster International Airport. Minister Bartlett welcomed their arrival which he said was “very important to the tourism recovery effort” following the global shut down of international air travel due to COVID-19.
Air Canada is back after six months with a weekly flight using its Dreamliner aircraft and a plan to go daily soon, while Condor’s rotation is twice weekly until September and the Zurich flight is a first for direct flights between the two cities.
The Minister said these points underscored “that Jamaica’s management of the pandemic and indeed the quality of the product that we have maintained and the connectivity that we have preserved during this interim period, have done us well” and recovery was taking place even faster than had been anticipated.
Minister Bartlett pointed out that in the last three months weekend arrivals have been significant with an average of 15,000 visitors over a three-day period, and with new flights coming in the numbers will increase significantly with the projection for the year now at approximately 1.8 million.
This, he added, meant that jobs and revenue flow were coming back at a faster rate than anticipated. “We’re excited at the prospect therefore of continued growth and I reiterate that the continued development of the industry, the growth of our economy and the resumption of jobs is a function of the responsibility of all of us and we must continue to observe protocols, uphold the principles of good management of the entire area, including the Resilient Corridors which have proven to be one of the powerful marketing tools for Jamaica.”
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has played a major role in marketing the flights and JTB’s Regional Director for Canada, Angella Bennett said: “There’s been a surge in bookings coming into Jamaica from Canada since the Government of Canada has lifted the restrictions on international travel.” She said expectations were high for the Canadian market “to perform exceptionally well this winter” and over 280,000 seats had already been secured. The Dreamliner with a 298-seat capacity is the latest carrier in the Air Canada fleet and is being flown to Jamaica for the first time.
Captain Geoff Wall was also excited at returning, admitting the welcome “really make us feel like we’re coming home so it’s good to be back.” He said after COVID-19: “It’s just nice to be able to leave Canada, bring Canadian tourists and locals back to Jamaica to be with their families, enjoy what is normally a sunshiny place and the hospitality as well.”
Arriving on board the Condor flight, JTB’s Regional Director for Continental Europe, Gregory Shervington said the flight was previously set for last year but got pushed back a number of times because of the pandemic. He said Condor represented a solid connection with Germany over the past 20 years “and it is the precursor to more coming, including Monday’s flight out of Zurich and on Wednesday we’ll have Lufthansa with its sister airline Eurowings Discover coming back with three non-stop flights.”
The new flights have been welcomed also by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the office of the mayor of Montego Bay. JHTA’s Chapter Chairman, Nadine Spence was particularly pleased with the return of Air Canada, noting that “Canada is one of our favoured destinations, contributing over 22 percent of all tourism arrivals.” She said the return showed that there was confidence in travelling and that “Jamaica is a loved destination.”
Deputy Mayor, Richard Vernon was also “happy to have these airlines back.” He said: “This means a lot to us; we really benefit immensely from tourism here in Montego Bay and numerous persons have been unemployed since March of last year and because of this we can expect persons to go back to work.”
More news about Jamaica
#rebuildingtravel
World Travel & Tourism Council releases new Economic Trends Report.COVID-19 pandemic saw Asia-Pacific region suffer the greatest GDP losses.America’s the least hit, saved by a strong domestic recovery.
Asia Pacific was the region hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic according to the new annual Economic Trends Report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The report reveals the full dramatic impact of travel restrictions designed to curb COVID-19 on the global economy, individual regions, and its job losses worldwide.
Asia-Pacific was the worst performing region, with the sector’s contribution to GDP dropping a damaging 53.7%, compared to the global fall of 49.1%.
International visitor spending was particularly hard hit across Asia Pacific, falling by 74.4%, as many countries across the region closed their borders to inbound tourists. Domestic spending witnessed a lower but equally punishing decline of 48.1%.
Travel & Tourism employment in the region fell by 18.4%, equating to a shocking 34.1 million jobs.
However, despite this decline, Asia-Pacific remained the largest region for the sector’s employment in 2020, accounting for 55% (151 million) of all global Travel & Tourism jobs.
Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC, said: “WTTC data has laid bare the devastating impact the pandemic has had on Travel & Tourism around the world, leaving economies battered, millions without jobs and many more fearing for their future.
“Our annual Economic Trends Report shows just how much each region has suffered at the hands of the crushing travel restrictions brought in to control the spread of COVID-19.
Budapest Airport’s Paris pairing with Transavia.Relaunching 22 October 2021, Transavia will commence a twice-weekly service from the French capital on Fridays and Sundays.Budapest Airport will again offer connections to Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Paris Beauvais, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Paris Orly.
Budapest Airport is delighted to announce that its airline partner Transavia is committing to reopen links between the Hungarian capital and Paris for the coming winter season. Relaunching 22 October 2021, the carrier will commence a twice-weekly service from the French capital on Fridays and Sundays, perfect for weekend visits to either celebrated city.
France has always been one of Budapest’s largest country markets and as the low-cost airline of the Air France-KLM group rejoins the market later this year, the Hungarian gateway will again offer connections to Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Paris Beauvais, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Paris Orly.
Balázs Bogáts, Head of Airline Development, Budapest Airport comments: “Reconnections to major European cities are vital for our redevelopment. Paris is renowned for its many splendours – art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture – I am sure that this route will not only prove popular with Hungarian passengers wanting to explore France, but also those wanting to visit our own wonders in Budapest.” Bogáts adds: “Budapest Airport is moving forward and Transavia’s latest announcement is another step towards the future for us.”
Flying in the Russian Far East from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Palana may have been deadly for 23 passengers and 6 crew mebers of an Kamchatka Airlines passenger plane.The AN-26 stopped communication before landing and crashed into the Pacific Ocean.Emergency services are on the scene looking for survivors in bad weather.
Russian rescue ships are currently in the rough sea of the Western Pacific Ocean Tuesday afternoon for survivors on this Kamchatsky Airlines flight. Signals from the black box had been located.
Among the 29 people on boards were 2 children. The weather conditions are extremely difficult in the region and may have contributed to the crash.
The local government said that the aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness and the crew had passed a pre-flight inspection.
A criminal case was initiated on violation of traffic safety rules and aircraft operationThe airline has not yet confirmed the crash
Kamchatka Airlines is a Russian carrier based at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport. The carrier previously operated charter services with a fleet of turboprop and narrow-body equipment.
Passenger plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean when trying to land in Petropavlovsk 3
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy is a city and the administrative, industrial, scientific, and cultural center of Kamchatka Krai, Russia. Its population is 179,780. The city is widely known simply as Petropavlovsk. The adjective Kamchatsky was added to the official name in 1924.
The city has a magnificent setting on Avacha Bay and is overlooked by two giant volcanoes and surrounded by a long line of snow-capped mountains.
More news on plane crashes on eTurboNews
Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has directed that all visa applications must be made and paid for online.The directive was issued and signed off by Major General Apollo Kasita-Gowa the Director of Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.Only travelers with approved visas having applied online will be granted entry into the country.
Following the forty-two day lockdown directive issued by His Excellency President Yoweri K Museveni in his latest address to the nation on the COVID-19 spike late last month, Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has since directed that all visa applications must be made and paid for online and not on arrival.
The directive was issued and signed off by Major General Apollo Kasita-Gowa the Director of Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) on 23rd June,2021.
It reads in part “…in implementing their mandate of controlling, regulating and facilitating movements in and out of the within the 42-day lockdown has directed that visa applications are made online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ as opposed to visa on arrival.”
The Directorate has further directed that:
Only travelers with approved visas having applied online will be granted entry into the countryAirline operators are to carry only passengers with pre-approved visas for visa prone countries. Failure to comply, the necessary fine will applyAll inland transit passengers will be cleared to proceedAll travelers coming in and going out of the country are required to have travel documents and other evidence to support their travelAll other online applications and renewals for immigration facilities that are Entry, Work Permits, Special Passes, Dependant Passes and Certificate of Residence can still be applied for online
Online applicants will receive an approved notification which they must print and travel with as travel authorization.
Further notice was seen by ETN from by Aeronautical Information Service of the Civil Aviation Authority confirming that in addition to airlines permitted to carry only travelers with approved and authorized visas returning residents with valid resident facility (entry/work permits , passes or certificate of residence shall bepermitted. The notice excludes nationals of countries that are exempt listed on the immigration website. The directive is effective from July 3 to July 31,2021.
However the online visa application has not been without its shortcomings. Some applicants had not received confirmation and some tour operators complained that their frantic clients were already in transit by the time of the directive.
This prompted the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) Board led by Civy Tumusiime to engage with the DCIC who resolved the matter by availing a dedicated line to immigration officer to clear stranded tourists.
Prior to the pandemic, Billy Bishop Airport welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers per year, supported more than 4,700 jobs, and generated $470 million in GDP.Porter Airlines will phase in its scheduled service to/from Toronto, offering flights to/from Montreal, Ottawa and Thunder Bay on September 8.Air Canada is also expected to restart its Montreal service in September.
PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, is pleased to confirm that commercial airline service to/from the downtown airport will resume September 8, 2021, with the announced restart of Porter Airlines on that day. Porter Airlines will phase in its scheduled service to/from Toronto, offering flights to/from Montreal, Ottawa and Thunder Bay on September 8, with eight more destinations being brought online the week of September 13. Air Canada is expected to restart its Montreal service in September as well.
“PortsToronto is pleased to confirm that Billy Bishop Airport will resume commercial airline operations on September 8, 2021, and has begun the process of recalling staff, preparing the airport, and counting down the days until we can welcome back travelers to our successful and award-winning airport,” said Geoffrey Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, PortsToronto. “Billy Bishop Airport is an asset to the city of Toronto and surrounding region given its impact on supporting the economy, facilitating trade and tourism, and providing thousands of jobs. Billy Bishop Airport will play a significant role in the economic recovery of our city and province, and we are excited to ramp up our operations and get back to the business of connecting travelers to the people, places, experiences and jobs they love.”
Commercial aircraft service was temporarily suspended at Billy Bishop Airport in March 2020, as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic and associated travel restrictions. The airport remained open during the pandemic to ensure continued operations for Ornge medevac service, and to serve regional carriers such as FlyGTA and Cameron Air, general aviation pilots, and tour operators such as Helitours.
Prior to the pandemic, Billy Bishop Airport welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers per year, supported more than 4,700 jobs, and generated $470 million in GDP. The airport looks forward to returning to these levels of service and positive impact. Air travel has already begun to rebound in many markets around the world, with the U.S. reporting a return to 65 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in May 2021, and expectations for further growth as summer approaches.
Billy Bishop Airport launched its Safe Travels Program in recent months to prepare the airport and its travelers for new and updated public health protocols associated with travel. This program is complemented by programs in place with each of its carriers – Porter Airlines’ Healthy Flights program and Air Canada’s CleanCare+ program.
Ethiopian carried 500 thousand tons of freight and 5.5 million passengers through its main hub, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.The cargo terminal has handled more than 500 thousand tons of freight during the year 2020.Ethiopia also topped the list in the most connected countries in Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest Pan-African airline, has become Africa’s topairline in passenger and freight traffic retaining its leadership position in the continent.
According to the African Airlines Association’s (AFRAA) report, Ethiopian has been ranked first by passenger and cargo traffic in 2020. Ethiopian carried 500 thousand tons of freight and 5.5 million passengers through its main hub, Addis Ababa BoleInternational Airport.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said, “We are honored tocontinue our leadership even during the Global Pandemic Crisis which has devastated the aviation industry. This is a manifestation of our resilience and agility. We are excited about the role we played in the fight against the pandemic by continuing our much-needed air connectivity within Africa and with the rest of the world without any flight suspension. We are saving lives through air transport of medical supplies and vaccines.”
Ethiopian Airlines topped the list with the highest passenger traffic transported through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. A total of 5.5 million passengers have been transported through the airport. Of this traffic, Ethiopian transported 5.2 million passengers and the remaining passengers were transported by other airlines. The cargo terminal has handled more than 500 thousand tons of freight during the year 2020.
Ethiopia also topped the list in the most connected countries in Africa due to Ethiopian Airlines’ large number of direct flights within the continent.
Up to five times weekly non-stop flights between Montreal and Kelowna.Airline links BC’s Okanagan Valley with nonstop flights to all four Air Canada hubs: Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.Air Canada’s fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300 fleet will be used on the route.
Air Canada’s newest domestic route with the only non-stop service between Montreal and Kelowna was celebrated at Kelowna International Airport today. The flights operate three times weekly, increasing to four times in mid-July and five times in August. Air Canada’s fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300 fleet featuring Business Class and Economy cabins will be used on the route.
This new route adds to the significant impact Air Canada has on the local economy and that of the province of British Columbia as a whole. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada contributed approximately $2.2 billion to BC’s GDP, annually. Additionally, Kelowna is now connected to all four of the airline’s hubs which connects the Okanagan Valley directly to Air Canada’s vast global network with at most, one stop.
“We are excited to launch the only non-stop service between Montreal and Kelowna, connecting two leading tourism destinations popular with Quebecers and British Columbians alike. Our new flights onboard Air Canada‘s ultra-quiet and environmentally-friendly Airbus A220-300 are also conveniently timed with connections to Atlantic Canada and abroad through our Montreal hub. As the country reopens, we are pleased to help friends and family reunite, and support Canada’s economic recovery and tourism industry. We know people are excited to travel again, and we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
“Our loyal partner Air Canada is once again proving how much they value our passengers with this new Montreal-Kelowna route,” said Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of ADM. “With service from YUL Montréal-Trudeau Airport currently reduced and travel options still limited, the addition of this new Canadian holiday destination comes at just the right time! This is a great opportunity for Quebecers to discover the splendours of Western Canada in complete safety, aboard the new generation Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which are much quieter and assembled at Mirabel (YMX), with local know-how. We couldn’t ask for more!”
“Air Canada’s non-stop Montreal-Kelowna service marks a vast milestone for YLW to bring travel between Quebec and the Okanagan region,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director, YLW – Kelowna International Airport. “Montreal has been a significant region for tourism in the Okanagan and we have worked numerous years to achieve this community connection. I look forward to welcoming residents of Quebec and those who connect through Montreal to our four-season paradise.”
“We are thrilled to see this new direct flight from Montreal into Kelowna opening up tremendous possibilities for domestic travel in the Thompson Okanagan Region,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, SR VP and Acting President and CEO for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. “We have been realizing an increased demand out of Quebec over the past several months with inquires from trade travel, travel media and individual and this new direct service will help satisfy and grow this demand.”
Air Canada’s Airbus A220-300 features 12 Business Class seats and 125 Economy Class seats with upgraded in-flight entertainment at every seat throughout the aircraft. Customers have more personal space thanks to the widest economy seats in the fleet, and the largest overhead stowage bins for an aircraft this size. Additional features include larger windows and full colour LED ambient and customizable mood lighting that contribute to reducing fatigue when travelling. The high ceilings, extra shoulder room and storage make this aircraft an unparalleled interior in the narrow-body segment.
The A220 helps further Air Canada’s environment commitment of net zero emissions by 2050 due to its innovative geared turbofan engines that are projected to yield up to 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per seat. The A220 is also the quietest aircraft in its category. Read the Air Canada Airbus A220 fact sheet for more information.
All Air Canada flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption and, for eligible customers, access to priority services, Maple Leaf Lounges and other benefits.
F lightR outeD epartureTimeArrivalTimeAircraftDay of OperationAC365Montreal to Kelowna19:0521:35Airbus A220-300Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, SunAC364Kelowna to Montreal10:0017:30Airbus A220-300Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun
Even as late as the last decade of the twentieth century, it was not uncommon to hear tourism officials voice their concerns that they feared that too much, or too visible, tourism security practices would lead to visitor fear and a lowering of profits.Then COVID-19 became a reality, and every form of security became important.The twenty-first century first year of its third decade changed all the assumptions of the past.
In an ever more dangerous world, visitors and tourists demanded to know what security and health precautions were being taken, how their safety was being considered, and to whom to turn in case of an emergency.
Modern tourism authorities recognize that there is a fundamental paradigm shift underway in the travel industry and that old assumptions will no longer hold. Due to government imposed multiple shut-downs and the need to work from home, living with the business assumptions of only a few years ago is very dangerous and might make the difference between a business’ survival and failure.
Those entities and organizations in the travel and tourism industry that embrace and emphasize security will have a good chance of surviving and this includes parts of the industry, such as national parks, that are interconnected with government. The venues that provide give good security mixed with good customer service have a better chance of resilience and survival. While no one can produce absolute security, nor do we know which challenges lie ahead, the techniques found below might help you to become a smaller target and recover faster. They can help to you to use security, safety, and health as a marketing tools. The key is to begin with achievable successes and use those successes to build momentum.
• Security and safety, and public health may have different meanings to scholars and in the US government, but in the world of travel they are one and the same. In the post-COVID era it is important that we recognize that poisonous water, poor sanitation, and gunfire have the same results: the destruction of your tourism business. It is essential that the travel and tourism industry understand the relationship between risk management and security. They are two sides of the same coin. Places that receive a great deal of negative publicity, fairly or unfairly, will have to work to change the perception if they hope to survive.
• Beautification and security go hand and hand. When the environment is safe, the visitor also feels safe. Tourism security professionals know that good security begins with a perception of safety. By cleaning your streets, planting flowers, trees and mini gardens around your city, you are not only lessening the chances that a crime will occur but also increasing a visitor’s desire to spend time in your community. Make sure that when you landscape an area to do it according to the principles of CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design).
• Be careful of whom you chose to invite into your community to give advice. Tourism security specialists must know both tourism and security. There are many universities that give courses in tourism but few that understand the relationships between tourism surety and tourism. Invite people who can help a community not merely solve a problem but promote a vision. Tourism security can only be a marketing tool if it is part of a community’s total vision. That means that the vision must be accepted by the local attractions, politicians, police departments, first responders, hotels management, restaurant owners, and tourism authorities.
• Never create false senses of security, safety when it comes to visitor’s health. Never promise what you cannot fulfill. Marketing disasters occur when reality does not match expectations. Train and prepare your community to be safe and secure. Good security is not a matter of gas masks, but simple logic. Check to make sure your signage is accurate, review traffic patterns, and provide up-to-date tourism information and emergency numbers.
• Develop cooperative efforts with your local police and fire departments, first aid providers, medical personnel and hospitals. Make sure that your first responders, both public and for-profit are aware of how important tourism security is to tourism. For example, most police officers have never been trained in good tourism security. It is essential to have a person work with your local police, private security, ambulance units, and first aid units who can “translate” between tourism and security issues. Most tourism officials do not realize that police and fire departments follow strict Weberian bureaucratic procedures. If your police department’s senior administration does not support a tourism security policy and the training of officers, then there is a low probability of police cooperation. Help your chief to understand that tourism security is good business not only for the community but also for his/her department. For example, too many police departments still believe that their task is to earn money for their communities through the giving of traffic tickets. Have your city government explain to your police department that such policies are not only out of date but counterproductive.
• Offer seminars for your tourism security and safety partners. First responder departments will be much more willing to aid in tourism security if they too see the benefits. Show them how the profits from tourism can help to purchase new equipment, fund a new position or aid their budget.
• Encourage tourism security professionals and security partners to attend both in-person and on-line state and regional tourism conferences. The oldest and most famous tourism security conference is held each year in Las Vegas. Right now many of these in-person conferences are just coming back to life after a year’s absence due to the pandemic. Every major CVB should have a representative at a tourism security conference along with at least one member of its law enforcement agency.
• Know what is unsafe in your community and work with local governments to improve these security concerns. How safe is your local airport? Are hotel and restaurant workers’ backgrounds investigated? How often do we check for updated health regulations? How often do taxi drivers over charge or not clear their vehicles? Do tour companies provide their customers with what they promise? How often are credit card numbers stolen as part of an identity theft scam? What cyber security problems exist or might exist?
• Know who is studying at your local university, especially in engineering courses and who is using his or her academic career as a background for spying. University students act sociologically as if they are long term visitors. Many universities host foreign students, about whom they know very little. Are university students a positive or negative for your community? Are foreign students there only for the sake of academic learning or are they also on undercover reconnaissance missions? Tourism professionals should be working with university administrators and security specialists never to go beyond the law, but also to have a good idea about who is in their community and for what reasons.
#rebuildingtravel
Current regulations require refunds only if bags are lost.The bag-fee proposal is the first of several airline-consumer regulations coming from the administration of US President Joe Biden.If approved, the proposal could take effect by next summer.
A senior official with the US Department of Transportation said that the agency will issue a proposal in the next few days that would requite the airlines to refund fees on checked baggage if the bags aren’t delivered to passengers within “reasonable” time.
The proposal, if made final after a lengthy regulation-writing process, would also require prompt refunds for fees on extras such as internet access if the airline fails to provide the service during the flight.
If approved, the proposal could take effect by next summer, official added.
The proposal will require refunds if airlines fail to deliver a bag within 12 hours of the passenger’s US flight touching down or within 25 hours of an international flight.
Current regulations require refunds only if bags are lost, although airlines must compensate passengers for “reasonable” incidental expenses incurred while their bags are delayed. The government does not know how often airlines keep fees even when bags are significantly delayed.
The bag-fee proposal is the first of several airline-consumer regulations coming from the administration of US President Joe Biden under an executive order that the president will soon sign, according to a senior Department of Transportation (DOT) official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a proposal that hasn’t been made public. The order will be designed to boost competition and give consumers more power, the official said.
Last year, more than 100,000 consumers complained to the government about airline service. Refunds were the biggest gripe, although most claimed airlines refused to give refunds to consumers who cancelled trips because of the pandemic. The Transportation Department is seeking a $25.5 million fine against Air Canada, but has not taken action against other carriers over refunds for canceled flights.
In 2019, the last full year before the pandemic, passengers paid US airlines $5.76 billion in fees on checked bags, according to the Transportation Department. That dropped to $2.84 billion last year, when travel slumped because of the pandemic. The figures do not include fees for carry-on bags.
Expanded trial will enable travelers to Doha to share their Qatar issued vaccination certificate via their mobile with the airline and authorities in a more safe, seamless and secure way.Trial will be rolled out in phases, beginning with cabin crew traveling from Kuwait, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Sydney.Qatar Airways remains committed to reducing paperwork and providing a more contactless, secure and seamless travel experience for its passengers.
Qatar Airways continues to set the benchmark for innovation, safety and customer service, becoming the first airline to trial COVID-19 vaccine authentication through the IATA Travel Pass ‘Digital Passport’ Mobile App. As more travelers return to the skies, the airline remains committed to reducing paperwork and providing a more contactless, secure and seamless travel experience for its passengers.
The trial will be rolled out in phases from July, beginning initially with cabin crew returning to Doha travelling from Kuwait, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Sydney. Cabin crew will be able to upload their Qatar issued COVID-19 vaccination credentials along with their COVID-19 test results to the IATA Travel Pass Mobile App and verify they are eligible to travel. On arrival in Doha, crew will then be able to safely and securely share their vaccination certificate and proceed through immigration at the airport.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker said: “Despite the significant challenges the pandemic has caused international aviation, our industry has continued to be a leader in adopting new technologies and innovations to ensure a safe, secure and seamless travel experience for our passengers. Qatar Airways is proud to lead the way by becoming the first airline to trial COVID-19 vaccine authentication through the IATA Travel Pass ‘Digital Passport’ Mobile App. I want to especially thank Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Interior, Primary Health Care Corporation and Hamad Medical Corporation, whom without their ongoing support, this trial would not be possible.
“We know as more people begin making plans to return to their favorite holiday destinations, they will inevitably face the challenge of ensuring they have the right paperwork. Through trialing and supporting the development of new technologies, we aim to provide travelers with a tool that will support them to seamlessly travel across borders with greater confidence.”
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General said: “Qatar Airways and the Qatari Government are showing leadership by becoming the first to trial the verification of passengers’ vaccine credentials through IATA Travel Pass. Certificates of COVID-19 vaccination or testing status will be key to restoring people’s freedom to travel. Trials by Qatar Airways and some 70 other airlines have demonstrated that IATA Travel Pass can efficiently manage test results. This important new trial focusing on vaccination status will build even more confidence in IATA Travel Pass as a complete solution for travelers, governments and airlines.”
Travelers vaccinated in the U.S. or U.S. Territories may participate in the program starting on the 15th day after second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.Travelers must bring a hard copy of their vaccination documentation to show screeners at the gate prior to boarding and/or upon arrival in Hawaii.Sign the online legal attestations on Safe Travels Hawaii.
Hawaii is finalizing preparations for the July 8 launch of the State of Hawaii‘s vaccination exception program for domestic, Hawaii-bound travelers vaccinated in the United States or US Territories. The program allows these travelers to bypass the state’s quarantine requirement with proof of vaccination.
Travelers vaccinated in the U.S. or U.S. Territories may participate in the exception program starting on the 15th day after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine — or starting the 15th day after they’ve received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
In addition, Hawaii-bound travelers should:
Upload one of three vaccination documents to their Safe Travels Hawaii account, prior to traveling to Hawaii. One of the following documents must be uploaded:
A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record CardVAMS (Vaccination Administration Management System) printout ORDOD DD Form 2766C
The Safe Travels digital platform is now allowing vaccine document uploads for trips arriving in Hawaii on July 8 and beyond.
Sign the online legal attestations on Safe Travels Hawaii, confirming the uploaded documentation is true and accurate.Bring a hard copy of their vaccination documentation to show screeners at the gate prior to boarding and/or upon arrival in Hawaii. Screeners will review/verify the vaccination documents, match photo IDs, name and DOB as well as confirm that the attestations are signed.
NOTE: Children under 5 years old are not required to test and will not be quarantined if traveling with an adult who has a pre-travel test exception or a vaccination exception. Children 5 years and older who have not been vaccinated must participate in the Pre-Travel Testing Program and test with a Trusted Testing Partner to bypass the mandatory 10-day quarantine.
The state successfully launched the vaccination exception program for travelers vaccinated in the State of Hawaii, on June 15.
This program does not cover international travelers.
Plane makes emergency water landing off Honolulu.Two crew members were rescued by US Coast Guard.The pilots had reported engine trouble and were attempting to return to Honolulu.
Transair Boeing 737 cargo jet was forced to make an emergency water landing off Honolulu shortly after taking off. According to the US Coast Guard, the two crew members were rescued.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the emergency occurred aboard Transair Flight 810 early on Friday morning at 3;30am HST.
“The pilots had reported engine trouble and were attempting to return to Honolulu when they were forced to land the aircraft in the water,” the FAA said. “According to preliminary information, the US Coast Guard rescued both crew members.”
A spokesman for the Coast Guard, Petty Officer Third Class Matthew West, said that a Coast Guard helicopter rescued one of the crew, while “a fire department helicopter rescued the other.” A Coast Guard cutter was also dispatched to the scene.
The plane in question is thought to be a 46-year-old Boeing 737-200, registered as N810TA. It is operated by Rhoades Aviation in Transair colors.
Hawaiian Airlines today released its 2021 Corporate Kuleana Report outlining the carrier’s progress on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.Despite this being the most challenging period in its 92-year history as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline continues to focus on corporate responsibility.Addressing climate change remains one of Hawaiian’s key ESG priorities.
“As we progress through 2021, I am incredibly proud of our team’s accomplishments in the face of extreme adversity and encouraged for our future,” Hawaiian Airlines CEO Ingram continued.
The airline has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through ongoing fleet investments, more efficient flying, carbon offsets, and industry advocacy for air traffic control reform and sustainable aviation fuel development and proliferation. Starting this year, Hawaiian has pledged to offset emissions from international flights above 2019 levels, in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
Hawai‘i’s hometown airline also defined steps it is taking to foster diversity and inclusion, calling it a “key driver of our success.” Evidence-based processes to minimize bias in hiring and promotional practices across Hawaiian have contributed to team diversity, with approximately 78% of its active workforce identifying as diverse based on ethnicity and 44% based on gender.
“We can always do better, and we are re-examining our practices to ensure Hawaiian Airlines remains a diverse, inclusive, equitable and desirable place to work, and where every team member is respected, valued and supported,” Ingram said.
The 2021 Corporate Kuleana Report chronicles how Hawaiian – Hawai‘i’s only locally based major carrier and one of its largest employers – endured the devastating impacts of the pandemic by preserving financial resources, supporting employees and communities statewide, and safely providing essential transportation.
In the fourth quarter of 2020, Hawaiian became the first U.S. airline to establish a network of dedicated drive-through testing sites near its key gateway airports once the state of Hawai‘i began exempting travelers from quarantine with proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
“We enhanced disinfection throughout our operations and adopted an in-flight face covering policy as an added layer of protection in our cabins, which were already extremely safe by virtue of their built-in airflow and filtration systems,” the report noted.
In addition to maintaining vital transportation for passengers and cargo to, from and within the islands throughout the pandemic, Hawaiian employees participated in numerous philanthropic efforts, which took on renewed importance in 2020. Among the highlights:
More than 1,500 Hawaiian Airlines volunteers donated approximately 6,500 hours to cultural and environmental conservation initiatives, and to care for Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable community members. The airline also partnered with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education in a summerlong Kōkua our Schools project to refresh seven public campuses before educators welcomed students back in the fall semester.Hawaiian operated a complex humanitarian mission to fly 1.6 million masks to Honolulu from Shenzhen, China.
The airline supported Hawai‘i’s medical workers, including doctors, nurses, assistants and volunteers who took over 600 complimentary neighbor island flights in April and May 2020 to conduct COVID-19 testing and deliver care.Hawaiian donated $472,000 worth of catering goods – ranging from new hand towels and condiments to soft drinks and packaged foods – to nonprofits in Hawai‘i and throughout the carrier’s U.S. mainland network, as well as hundreds of thousands of soft goods and inflight items to local humanitarian organizations and schools, such as Main Cabin blankets, pillowcases and amenity kits, and First Class slippers, mattress pads and pillowcases.
Hawaiian’s 2021 Corporate Kuleana Report includes metrics established by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). To read the report and learn more about Hawaiian’s ESG practices, please visit https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility.
New agreement will enable the distribution of Emirates NDC content via Travelport’s next-generation platform.Travelport’s global network of travel agency partners will automatically be upgraded to a dedicated channel that provides access to un-surcharged content.Travelport-connected agencies will be able to gain simplified access to Emirates’ NDC content and services.
Global travel retailer Travelport, and one of the world’s largest international airlines, Emirates, today announced they have reached a commercial agreement that will allow Travelport-connected travel agencies to avoid the airline’s surcharge on bookings via Global Distribution Systems (GDS) that will be introduced from 01 July 2021.
Furthermore, the companies announced a new long-term agreement to enable the distribution of Emirates NDC content via Travelport’s next-generation platform, Travelport+, and an extension to its longstanding IT agreement.
Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates said: “We are pleased to have reached key agreements with Travelport that take our decades-long partnership to the next level. Supported by the recent launch of Travelport+, these new deals will further cement Emirates as the airline of choice for travelers that want highly personalized offers and access to the world’s best destinations. Emirates and Travelport will continue to work jointly on future travel retail solutions that will offer our travel community partners even better and more bespoke services.”
As of 01 July 2021, Travelport’s global network of travel agency partners will automatically be upgraded to a dedicated channel that provides access to un-surcharged content. These agencies will also continue to benefit from a graphically rich experience when searching for and booking Emirates branded fares, as well as greater access to its ancillary offers, thanks to a long-term extension of the airline’s existing agreement to use Travelport’s Rich Content and Branding merchandising tool.
As part of the deal, Travelport-connected agencies will be able to gain simplified access to Emirates’ NDC content and services via Travelport Smartpoint and the company’s enhanced RESTful / JSON APIs once the agencies sign new NDC specific agreements with both companies. Travelport and Emirates continue to progress the NDC technical solution for travel retailers worldwide and are now in the process of developing enhanced features and functionality that will, when complete, be gradually rolled out.
Travelport will also continue to provide Emirates with its industry-leading pricing, shopping and ticket rebooking technology as part of the agreement, to support the airline in the delivery of advanced shopping and rebooking options within its own internal sales channels, including its NDC channel and Emirates website.
Jason Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Travel Partners at Travelport, said: “This series of agreements highlights the determination of both Travelport and Emirates to re-invent travel retailing and push the boundaries of what’s possible. With a shared vision for the future, our long-standing collaboration will continue to go from strength-to-strength. Together, we look forward to giving the many travelers returning to the skies this summer and beyond the best possible offers and experiences.”
Verified travelers enjoy fast track check-in at the airport through the dedicated Verified to Fly desk for a quicker and smoother experience.Launched at the start of June, Verified to Fly has proven a successful tool helping people return to travel.All Etihad passengers are encouraged to visit Manage my Booking to submit their documents.
Etihad Airways has extended its ‘Verified To Fly’ travel document initiative, enabling travelers to validate their Covid-19 travel documents before arriving at the airport, to routes across its global network.
Available for the vast majority of Etihad Airways flights, to use the Verified to Fly service passengers sign-up by visiting Manage my Booking and following the simple instructions to upload and submit their travel documents. Guests will receive confirmation once their documents have been approved in line with government requirements and can travel to the airport with confidence and peace of mind, knowing they have met all essential requirements before their flight.
With the formalities out of the way, verified travelers enjoy fast track check-in at the airport through the dedicated Verified to Fly desk for a quicker and smoother experience. Early trials showed that Verified to Fly Guests saw their processing times at the check-in desk almost halved and the average queuing time for all Guests reduced – helping expedite journeys and maintain social distancing at the airport.
Launched at the start of June, Verified to Fly has proven a successful tool helping people return to travel, providing passengers with confidence they have the necessary documents to meet government COVID-related travel rules to be allowed to fly. A key benefit of Etihad’s Verified to Fly program is passengers are only sharing their data with the airline itself, with no third-party involvement.
John Wright, Vice President Global Airports and Network Operations, Etihad Airways, said: “Verified to Fly has proven hugely popular with our guests, as they get a fast track experience when checking in at the airport if using Verified to Fly. Removing guess work from the process, guests also value the assurance that when they arrive at the airport, they have already met all COVID travel requirements.
“We appreciate these are challenging times for travelers and this has been a key initiative to simplify our guests’ journeys as much as possible.”
All Etihad passengers are encouraged to visit Manage my Booking to submit their documents. Once the submission has been checked by the Verified to Fly team, guests will receive a ‘success’ email if their documents meet government requirements. If requirements are missing or not met, the guest will be asked to resubmit or check their documents.
Rolls-Royce will not insist that airlines or lessors subscribe to Rolls-Royce services.Rolls-Royce does not prevent the development of legitimate non-OEM parts or non-OEM repairs by MRO providers and independent parts manufacturers.Rolls-Royce’s policy is to grant airlines, lessors and MRO providers non-discriminatory access to OEM parts, repairs and support.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Rolls-Royce plc have signed a joint statement that clarifies the engine manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to an open and competitive approach to its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.
The document was finalized after several months of productive and collaborative dialogue on industry best practice for engine MRO services.
Both organizations are aligned on four key principles that underpin the Rolls-Royce approach to the MRO ecosystem and are included in the official statement:
Rolls-Royce does not prevent the development of legitimate non-OEM parts or non-OEM repairs by MRO providers and independent parts manufacturers, as long as they are approved by the appropriate airworthiness regulator;
2. Rolls-Royce’s policy is to grant airlines, lessors and MRO providers non-discriminatory access to OEM parts, repairs and support (including access to Rolls-Royce Care);
3. Rolls-Royce does not discriminate against airlines, lessors or MRO providers that use non-OEM parts or repairs;
4. Rolls-Royce will not insist that airlines or lessors subscribe to Rolls-Royce services.
Among those expected to benefit are airlines, aircraft and engine lessors, and organizations wishing to provide MRO services for Rolls-Royce engines.
Qatar Airways’ journey in Canada began in June 2011 with three weekly flights to Montréal.Qatar Airways never stopped flying to Montréal throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.Since its inaugural flight in June 2011, Qatar Airways has flown more than 3,400 times between Doha and Montréal.
Qatar Airways marked a milestone in its history with Canada, celebrating 10 successful years since its inaugural flight between Doha and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). The airline’s journey in Canada began in June 2011 with three weekly flights to Montréal, later expanding to four weekly in December 2018 and then reaching a daily service in February 2021.
Qatar Airways never stopped flying to Montréal throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and the airline continues to provide a lifeline for Canadians returning home from all over the world. After working closely with the Government of Canada and its embassies at the height of the global health emergency, Qatar Airways also temporarily operated three weekly services to Toronto in addition to multiple charter flights to Vancouver to help bring home more than 44,000 Canadian citizens and residents stranded abroad.
Since its inaugural flight in June 2011, Qatar Airways has flown more than 3,400 times between Doha and Montréal, enabling nearly 1 million business and leisure passengers to connect to popular destinations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and beyond. The Montréal service is currently operated by Qatar Airways’ state-of-the-art fuel-efficient Airbus A350-900 featuring 36 seats in the award-winning Qsuite Business Class and 247 seats in Economy Class. Qatar Airways Cargo also offers more than 100 tonnes of cargo capacity each week in each direction on the Doha- Montréal -Doha route.
Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Canada has always been close to us at Qatar Airways. I remember the pride I felt when we first touched down in Montréal in 2011, and I knew then that this was just the beginning of a strong and enduring relationship with Canada. Over the years we have witnessed the benefits of our services to Canada that extend well beyond our mission of bringing people together. Our flights have enabled travellers from around the world to experience Canada’s iconic hospitality while supporting the export of Canadian products to overseas markets.
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