36% of survey respondents have already moved their focus to distance / e-learning.85% of survey respondents said that online learning including virtual classrooms will play an important role in the recovery.As aviation rebuilds, topics such as sustainability and digitalization will gain in importance. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released research on the training requirements for the aviation workforce as the industry starts to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. The Aviation Workforce Training essential for post covid operation is seen as essential According to a global survey of some 800 human resources (HR) leaders in the aviation industry responsible for learning and development, right-skilling existing workers and ensuring that new hires from outside aviation can quickly acquire the necessary skills will be key to successfully building the post-pandemic workforce. To achieve this, training programs will need to be adapted, with around half the HR respondents stating that their top priority is to assess available workforce skills and map these against their organization’s competency requirements. This will form the basis for the required training curriculums. The pandemic had already forced many airlines and other companies in the value chain, like ground service providers, to assess what overall skills their employees possessed to adapt to new operational requirements. A case in point was the need to load cargo in cabins of passenger aircraft repurposed to carry cargo only.  As demand for air travel recovers, companies will be bringing back employees but will also be hiring from outside the industry. Results from the survey show that the topics of safety, operations, security, and economic disciplines have been identified as the main areas where training will be required to master the current situation. Safety was highlighted as particularly critical for airlines, ground service providers and airports. “IATA has been providing training for aviation professionals for nearly 50 years. The technical nature of our industry, coupled with stringent requirements defined by the regulators, drive the necessity for standardized training across the sector. Given the fact that the COVID-19 crisis forced many companies to either completely halt or drastically scale down training, we will continue to adapt our portfolio to ensure that we can contribute to the industry’s restart,” said Frédéric Leger, Interim Senior Vice President, Commercial Products and Services at IATA & Cargo Network Services (CNS) President.  IATA started a number of initiatives to assist in aviation workforce training.

China’s aviation industry reported 245 million passenger trips in the January-June period.The air-cargo volume rose 24.6 percent year on year to 3.743 million tons during the period.The aviation sector’s investment in fixed assets reached 43.5 billion yuan (about $6.72 billion) in the first half of the year. According to the latest data released today by Civil Aviation Administration of China, Chinese civil aviation sector gradually recovered from the impact of COVID-19 in the first half of 2021. The country’s aviation regulator’s data shows that China’s aviation industry reported 245 million passenger trips in the January-June period, up 66.4 percent year on year, equivalent to 76.2 percent of the volume during the same period of 2019. The transportation volume recovered quarter by quarter, and in the second quarter, passenger trips on domestic flights returned to the pre-epidemic level. The air-cargo volume rose 24.6 percent year on year to 3.743 million tons during the period, up 6.4 percent compared with the same period of 2019. The aviation sector’s investment in fixed assets reached 43.5 billion yuan (about $6.72 billion) in the first half of the year, up 8.5 percent year on year, said the administration. More on China’s airline industry click here

Emirates will operate two weekly flights to Mauritius starting 15 July.The airline will deploy its Airbus A380 aircraft to the popular Indian Ocean destination from 1 August.Fully vaccinated travelers can enjoy a relaxing and safe getaway. Emirates has announced it will restart passenger services to Mauritius this summer with two weekly flights from 15 July, as the island-nation gradually re-opens its borders to international tourists. To serve market demand, the airline has also announced it will deploy its iconic Emirates A380 aircraft to Mauritius starting 1 August. Fully vaccinated travelers can enjoy a relaxing and safe getaway in a list of pre-approved COVID-19 safe resorts across the island. Emirates’ flights to Mauritius will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays. Starting from 15 July, the route will be served utilizing a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, and from 1 August, utilizing the Emirates A380 aircraft. Emirates flight EK 701 will depart Dubai 2:35hrs and arrive in Mauritius at 9:10hrs local time. The return flight will operate on Fridays and Sundays. Emirates flight EK 704 will depart Mauritius at 23:10hrs and arrive in Dubai at 5:45hrs local time, the following day. The Emirates A380 experience remains a favorite amongst travelers for its spacious and comfortable cabins and the airline will continue to expand its deployment in line with the gradual return in demand. Emirates currently operates the A380 to New York JFK, Los Angeles, Washington D.C, Toronto, Paris, Munich, Vienna, Frankfurt, Moscow, Amman, Cairo, and Guangzhou. From white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and luscious landscapes – Mauritius remains one the most popular holiday destinations, attracting travelers across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. Emirates passengers can also enjoy other Indian Ocean destinations, as the airline offers 28 weekly flights to Maldives and seven weekly flights to Seychelles. From 15 July to 30 September 2021, Mauritius will open its borders to vaccinated passengers and Mauritian nationals. Fully vaccinated travelers can enjoy a “hotel holiday” and choose from an extensive list of approved hotels across the island. From 1 October, Mauritius will start to welcome fully vaccinated travelers who can explore the island freely with no restrictions.

Second corporate bond of 1 billion euros issued in 2021.Placement with two maturities of three and eight years complements Lufthansa Group’s maturity profile.The long-term funds raised will be used to further strengthen the Lufthansa Group’s liquidity. Deutsche Lufthansa AG has again successfully issued a bond with a total volume of 1 billion euros. The bond with a denomination of 100,000 euros was placed in two tranches with a term of three and eight years respectively and a volume of 500 million euros each: The tranche with a term until 2024 bears interest at 2.0 percent per year, the tranche maturing in 2029 3.5 percent. With the placement of the last corporate bond in February 2021, the Group already secured the refinancing of all financial liabilities due in 2021 and also repaid the KfW loan of 1 billion euros ahead of schedule. The long-term funds now raised will be used to further strengthen the Lufthansa Group‘s liquidity. “The repeated successful placement of a corporate bond again confirms our access to a variety of advantageous financing instruments. The two tranches over three and eight years fit perfectly into our maturity profile. In addition, we can obtain financing on the capital market at more favourable terms compared with the stabilization measures. We are continuing to work systematically on our restructuring measures in order to repay the government stabilization measures as quickly as possible,” said Remco Steenbergen, Chief Financial Officer of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. As of March 31, the Group had cash and cash equivalents of 10.6 billion euros (including uncalled funds from the stabilization packages in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Belgium). At that time, Lufthansa had used around 2.5 billion euros of the 9 billion euros government stabilization packages. In addition to today’s bond issue, the Lufthansa Group is continuing to make preparations for a capital increase. The net proceeds would contribute in particular to the repayment of stabilization measures of the German Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) and to the restoration of a sustainable and efficient long-term capital structure. The Executive and Supervisory Boards have not yet taken a decision on the size and timing of a possible capital increase. In addition, approval by the ESF for this has to be obtained.

Reserve entry restrictions for only the highest-risk countries.Replace all other blanket travel restrictions with a framework of entry protocols based on a country-by-country and individual traveler risk assessment.Ensure the framework is easy to understand, communicate, and implement. A coalition of 24 trade organizations representing a large and diverse swath of the U.S. economy is renewing urgent calls to lift restrictions on international visitation to the United States, and on Wednesday released a policy blueprint for reopening borders safely. Called “A Framework to Safely Lift Entry Restrictions and Restart International Travel,” the document identifies policy principles for finally welcoming international visitors back to the United States while keeping health and safety as the top priority. “The travel industry agrees that being guided by the science is absolutely the correct approach, and the science has been telling us for some time that it’s possible to begin to safely reopen international travel,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “Our document continues to prioritize safety while providing a roadmap for solving for the billions of dollars in economic damage resulting from the continued restrictions on crossing our borders, in particular from allied countries with similar vaccination rates. We have the knowledge and the tools we need to restart international travel safely, and it is past time that we use them.” For each week that travel restrictions remain in place, the U.S. economy is losing $1.5 billion in spending just from Canada, the European Union, and the U.K.—enough money to support 10,000 American jobs. “U.S. airlines have been—and continue to be—strong advocates for a risk-based, data-driven approach to safely resuming international travel as laid out in the blueprint,” said Airlines for America President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “We have leaned into science throughout this crisis, and research has consistently determined the risk of transmission onboard aircraft is very low. In fact, the Harvard Aviation Public Health Initiative concluded that being on an airplane is as safe if not safer than routine activities such as eating in a restaurant or going to the grocery store. The science is clear—it is time, if not past time, for the U.S. Government to take action and reopen travel between the U.S. and low-risk countries.”

Plummeting UK and US passport power at an all-time low.Isolationism and nationalism block the path to economic revival.In post-COVID world, citizenship matters more than ever before. As the world scrambles to recover from the effects of the global health emergency, urgent questions around international travel remain: Is a return to pre-pandemic levels possible? How will it be achieved? And who will be left behind? The latest results and research from the original ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa — show that while there is cause for optimism, it must be tempered with the reality that cross-border travel continues to be significantly obstructed. Although some progress has been made, between January to March 2021, international mobility had been restored to just 12% of pre-pandemic levels in the same period in 2019, and the gulf between theoretical and actual travel access offered by even high-ranking passports remains significant. With the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics just weeks away, and the country in a ‘quasi’ state of emergency, Japan nonetheless retains its hold on the number one spot on the Henley Passport Index — which is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) — with a theoretical visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 193. While the dominance of European passports in the Top Ten has been a given for most of the index’s 16-year history, the pre-eminence of three Asian states — Japan, Singapore, and South Korea — has become the new normal. Singapore remains in 2nd place, with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 192, and South Korea continues to share joint-3rd place with Germany, each with a score of 191. However, when compared to the actual travel access currently available even to the holders of top-scoring passports, the picture looks very different: holders of Japanese passports have access to fewer than 80 destinations (equivalent to the passport power of Saudi Arabia, which sits way down in 71st place in the ranking) while holders of Singaporean passports can access fewer than 75 destinations (equivalent to the passport power of Kazakhstan, which sits in 74th place). Plummeting UK and US passport power at an all-time low There is a similarly gloomy outlook even in countries with highly successful Covid-19 vaccine rollouts: the UK and the US currently share joint-7th place on the index, following a steady decline since they held the top spot in 2014, with their passport holders theoretically able to access 187 destinations around the world. Under current travel bans, however, UK passport holders have suffered a dramatic drop of over 70% in their travel freedom, currently able to access fewer than 60 destinations globally — a passport power equivalent to that of Uzbekistan on the index. US passport holders have seen a 67% decrease in their travel freedom, with access to just 61 destinations worldwide — a passport power equivalent to Rwanda’s on the Henley Passport Index. COVID-19 pandemic erodes strength of premium passports 3 It’s uncertain how long travel restrictions will remain in place, but it seems clear that global mobility will be seriously hampered throughout 2021 at least. In many countries, serious doubts have arisen as to the ability to handle a global crisis, with the subsequent embrace of more inward-looking priorities. Increasing isolationism and deglobalization will no doubt have profound consequences, among them further damage to the world’s economy, a significant reduction in global mobility, and restrictions on people’s freedom to make the best choices for their families and their businesses. It is clear that more than ever, people need to expand their residence and passport options.

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.”

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

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.

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.

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

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.”

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.

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.

Boeing 737 MAX will give Ryanair a strong competitive advantage over the next five years.Boeing 737 MAX will enhance Ryanair’s sustainable proposition by reducing fuel consumption by 16% per seat.Boeing 737 MAX will enable an additional 4% passenger capacity. Ryanair finally announced its first arrival of the Boeing 737 MAX jet, which is described by the low-cost carrier as a ‘game-changer’. Despite the grounding of the aircraft in 2019 over safety concerns, Ryanair negotiated purchases of 210 units, with a maximum of 12 operating for the 2021 summer season. The aircraft will enhance Ryanair’s sustainable proposition by reducing fuel consumption by 16% per seat, reducing noise emissions by 40%, and enabling an additional 4% passenger capacity – all of which will give Ryanair a strong competitive advantage over the next five years. The sustainability benefits of the aircraft will meet changing consumer preferences for more environmentally friendly products. According to industry’s Q1 2021 Consumer survey, 76% of respondents said they were ‘always’, ‘often’, or ‘somewhat’ influenced by the environmental friendliness of a product, highlighting the appetite for more sustainable aircraft. As a result, Ryanair finds itself in a unique position by meeting modern-day consumer trends and its traditional core market by offering low-cost fares. A recent industry poll further supported this sentiment towards low-cost fares, with 53% of respondents saying cost was the most crucial factor when selecting an airline. Ryanair has understood and built on its brand by not only offering low fares, but offering a greener and potentially even lower-cost service to its customers. As a result, the product will not only attract environmentally conscious travelers, but continue to meet its core mass-market regarding low-cost fares. Safety concerns remain following the tragic Lion Air crash in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines crash in March 2019. These incidents have caused some airlines to cancel orders and seek compensation. Ryanair, however, remains committed to Boeing 737 MAX and, according to the CEO Michael O’Leary, the company has secured a ‘very modest’ price discount on the order.  The aircraft was also heavily scrutinized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) during the two years it was grounded and the decision to let it take to the skies again has not been taken lightly. Ultimately, the lower operating costs of the aircraft fit perfectly into Ryanair’s business model. Most airlines cannot purchase new aircraft or commit to leases due to the pandemic, leaving them with an older, less economic fleet. As Ryanair tackles the post-pandemic travel rush in 2022 with low, but more profitable fares, it will have gained a clear competitive advantage over many other airlines.

Lufthansa announces new UAE route.From October 1, 2021, Lufthansa flies nonstop from Munich to Dubai.Three weekly flights with the Airbus A350-900.   If you want to extend your summer, now is the best opportunity to do so. Just in time for the winter half-year and coinciding with the opening of the EXPO, Lufthansa is taking off from Munich directly to Dubai. From October 1 to April 23 – the end of the Bavarian Easter holidays – an Airbus A350-900 will fly three times a week to the Persian Gulf. LH 638 starts with ideal flight times: Departure from Munich is at 10:30 p.m., arrival in Dubai at 6:40 a.m. the following day. The return flight departs at 8:30 a.m. and arrives in Munich at 12:50 p.m. “We are pleased to be able to offer an attractive long-haul destination as a new route from Munich for the first time since the pandemic began. Due to the high demand, Munich is the third hub of the Lufthansa Group to add Dubai to its flight schedule, after Frankfurt and Zurich. And for the first time, our passengers will be able to travel from Munich to the Emirates on the most sustainable long-haul aircraft in our fleet: the Airbus A350-900,” says Stefan Kreuzpaintner, Head of the Munich hub and Head of Sales for the Lufthansa Group. Lufthansa already flew from Munich to Dubai from 2003 to 2016, most recently with an Airbus A330. The health and safety of passengers is a top priority for Lufthansa. The services offered on board and the procedures before and during the flight have therefore been adapted to the current regulatory requirements. Among other things, this applies to the distance rules for boarding and disembarking and the obligation to wear a medical mask. Hepa filters also clean the cabin air, comparable to an operating room.

Allegiant continues to expand its flight network.Allegiant to launch new routes for fall vacation and holiday travel to destinations across the country.Four new cities among the offerings, including Melbourne, Fla.; Amarillo, Texas; Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis. Allegiant today announces 23 new nonstop routes for fall vacation and holiday travel to destinations across the country, including 10 routes to four new cities: Melbourne, Fla.; Amarillo, Texas; Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis.  “We continue to expand our network to provide customers with our unique brand of convenient, affordable nonstop service to even more of the cities they want to visit – whether it’s for a long overdue vacation, or to reconnect with family and friends,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant‘s senior vice president of revenue and planning. “Now more than ever, travelers choose to fly Allegiant because we take them directly to their destinations – without the hassle of layovers or connections.” The new routes to Austin, Texas via Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) include: Amarillo, Texas via Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021Louisville, Kentucky via Louisville International Airport (SDF) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021Orange County, California via John Wayne Airport (SNA) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021Provo, Utah via Provo Airport (PVU) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021Sioux Falls, South Dakota via Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021Springfield, Missouri via Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021Tulsa, Oklahoma via Tulsa International Airport (TUL) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021 The new nonstop routes to Amarillo, Texas via Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) include: Las Vegas, Nevada via McCarran International Airport (LAS) – beginning Oct. 14, 2021Austin, Texas via Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021 The new nonstop routes to Washington, D.C. via Dulles International Airport (IAD) include: Jacksonville, Florida via Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – beginning Nov. 19, 2021Sarasota, Florida via Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) –  beginning Dec. 18, 2021 The new nonstop routes to Melbourne, Fla. via Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) include: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania via Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) – beginning Nov. 11, 2021Nashville, Tennessee via Nashville International Airport (BNA) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021Concord, North Carolina via Concord-Padgett Airport (USA) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021 The new nonstop routes to Minneapolis, Minn. via Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) include: Asheville, North Carolina via Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) – beginning Oct. 7, 2021Punta Gorda, Florida via Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) – beginning Oct. 8, 2021Palm Beach, Florida via Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) – beginning Oct. 7, 2021 The new nonstop routes to Punta Gorda, Fla. via Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) include: Minneapolis, Minnesota via Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – beginning Oct. 8, 2021Springfield, Missouri via Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) – beginning Nov. 19, 2021 The new nonstop routes to Orange County, Calif. via John Wayne Airport (SNA) include: Eugene, Oregon via Eugene Airport (EUG) – beginning Oct. 8, 2021Austin, Texas via Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021 The new routes to Nashville, Tenn. via Nashville International Airport (BNA) include: Palm Springs, California via Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) – beginning Nov. 17, 2021Melbourne, Florida via Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021Jacksonville, Florida via Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021 The new nonstop routes to Jacksonville, Fla. via Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) include: Nashville, Tennessee via Nashville International Airport (BNA) – beginning Nov. 18, 2021Dulles, Virginia via Dulles International Airport (IAD) – beginning Nov. 19, 2021 The new nonstop route to Las Vegas via McCarran International Airport (LAS) from Amarillo, Texas via Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) begins Oct. 14, 2021 The new nonstop route from Houston, Texas via William P. Lobby Airport to Bentonville, Ark. via Bentonville Municipal Airport (XNA) begins Nov.19, 2021 The new nonstop route from Des Moines, Iowa via Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. via Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) begins Oct. 6, 2021 The new nonstop route from Wichita, Kansas via Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) to St. Petersburg, Fla. via St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) begins Nov. 19, 2021

Finnair opens nonstop flight route from Arlanda, Stockholm to Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand.Finnair opens nonstop flight route from Arlanda, Stockholm to Miami in the United States.All three routes will be operated with an Airbus A350 aircraft. Finnair opens non-stop flight routes from Arlanda, Stockholm in Sweden to Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand and Miami in the United States for the winter season 2021/2022. All three routes will be operated with an Airbus A350 aircraft offering a smooth and modern travel experience. “We are excited to meet the travel needs of our Swedish customers with a nonstop service from Arlanda to Thailand and Miami, which are among the top winter holiday destinations for Swedes”, says Ole Orvér,  Chief Commercial Officer, Finnair. “The new flights will strengthen our offering in the Swedish market.” As of October 22, Finnair flies from Arlanda to Bangkok five times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. From November 28, the weekly frequencies will be increased to seven and flights are operated from Monday through Sunday until April 22, 2022. Flights from Arlanda to Phuket will be operated on Sundays as of October 24. An additional frequency will be added Thursday as of November 4th and for Tuesdays as of November 30. Flights to Phuket will be operated until April 21, 2022. Flights from Arlanda to Miami will start with two weekly frequencies, on Wednesdays and Saturdays as of October 23. From November 29, flights will be operated also on Monday and Friday until April 22, 2022.  Finnair flies to Bangkok, Phuket and Miami also from its home base Helsinki Airport.

The new IT solution enables companies to integrate sustainable offers for customers into their product portfolio.The platform supports achieving CO2 reduction targets and accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility.Companies can simply integrate the Squake interface into their own online portals. Customers are increasingly demanding sustainable travel and mobility offers. At the same time, companies are also looking for ways to achieve their sustainability goals. The Lufthansa Innovation Hub now addresses this growing demand with a new solution. With Squake, the Lufthansa Group‘s central digitalization unit launches a CO2 compensation platform aimed at companies from the entire travel, mobility, and transport industry. By using an application programming interface (API) companies can now easily calculate and offset the CO2 emissions of the services they offer. The new solution permits them to develop individual sustainable products that are optimally tailored to the needs of their customers. “The travel and mobility market is urgently looking for effective solutions to increase sustainability. Our answer to this is the climate tech startup Squake, which helps companies accelerate their development of sustainable products,” says Christine Wang, Managing Director Lufthansa Innovation Hub. “With Squake, we are able to make our offsetting expertise accessible beyond aviation. It is only possible to achieve sustainability in the long term if we work together, which is why we rely on cooperation within the market and between the participating companies. Our vision for Squake is that it will provide a ‘green-tech backbone’ for travel and mobility.” Here’s how Squake works When customers of an online travel agency (OTA) book a trip using different modes of transport, e.g. rental car, flight, ferry, bus, the platform automatically calculates the CO2 emissions of the entire trip. Customers can then offset the calculated emissions during the booking process. Companies can simply integrate the Squake interface into their own online portals. This means they can immediately offer “green rates” or make their entire offering CO2-neutral. The first European startups from the travel management, shared mobility, and logistics sectors are already successfully using the service. “Profitability and sustainability have to work together,” says Dan Kreibich, project lead of Squake. “We help companies come up with sustainable offerings in the shortest possible time that are precisely tailored to their target groups. We’re convinced that sustainable products contribute to sales growth.” Broad portfolio of certified climate protection projects for CO2 compensation Companies can choose from a broad portfolio of high-quality climate protection projects to compensate the CO2 emissions of their travel and mobility offers. These projects are certified to the highest industry standards, such as the Gold Standard or the Plan Vivo Standard, and have undergone a corresponding auditing process. The portfolio includes energy or solar projects as well as innovative technologies that extract CO2 directly from the atmosphere (“direct air capture”) and the use of sustainable fuels. Project partners include renowned climate protection organizations such as myclimate as well as innovative technology partners such as Climeworks or GoodShipping. In the future, Squake would like to focus in particular on innovative technologies and continuously expand its services to its partners. Companies can opt for those projects that fit their own sustainability goals and corporate philosophy.

Global demand, measured in cargo ton-kilometers (CTKs), was up 9.4% compared to May 2019.North American carriers contributed 4.6 percentage points to the 9.4% growth rate in May.Capacity remains constrained at 9.7% below pre-COVID-19 levels due to the ongoing grounding of passenger aircraft. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released May 2021 data for global air cargo markets showing that demand continued its strong growth trend.  As comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted, all comparisons to follow are to May 2019 which followed a normal demand pattern. Global demand, measured in cargo ton-kilometers (CTKs), was up 9.4% compared to May 2019. Seasonally adjusted demand rose by 0.4% month-on-month in May, the 13th consecutive month of improvement.    The pace of growth slowed slightly in May compared to April which saw demand increase 11.3% against pre-COVID-19 levels (April 2019). Notwithstanding, air cargo outperformed global goods trade for the fifth consecutive month. North American carriers contributed 4.6 percentage points to the 9.4% growth rate in May. Airlines in all other regions except for Latin America also supported the growth.   Capacity remains constrained at 9.7% below pre-COVID-19 levels (May 2019) due to the ongoing grounding of passenger aircraft. Seasonally adjusted capacity rose 0.8% month-on-month in May, the fourth consecutive month of improvement indicating that the capacity crunch is slowly unwinding.  Underlying economic conditions and favourable supply chain dynamics remain supportive for air cargo: Global trade rose 0.5% in April.The Purchasing Managers Indices (PMIs) – leading indicators of air cargo demand – show that business confidence, manufacturing output and new export orders are growing at a rapid pace in most economies.The cost-competitiveness of air cargo relative to that of container shipping has improved.  Pre-crisis, the average price of air cargo was 12 times more expensive than sea shipping. In May 2021 it was six time more expensive.  “Propelled by strong economic growth in trade and manufacturing, demand for air cargo is 9.4% above pre-crisis levels. As economies unlock, we can expect a shift in consumption from goods to services. This could slow growth for cargo in general, but improved competitiveness compared to sea shipping should continue to make air cargo a bright spot for airlines while passenger demand struggles with continued border closures and travel restrictions,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.   

Medium-haul aircraft are used as freight-only aircraft on continental routes in Europe.Aircraft receive cargo doors to enable containers to be transported on the main deck as well.Freighter aircraft will be operated by Lufthansa CityLine. Lufthansa Cargo is investing in the expansion of its cargo capacities. From the beginning of 2022, the company will offer its customers additional capacity in Europe by permanently converting Airbus 321 passenger aircraft into freighters. For this purpose, the twin-engine medium-haul aircraft will receive large cargo doors to enable the transport of containers on the main deck as well. Initially, the conversion of two Airbus aircraft is planned. These aircraft will be operated by Lufthansa CityLine on behalf of Lufthansa Cargo. They will be stationed in Frankfurt. The growth for cross-border eCommerce shipments is forecast at around 20% per year for the next five years. Consumers expect ever shorter delivery times for their ordered goods. This is also increasing the demand for air freight connections within Europe. “Lufthansa Cargo wants to offer customers in the eCommerce segment fast intra-European connections. With the converted A321s, we are meeting our customers’ growing demand for same-day solutions and further strengthening our dense network of global connections as well as our product offering,” said Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. “The selected aircraft type can transport 28t per flight, significantly larger cargo volumes than in the short-haul bellies of passenger aircraft. In addition to forwarders, integrators and postal operators, eCommerce providers will be customers for this offering,” von Boxberg added. “With more than 60 years of experience in European air transport, Lufthansa CityLine stands for reliable and efficient operations as an important partner in the Lufthansa Group. Flexibility in operations and speed in identifying and implementing new opportunities are the foundation of our business. We want to use these qualities to serve Lufthansa Cargo and its customers,” says Steffen Harbarth, Managing Director of Lufthansa CityLine. The Airbus A321s (A321P2F) converted to freighters offer a payload of 28 tons with a range of 3,500 kilometers. The conversion allows the use of standardized cargo pallets on the main deck as well. The twin-engine Airbus A321 is one of the most versatile aircraft in its class and enables very efficient continental operations.

Total demand for air travel in May 2021 was down 62.7% compared to May 2019.International passenger demand in May was 85.1% below May 2019.Total domestic demand was down 23.9% versus pre-crisis levels, slightly improved over April 2021. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that both international and domestic travel demand showed marginal improvements in May 2021, compared to the prior month, but traffic remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Recovery in international traffic in particular continued to be stymied by extensive government travel restrictions.  Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to May 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern. Total demand for air travel in May 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 62.7% compared to May 2019. That was a gain over the 65.2% decline recorded in April 2021 versus April 2019.  International passenger demand in May was 85.1% below May 2019, a small step-up from the 87.2% decline recorded in April 2021 versus two years ago. All regions with the exception of Asia-Pacific contributed to this modest improvement. Total domestic demand was down 23.9% versus pre-crisis levels (May 2019), slightly improved over April 2021, when domestic traffic was down 25.5% versus the 2019 period. China and Russia traffic continue to be in in positive growth territory compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, while India and Japan saw significant deterioration amid new variants and outbreaks. “We are starting to see positive developments, with some international markets opening to vaccinated travelers. The Northern Hemisphere summer travel season is now fully arrived. And it is disappointing that more governments are not moving more rapidly to use data to drive border opening strategies that would help revive tourism jobs and reunite families,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. 

American Airlines strengthens its presence at MIA with two new international destinations in Mexico and Colombia in December.Six new domestic routes launch this winter, further connecting South Florida to the broadest global network.By the end of the year, American will offer more than 130 nonstop destinations from MIA, the most of any carrier. This winter, American Airlines will continue to grow its footprint at its largest international gateway, Miami International Airport (MIA), adding two new international destinations and six new domestic routes. With today’s announcement, American further solidifies its position as the largest airline at MIA, operating 341 peak daily flights this winter. “With more than 30 years of service, American is and will always be Miami’s hometown airline, and we are proud to strengthen our footprint at our MIA hub later this year,” said Juan Carlos Liscano, Vice President of MIA Hub Operations. “New service to Tel Aviv, Paramaribo, Chetumal and San Andres, and more domestic flying this winter, are a testament of our commitment to the economic development of our community as it continues to grow and diversify.” “I deeply appreciate the commitment by American Airlines to further expand its presence in Miami-Dade County with even more routes and increased flights coming soon to Miami International Airport,” said Ralph Cutie, MIA Interim Director. “Our County’s tourism industry has almost fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, and that is largely due to American Airlines’ unwavering service to our community as our busiest airline partner.” Better connectivity to Latin America and the Caribbean In December, the carrier will launch two new international routes from MIA: Chetumal, Mexico (CTM); and San Andres Island, Colombia (ADZ). With these new routes, American will serve 28 destinations in Mexico – the most of any U.S. carrier – and seven in Colombia. DestinationFrequencyFlights BeginADZWednesdays and SaturdaysDec. 4CTMWednesdays and SaturdaysDec. 1 Six new ways to head south this winter This winter, American’s customers will enjoy the sun, sand and the world-famous nightlife of South Florida on their terms with the most options and convenient schedule of any airline. The carrier is adding daily seasonal service between MIA and Salt Lake City (SLC); and seasonal Saturday service to Albany, New York (ALB); Burlington, Vermont (BTV); Madison, Wisconsin (MSN); Syracuse, New York (SYR); and Tulsa, Oklahoma (TUL). DestinationFrequencyFlights OperateALBSaturdaysNov. 6 – April 2BTVSaturdaysNov. 6 – April 2MSNSaturdaysNov. 6 – April 2SLCDailyDec. 16 – April 4SYRSaturdaysNov. 6 – April 2TULSaturdaysYear-round beginning Nov. 6 In addition to these new routes, current daily seasonal service to Oklahoma City (OKC) becomes year-round. Seasonal service to Fayetteville, Arkansas (XNA) and Milwaukee (MKE) returns to MIA on Saturdays between Nov. 6 and April 2. Earlier this summer, American launched new, three-times-weekly service from MIA to Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV), as well as new domestic service to Huntsville, Alabama (HSV); Little Rock, Arkansas (LIT); Milwaukee (MKE); Portland, Maine (PWM); and Rochester, New York (ROC). Service between MIA and Bangor, Maine (BGR) launched July 3. Starting Sept. 7, American will also be the first and only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service to Paramaribo, Suriname (PBM). Flights will operate five times per week with a convenient schedule for customers traveling across the United States to connect through MIA.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Emotional support animals no longer allowed on Air Canada flights.Mental health professionals slam Air Canada’s ESA ban.The airlines are saying that if you have a physical or medical disability you can have an assistance animal, but if you have a mental disability, you can’t. This week, Air Canada made the decision to ban emotional support animals from their flight cabins. This comes on the heels of the US’ Department of Transportation ruling that ESA’s are not considered service animals and therefore US-based airlines are not required to accept them onboard.  Currently, “Air Canada‘s new rules are consistent with the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations under the Canada Transportation Act, which apply to airlines and other transportation bodies.” However, Ontario human rights and accessibility law (which does not apply to airlines in Canada) recognizes a wider range of animals as “service animals.”  Case law from the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario recognizes that “service animals” include animals who are not trained or certified by a recognized disability‑related organization and who assist people with mental disabilities (see Allarie v. Rouble, 2010 HRTO 61 (CanLII)). Mental health professional and the world’s leading animal-assisted therapist Prairie Conlon, LPC, NCC & Clinical Director at CertaPet, slams the airline ESA ban: “We know that service animals and emotional support animals are very different and they serve different purposes. But how can they say that someone with a physical disability, or certain mental disabilities like PTSD can have a service dog when they have a legitimate need for them, but someone who has been diagnosed by a clinician with a mental health disorder and has a legitimate need for them can’t have their animal with them anymore? That is textbook discrimination. To put it more simply, the airlines are saying that if you have a physical or medical disability you can have an assistance animal, but if you have a mental disability, you can’t.” 

Air Canada’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.All of the nominees listed in its management proxy circular were elected as directors of Air Canada.Final voting results on all matters voted on at the meeting will be filed on SEDAR. Air Canada announced today that all of the nominees listed in its management proxy circular dated May 6, 2021 were elected as directors of Air Canada at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders which was held on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. All of the nominees have already been serving as directors of Air Canada and each of the directors was elected by a majority of the votes cast by shareholders present online or represented by proxy at the meeting. The results of the vote are detailed below. NomineeVotes For% ForVotes Withheld% WithheldAmee Chande139,562,87095.45%6,656,3054.55%Christie J.B. Clark139,159,06095.17%7,060,1154.83%Gary A. Doer138,644,84094.82%7,574,3355.18%Rob Fyfe138,923,88195.01%7,295,2944.99%Michael M. Green131,072,64989.64%15,146,52610.36%Jean Marc Huot137,430,29693.99%8,788,8796.01%Madeleine Paquin145,829,34799.73%389,8280.27%Michael Rousseau145,771,42199.69%447,7540.31%Vagn Sørensen131,891,67390.20%14,327,5029.80%Kathleen Taylor138,914,12495.00%7,305,0515.00%Annette Verschuren145,896,09399.78%323,0820.22%Michael M. Wilson138,032,88694.40%8,186,2895.60% Final voting results on all matters voted on at the meeting will be filed on SEDAR.

Managing Director Tony Roach is promoted to Vice President Customer Experience & Customer Relations.Anthony Gregory, former Vice President Ground Operations, is leaving Southwest Airlines.Chris Johnson will immediately assume responsibility for all of Ground Operations and Provisioning. Southwest Airlines Co. today announced the promotion of Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Linda Rutherford to Executive Vice President People & Communications, effective immediately. This news follows last week’s announcement of Leadership Plans for 2022. Rutherford will succeed Bob Jordan in what was the Executive Vice President Corporate Services role, as he pivots to making the CEO transition as smooth as possible and spending time with Employees across the Company. Rutherford will report directly to Jordan and will continue to serve as the Chief Communications Officer for the Company. She will continue to oversee Communications & Outreach and Culture & Engagement, while adding Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DE&I), People, and Southwest Airlines University to her responsibilities. Reporting to Rutherford in her new role will be Vice President and Chief People Officer Julie Weber, Managing Director Communications & Outreach Laurie Barnett, Managing Director Culture & Engagement Whitney Eichinger, Vice President Southwest Airlines University Elizabeth Bryant, and Director DE&I Raquel Daniels. Rutherford is approaching 30 years at Southwest Airlines after joining the Company in 1992. In recent years, she has helped build enterprise change agility, continued the strategic implementation of programming and incentives aimed at nurturing our Corporate Culture, led Enterprise efforts to develop and implement an Employee Experience roadmap, championed the enterprise social business strategy, devised relevant programming for Employee engagement, and evolved multi-channel communications support system for multiple stakeholders internally and externally. She guided the Company’s response effort at the Enterprise level to the COVID-19 pandemic and the death of the Company’s beloved Founder Herb Kelleher. “Linda is an innovative Leader who challenges Southwest to continually evolve how we engage and champion our Employees and Communities, and she consistently delivers on our Southwest Purpose, to connect People to what’s important in their lives with friendly, reliable and low-cost air travel,” said Bob Jordan, EVP and incoming CEO.  The carrier also announced Leadership changes in Operational and Commercial Departments.

Some countries showed a recent escalation due to the new variants of the COVID-19 virus.Turkey decided to shut down its borders for any direct entries including through land, air, sea or railway from six countries.Travelers arriving to Turkey from another country after having been in one of those countries will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result conducted in the last 72 hours. Turkish authorities announced that Turkey is suspending direct flights from six countries over the spike of the new variants of the COVID-19 virus cases in those states. Turkey’s Interior Ministry issued a circular stating that the country suspended flights from Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka as of July 1 and until further notice. The ministry noted that the course of the pandemic in some countries showed a recent escalation due to the new variants of the COVID-19 virus. Following the Health Ministry’s recommendations, Turkey decided to shut down its borders for any direct entries including through land, air, sea or railway from these countries. Travelers arriving to Turkey from another country after having been in one of those countries in the last 14 days will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result conducted in the last 72 hours. They will also be quarantined at places determined by local governorates for 14 days, at the end of which a negative test will be required one more time. In case of a positive test result, the patient will be kept under isolation, which will end with a negative result in the following 14 days. The ministry’s circular added that passengers arriving at Turkey from the UK, Iran, Egypt, and Singapore would be required to have a negative COVID-19 test result obtained in the last three days. For travelers arriving to Turkey from countries other than Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the UK, Iran, Egypt and Singapore, those who can provide a document showing the administering of a COVID-19 vaccine in the last 14 days or recovery from COVID-19 infection in the last six months will not be required to present a test result or be quarantined. A negative COVID-19 test result conducted in the last 72 hours before arriving at Turkey or a negative rapid antigen test conducted within maximum 48 hours after their arrival will suffice for those failing to provide the documents.