The Philippines’ largest carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB), commercially launches its Test Before Boarding (TBB) process for passengers flying from Manila, after its successful pilot run with the local government of General Santos. This process makes use of an antigen test taken just hours before the scheduled time of departure, with results released within 30 minutes.   Continue reading Cebu Pacific now offers antigen tests to passengers at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) today reported the following consolidated airline ticketing volume variances, compared to the same period in 2019. These totals represent sales generated by U.S. travel agencies* and processed through the ARC settlement system. Data figures are for the seven days ending December 20, 2020.   Tickets Issued for All Itineraries:   7-Day Period EndingTicket Variance vs. Continue reading US travel agencies’ air ticket sales still down nearly 70% at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia has been ranked a Five-Star Global Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ is the first airline rating program based solely on certified passenger feedback.  The industry’s most anticipated honor is based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights. Continue reading Saudi Arabian Airlines ranked a Five-Star Global Airline at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Jamaica is being hailed as “the next big thing” for Nigerian tourists by that country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Geoffrey Onyeama, following the arrival of the first non-stop flight from Nigeria to Jamaica, which touched down at the Sangster International Airport last night (December 21). “We really expect to see it (tourism) take off in a big way,” said Minister Onyeama, who was among some 140 passengers on the inaugural flight, which landed just after 10:00 p.m. Continue reading Jamaica ‘Next Big Thing’ for Nigerian tourists at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced it has granted Santa Claus and his reindeer-powered sleigh special operating authority to engage in interstate air-cargo-delivery services directly to rooftops throughout the United States on Christmas Eve.  In addition, for the first time ever, the FAA issued Santa a special commercial space license for a crewed mission to the International Space Station using his StarSleigh-1 space capsule powered by the Rudolph Rocket. Continue reading FAA grants Santa Claus special flight and launch permissions at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Chorus Aviation Inc. announced today the delivery of two new Airbus A220-300 aircraft to airBaltic of Latvia. The aircraft (MSNs 55094 and 55095) are the final two of five units placed on long-term lease with the airline through a committed sale and leaseback transaction announced on November 20, 2019. In December 2013, airBaltic became the first operator of the A220-300 aircraft and in May 2020, the carrier re-launched as an all Airbus A220 airline. Continue reading Chorus Aviation delivers two Airbus A220-300 aircraft to airBaltic at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Star Air, after running successful operations in Ahmedabad, has now expanded its wings further, by launching its services to one more city of Gujarat. This airline vertical of prominent Indian business conglomerate – Sanjay Ghodawat Group recently commenced its operations in the Silk City of India i.e. Surat from 21st December 2020. Continue reading Star Air flies nonstop to Surat from Belagavi and Ajmer at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Singapore Airlines announced that it had started the trials of the world’s first “health verification process”, that the company described as the “new normal” for travel. Singapore’s flag carrier has become the first major airline to introduce a digital certificate developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and used to verify a traveler’s COVID-19 test […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced it has granted Santa Claus and his reindeer-powered sleigh special operating authority to engage in interstate air-cargo-delivery services directly to rooftops throughout the United States on Christmas Eve.  In addition, for the first time ever, the FAA issued Santa a special commercial space license for a crewed mission […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Qatar Airways is pleased to announce it will begin incrementally increasing flights to Montréal from 16 January 2021 and operate daily frequencies by 25 February 2021, up from the previously scheduled four weekly frequencies. The Montréal service is operated by Qatar Airways’ state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 featuring 36 seats in the award-winning Qsuite Business Class and […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Qatar Airways has announced that it will offer passengers unlimited date changes and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued before 30 April 2021 for travel completed by 31 December 2021. The airline’s latest enhancement to its industry-leading flexible booking policy has been designed to continue providing customers with peace of mind that they can change […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia has been ranked a Five-Star Global Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ is the first airline rating program based solely on certified passenger feedback.  The industry’s most anticipated honor is based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback and […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) today reported the following consolidated airline ticketing volume variances, compared to the same period in 2019. These totals represent sales generated by U.S. travel agencies* and processed through the ARC settlement system. Data figures are for the seven days ending December 20, 2020.   Tickets Issued for All Itineraries:   7-Day […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Neste has signed an agreement to supply SAF to DHL Express, the express service arm of Deutsche Post DHL Group, world’s leading mail and logistics company. The Group is renowned as a pioneer of green logistics, utilizing its expertise to make the logistics of its customers greener and more sustainable. Through this agreement Neste has […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Airbus Helicopters and its historical partner Héli-Union have signed a contract for the purchase of two multi-mission H160s to address a wide range of operations.  “We are excited to be one of the first customers to onboard the H160 which will expand our fleet of 40 helicopters. We believe this program will have a great […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

International arrivals fell by 72% over the first ten months of 2020, with restrictions on travel, low consumer confidence and a global struggle to contain the COVID-19 virus, all contributing to the worst year on record in the history of tourism. According to the latest tourism data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), destinations welcomed 900 million […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Air Canada said today that with the flight of AC 7227 from Toronto to Lima it has now operated 4,000 all-cargo flights since launching into the cargo-only-flight business in March of 2020. By successfully establishing a dedicated, cargo-only operation, Air Canada Cargo is well-positioned to play a key role in carrying COVID-19 vaccine shipments for Canadians […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Qatar Airways welcomed Air Canada’s inaugural flight from Toronto to Doha today, establishing Hamad International Airport as the only airport in the Middle East to be operated with a scheduled service by a North American carrier. The flight was welcomed with a water cannon salute at Hamad International Airport and a ribbon cutting ceremony attended […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) welcomes the arrival of Volga-Dnepr’s Boeing 777F. The representatives of Volga-Dnepr Group, Boeing Corporation, GE Healthcare and Domodedovo met the first commercial flight from Seoul.  Volga-Dnepr Group has recently introduced a new Boeing 777F, adding it to AirBridgeCargo‘s fleet. The plane has been successfully certified in Russia. “We are grateful to employees, […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Uganda Airlines, the country’s  flag-carrier, has taken delivery of its first A330neo, the latest version of the most popular widebody airliner. It is the first Airbus aircraft delivered to Uganda Airlines, which was established in 2019.  In line with the Company’s strategy to keep offering its customers unbeatable economics, increased operational efficiency and superior passenger comfort, the A330-800 is the latest addition to Airbus’ commercial aircraft product line. Continue reading Airbus delivers first A330neo jet to Uganda Airlines at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Following the discovery of a new, more contagious variant of the coronavirus in the UK and South Africa, the Federal Council today decided to take steps to prevent the further spread of this new virus strain. All persons who have entered Switzerland from these two countries since 14 December must go into quarantine for 10 days. Continue reading Switzerland announces entry ban, retroactive quarantine for travelers from UK and South Africa at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

In a decision dated December 21, 2020, federal Administrative Law Judge Scott R. Morris found Delta Air Lines, Inc. guilty of having used a compulsory psychiatric examination as a “weapon” against Dr. Karlene Petitt after she raised safety issues related to the airline’s flight operations.   Dr. Continue reading Judge finds Delta Air Lines liable for retaliation against female pilot whistleblower at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Following an announcement by the Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee, effective 24 December 2020, entry restrictions into Abu Dhabi will be relaxed. International tourists, residents and travelers from selected destinations, flying with Etihad Airways, will be allowed to enter the emirate without the need to self-isolate for 14 days.  Continue reading Etihad Airways welcomes Abu Dhabi re-opening at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Lufthansa and the pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) have agreed on pilots’ contributions to help manage the crisis. The agreement runs until March 31 2022. Current cost-saving measures will not only be continued in the coming year but also supplemented by additional measures. In particular, the agreement includes the basis for an extension of short-time work for pilots in 2021, a reduction in working hours with a corresponding salary adjustment and the suspension of collective pay increases. Continue reading Lufthansa and Vereinigung Cockpit union agree on pilots’ contributions until 31 March 2022 at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Singapore Airlines announced that it had started the trials of the world’s first “health verification process”, that the company described as the “new normal” for travel. Singapore’s flag carrier has become the first major airline to introduce a digital certificate developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and used to verify a traveler’s COVID-19 test results and vaccination status. Continue reading Singapore Airlines launches ‘digital health passport’ at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Star Air, after running successful operations in Ahmedabad, has now expanded its wings further, by launching its services to one more city of Gujarat. This airline vertical of prominent Indian business conglomerate – Sanjay Ghodawat Group recently commenced its operations in the Silk City of India i.e. Surat from 21st December 2020. Continue reading Star Air flies nonstop to Surat from Belagavi and Ajmer at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Chorus Aviation Inc. announced today the delivery of two new Airbus A220-300 aircraft to airBaltic of Latvia. The aircraft (MSNs 55094 and 55095) are the final two of five units placed on long-term lease with the airline through a committed sale and leaseback transaction announced on November 20, 2019. In December 2013, airBaltic became the […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced today that Abu Dhabi will reopen to international travelers starting 24 December 2020. While the emirate will welcome the world once again, Abu Dhabi will continue to implement rigorous health and safety measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

In a decision dated December 21, 2020, federal Administrative Law Judge Scott R. Morris found Delta Air Lines, Inc. guilty of having used a compulsory psychiatric examination as a “weapon” against Dr. Karlene Petitt after she raised safety issues related to the airline’s flight operations.   Dr. Petitt has been a pilot for over forty […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Following the discovery of a new, more contagious variant of the coronavirus in the UK and South Africa, the Federal Council today decided to take steps to prevent the further spread of this new virus strain. All persons who have entered Switzerland from these two countries since 14 December must go into quarantine for 10 […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Uganda Airlines, the country’s  flag-carrier, has taken delivery of its first A330neo, the latest version of the most popular widebody airliner. It is the first Airbus aircraft delivered to Uganda Airlines, which was established in 2019.  In line with the Company’s strategy to keep offering its customers unbeatable economics, increased operational efficiency and superior passenger […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Russia suspended all flights with the UK amid news of the discovery of a new, more contagious strain of COVID-19 in the country, according to the latest reports by Russian TASS news agency. The restrictions will go into effect from midnight Tuesday, December 22, and will initially last for one week. Russia is not the […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The Philippines’ largest carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB), commercially launches its Test Before Boarding (TBB) process for passengers flying from Manila, after its successful pilot run with the local government of General Santos. This process makes use of an antigen test taken just hours before the scheduled time of departure, with results released within 30 minutes.   The TBB testing facility at the NAIA Terminal 3 is now open for walk-ins from 2AM to 2PM daily. CEB passengers will only have to register onsite and pay the fee directly to […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Latest travel analytics research reveals that despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent collapse in aviation, there has been a last-minute surge in flight bookings for the Christmas period. In a normal year, tickets issued for travel in the week before Christmas tend to grow progressively throughout the year.  However, in 2020, the pattern has […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Qatar Airways is delighted to welcome this festive season by creating special moments that will surprise and delight our passengers both on board and on the ground. Passengers departing to and from Qatar Airways’ destinations in the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and select destinations in Asia and Africa, will enjoy the airline’s festivities […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

United Airlines with the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced a program to collect customer contact information for all international and domestic flights. During the check-in process, United customers will be prompted to voluntarily opt-in and provide contact information such as an email address, phone numbers and an address […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Who would’ve thought airlines would be the biggest cheerleaders for the new COVID-19 vaccine? Yes, the aviation industry is pushing hardest for anything that will bring back customers and restore trust in flying. Qantas got the ball rolling last month when its CEO declared airlines across the world should consider enforcing “no-vaccination no-fly” policies to […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) unveiled key design elements of the IATA Travel Pass. IATA Travel Pass is a mobile app to help travelers easily and securely manage their travel in line with any government requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccine information. “Testing is the immediate solution to safely re-open borders and re-connect people. […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online