Aviation News

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, convened a full committee hearing.It was titled “Implementation of Aviation Safety Reform.”It examined the urgency of implementing aviation safety, certification and oversight reforms mandated by the Aircraft, Certification, Safety and Accountability Act (ACSAA) of 2020. Senators discussed the approach of the FAA to effectuating ACSAA and its work to implement provisions of the legislation in accordance with congressionally mandated timelines. For three hours, Dickson discussed topics such as the FAA’s delegation and certification processes, safety culture and systems oversight practices since the passage of ACSAA as well as the impact of COVID on current aviation schedules. Several family members were able to attend the Senate hearing today either in person or via the internet.  Michael Stumo of Massachusetts, who lost his daughter Samya Rose Stumo, 24, in the crash, applauded Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) for asking when the FAA will stop trusting Boeing with regulating themselves. Dickson said the FAA is now retaining some regulatory functions, but Stumo pointed out that means the manufacturer continues to regulate itself on many levels.  Stumo added, “The manufacturer will not change until its self-regulation authority is pulled.  Boeing must then re-prove it is competent and trustworthy.” Nadia Milleron of Massachusetts, who lost her daughter Samya Rose Stumo, age 24, in the crash, approached Dickson after the hearing and said, “Don’t let Boeing sell planes unless required pilot training is in place for that particular plane.”  His response was that he would look into it.  One of the major issues regarding the crashes of the Boeing 737 MAX was that initially Boeing executives blamed the pilots; however, the planes were allowed to be certified with a new software system on which pilots were not initially trained nor was the new software system included in the plane’s manual.  Stumo and Milleron personally attended today’s hearing. Ike Riffel who lost both of his sons in the Boeing crash in Ethiopia said, “Boeing did not only defraud the FAA, they defrauded the flying public and the entire world and their actions resulted in the deaths of 346 people. Our FAA will never be the ‘gold standard” of aviation safety as long as fraud and deceit are allowed to go unpunished.” Chris Moore of Toronto, Canada, father of 24-year-old Danielle Moore who was killed in the Boeing crash in Ethiopia, has been very vocal on aviation safety issues.  Hewas upset that over half of today’s hearing was related to non-Boeing 737Max issues and said, “The Senate should have called this hearing, ‘Hey Dickson, What Up?’ Senators need to take this aspect of safety seriously – they can have a separate discussion about other matters at another hearing.” Families and friends who lost loved ones in the crash of a Boeing 737 MAX jet in 2019 continue to ask Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to terminate the aircraft maker’s ability to certify its own airplanes, a provision allowed in a program called the Organization Designation Authority (ODA) that allows third parties to perform functions of the FAA. Hundreds of family and friends who lost loved ones on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft petitioned DOT officials, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Dickson to withdraw Boeing’s ability to certify its aircraft because “it has become clear that Boeing is not a company that can be trusted with the public safety responsibilities conferred by the ODA,” according to their petition to the DOT dated Oct. 19, 2021.  The petition cites 15 reasons why Boeing misconduct requires the FAA to terminate Boeing’s ODA including the company’s “deceiving the FAA” about the methods the MAX aircraft operated “by way of misleading statements, half-truths and omissions,” creating “an ODA culture that applies undue pressure to engineering personnel so they are not able to exercise independent judgment free from organizational conflicts of interest,” and “failing to insulate the ODA from Boeing’s profit motives.” On another front, Mark Forkner, former chief pilot of the new Boeing aircraft, is set to stand trial in Forth Worth, Texas federal district court on a six-count indictment for his actions involving the 737 MAX, including lying during the certification process of the new aircraft.  He pled not guilty in federal court in Texas Oct. 15, 2021. His trial is set for Dec. 15 in Forth Worth federal court. Tomra Vocere of Massachusetts who lost her brother Matt in the crash, said, “Mr. Forkner did not act alone in the engineering snafu that killed 346 people and should not be the only indictment in this mass casualty.  The offering of a mid-level employee is an insult to anyone who lost a family member on Boeing’s planes.  The unfolding of the investigations, litigation, congressional hearings, and panels produces nothing:  no transparency, no accountability, no admission of guilt or systemic culture change at Boeing or the FAA.  Mr. Forkner is a sorry scapegoat as there is no atonement in Boeing’s offering: no executives, no board members, no justice.”

Belarusian An-12 Soviet-era turboprop cargo plane crashes and burns in Siberia, Russia.The An-12 is a Soviet-era turboprop plane produced between 1957 and 1973, primarily for the armed forces of the USSR.The incident marks the latest in a series of air disasters in Siberia and the Russian Far East. According to Russian officials in Moscow, at least seven people were on board Antonov An-12 cargo plane that crashed in Siberia, near the city of Irkutsk. The plane apparently belong to Belarusian ‘Grodno’ airline and was performing a cargo flight over Siberia, Russia. “At 2:50pm Moscow time, the An-12 aircraft, flying between Yakutsk and Irkutsk, disappeared from the radar,” Russian official said.  “Initially, two people have been killed and the fate of a further five people is still unknown.” According to preliminary reports, the crash site has been found in the area of the village of Pivovarikha (in Irkutsk region), not far from the airfield. The plane went into a second circle during landing and then disappeared from the radar. According to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, when the fire and rescue units arrived at the scene, the he aircraft was on fire, but emergency services had managed to extinguish the blaze. More than 100 people and 50 vehicles are said to be on the site and aiding in the recovery operation. The governor of Irkutsk Oblast confirmed that all those aboard had died, and no survivors had been found among the wreckage. The An-12 is a Soviet-era turboprop plane produced between 1957 and 1973, primarily for the armed forces of the USSR. It has since been operated by a number of civilian airlines in the former Soviet Union, primarily for freight flights. In 2019, an An-12 crashed close to Lviv airport in Western Ukraine, killing five and injuring a further three people. The incident marks the latest in a series of air disasters in Siberia and the Russian Far East. In July, emergency workers investigating the disappearance of an Antonov An-26 turboprop plane announced that they had recovered the bodies of 22 passengers and six crew after it crashed into a cliff on the Kamchatka peninsula.

Grenada welcomes the return of air service from Canada for the first time in a year. In 2019, Grenada welcomed a total of 17,911 Canadian visitors.Travelbrands is a Canadian owned and operated “super distribution” network comprised of five retail/online travel agency brands and 10 tour operator wholesale brands.  On Sunday, 31 October, Grenada welcomed the return of air service from Canada for the first time in a year. Air Canada flight 1066, a Boeing 737 Max 8, touched down at 2:55 PM. Captain John Petropoulos and 169 passengers were warmly greeted by Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) CEO Petra Roach, Marketing Executives Renee Goodwin and Shanai St Bernard and the pulsating rhythms steel pan music. The pilot and crew were presented with a beautiful coffee table book, Grenada Heritage “A Pictorial Journey Through Place and Time” and a selection of locally made chocolates. Passengers were gifted tote bags that included a collection of authentic Grenadian goods. To stimulate demand for the twice weekly flights from Toronto, on Sundays and Wednesdays, the GTA has embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign employing traditional, digital, and social media tactics in the Canadian market with Air Canada and the travel syndicate, TravelBrands. The Air Canada campaign will include, but is not limited to, digital activations on their Facebook page and the Weather Network as well as a credit of 5,000 Aeroplan miles for each passenger booking the destination during the three-week campaign. Travelbrands is a Canadian owned and operated “super distribution” network comprised of five retail/online travel agency brands and 10 tour operator wholesale brands. Sunquest, Exotik Tours, Holiday House, and other brands such as FunSun Vacations, Boomerang Tours, RedTag.ca and ALBATours all exist under one umbrella, making TravelBrands a powerhouse in the Canadian travel industry. Their campaign will include a two-week homepage takeover of Redtag.ca, Deal Alert push notifications, banner ads and video posts. Travel agents who book vacations to Grenada will receive 5 times the regular loyalty points for the duration of the campaign. GTA CEO, Petra Roach commented, “Canadians are eager to travel and we anticipate that there will be a surge in international trips during the winter period, particularly to warm weather destinations. We therefore need to be visible in the marketplace to take advantage of this pent-up demand and position Grenada as the ideal destination for Canadians seeking an escape from frigid temperatures to holiday in an authentic destination.” In 2019, Grenada welcomed a total of 17,911 Canadians.

Israel reopen borders for American and Canadian visitors.The new guidlines for entry require taking a PCR test 72 hours before the outbound flight and taking a PCR test upon arrival in Israel with following quarantine.Ministers of Israel formed the above mentioned plan which was approved by COVID cabinet and will take effect November 1, 2021. The Israel Ministry of Tourism announced that as of today, vaccinated tourists from the United States and Canada can resume all travel to Israel. After kicking off the pilot reopening program in May of 2021, which initially allowed a select number of tour groups to enter the country, all vaccinated travelers may now visit Israel after the extended closure due to COVID-19 restrictions. “To say we are excited that Israel is reopening to travelers today is an understatement,” said Eyal Carlin, Tourism Commissioner for North America. “Israel has taken incredible steps to protect its people and visitors and we pride ourselves on ensuring a COVID-safe and unforgettable trip. With leading vaccination rates and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, we are eager to welcome visitors back with open arms — of course, at a safe social distance.” Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett along with several other Ministers within the country (Tourism, Health, Transportation, etc.), have come together and formed the following plan which has been approved by the COVID cabinet and will take effect today, November 1 – with developments and new COVID variants being monitored closely. “We have been awaiting this moment, to bring back international travelers into our country, for a very long time,” said Yoel Razvozov, Israel’s Minister of Tourism. “We’re ecstatic to share our country with everyone once again and I’m proud to be working closely with our Prime Minister Naftali Bennett among other Ministers within the country to ensure a thoughtful, safe return to tourism.” As of today, the guidelines for entry include: Taking a PCR test 72 hours before an outbound flight, filling out a passenger declaration, and taking a PCR test upon arrival in Israel (needing to quarantine in a hotel until results return or 24 hours pass – the lesser of the two).To enter the country, one must: Have been vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 14 days prior to the day of entry into Israel (14 days must have passed since receival of second dose upon arrival into Israel, but no more than 180 days upon leaving Israel – i.e., if it has been six months since the second dose, you will need the booster shot to enter).Those that have received the booster vaccine dose, and at least 14 days have passed since received, can enter Israel. Have been inoculated with one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 14 days prior to the day of entry into Israel (14 days must have passed since second dose receival upon their arrival into Israel, but no more than 180 days upon leaving Israel – ie., if it has been six months since your second dose, you will need the booster shot to enter).Those that have received the booster vaccine dose, and at least 14 days have passed since received, can enter Israel. Have recovered from COVID-19 and who present proof of the results of a positive NAAT test at least 11 days prior to the day of entry into Israel (no more than 180 days upon leaving Israel).Have recovered from COVID-19 and have received at least one dose of the WHO-approved vaccines. In-depth guidelines can be found HERE. Additionally, please visit https://israel.travel/ for all updates on entry protocols and forthcoming answers to FAQs. For more information on travel to Israel or to plan your trip, visit https://israel.travel/. To stay inspired, follow the Israel Ministry of Tourism on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape.The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating, birding, and nature-based activities.There are thousands of miles of the Earth’s most spectacular water and pristine beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. NEWS  Coral Vita Earned Recognition for Its Environmental Sustainability Efforts – Coral Vita earns a top 15 finalists spot in the inaugural Earthshot Prize in the “Revive Our Oceans” category for their continued efforts to preserve the world’s coastal ecosystem. Reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian Prepares for Reopening – Sandals Royal Bahamian is on track to reopen January 27, 2022, and guests can expect to enjoy 200 fully renovated rooms and suites, five new restaurants, private island hideaways and a new Island Village. Rosé Paradis Garden Opens at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort – The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, partnered with Château d’Esclans to present Rosé Paradis Garden, an enchanting pop-up experience that transports guests from the storied Versailles Gardens of Paradise Island to the South of France. The experience is open Wednesday to Saturday, November 11, 2021, through February 11, 2022. The Moorings Reopens in The Abacos Next Month – The Moorings makes its triumphant return to The Abacos after two years following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian and will resume offering charter vacations beginning December 2021. Bahamas Charter Yacht Show Returns – It’s official, the 2022 Bahamas Charter Yacht Show will be held at Nassau Yacht Haven February 24 – 27, 2022 featuring more than 10 charter yachts and over 40 charter brokers. The Bahamas Shines Bright with World-Renowned Recognition – The Islands of The Bahamas took home several wins across various categories in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Readers’Choice Awards and was named “Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2021” in the 28th annual World Travel Awards. PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS  For a complete listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit here.  Atlantis Paradise Island Offers Special ”Singles Day” Package – Atlantis Paradise Island celebrates National Singles Day on November 11, 2021 with a special 24-hour bookable offer. The “Singles Day” Package includes up to 4-day accommodations at The Cove, The Royal and The Coral, respectively, along with $111 daily resort credit. Travel window: November 11 – October 31, 2022. $500 Air Credit for Black Friday and Cyber Monday – Holiday travelers receive a $500 air credit when pre-booking an air-inclusive 7-night package at a participating Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board member hotel. Bookable between November 26 – December 2, 2021, and valid for trips between November 28 – January 31, 2022. Blackout dates apply. ABOUT THE BAHAMAS  With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating, birding, and nature-based activities, thousands of miles of the Earth’s most spectacular water and pristine beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at bahamas.com or onFacebook, YouTube orInstagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

Swoop resumes international flight operations at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.Today’s departure signals a significant milestone for Swoop and Winnipeg Airport Authority.The return of this service marks the first flights to a winter sun destination available out of Winnipeg Richardson International Airport since the onset of the pandemic.  Today, Swoop resumed international flight operations at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport with the departure of flight WO 728 bound for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The ultra-low-cost carrier is set to bring even more sun service to Winnipeg with the return of non-stop flights to Puerto Vallarta on November 4, 2021 and launch of service to new destinations including Cancun on December 3, 2021 and Orlando (Sanford) on December 11, 2021. “We are extremely proud to be the first Canadian airline to resume international operations out of Winnipeg,” said Charles Duncan, President of Swoop. “The return of our non-stop service to popular sun destinations, like Phoenix-Mesa plays an important role in our commitment to meeting the demand for ultra-low-cost fares in Winnipeg, while supporting the rebound of air travel in the region.” Today’s departure signals a significant milestone for Swoop and Winnipeg Airport Authority, with flight WO 728 marking the first international departure from Winnipeg to a sun destination since the onset of the pandemic. “Swoop reintroducing non-stop flights between Winnipeg and Phoenix-Mesa represents an important milestone for our community,” said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “The return of this service marks the first flights to a winter sun destination available out of Winnipeg Richardson International Airport since the onset of the pandemic. We are excited to see this popular route return to help meet demand within the Winnipeg market and kickstart the winter travel season at the airport.” Swoop is a Canadian ultra low-cost carrier owned by WestJet. It was officially announced on September 27, 2017, and began flights on June 20, 2018. The airline is based in Calgary and was named after WestJet’s desire to “swoop” into the Canadian market with a new business model.

The Australian government had come up with one of the toughest responses to the pandemic, shutting down its international borders 18 months ago.International flights from Singapore and Los Angeles, USA were first to land in Sydney.Some 1,500 passengers were expected to fly into Sydney and Melbourne during the first day of eased restrictions Fully vaccinated Australian citizens have been greenlighted by Australia’s government authorities to travel abroad freely without a special permit or the need to quarantine on arrival, starting November 1. The country has relaxed its severe international border restrictions today, allowing many families to reunite after almost 600 days apart and prompting emotional scenes at airports in Sydney and Melbourne. The move comes as much of Australia switches from the so-called COVID-zero pandemic-management strategy to living with the virus amid a large-scale vaccination drive. Over 77% of those 16 and older in the country of 25.9 million have received both shots of the jab so far, the health ministry said. The Australian government had come up with one of the toughest responses to the pandemic, shutting down its international borders 18 months ago. Both citizens and foreign travelers have been barred from entering or exiting the country without an exemption. The move separated families and friends, leaving many Australians unable to attend important events, weddings or funerals. Early on Monday, the flights from Singapore and Los Angeles were first to land in Sydney, Australia. Arriving passengers said that their journey was “a little bit scary and exciting” and described the final feeling of being able to return home after all this time as “surreal.”

Qatar Airways has moved its services to Moscow from Domodedovo Airport to Sheremetyevo International Airport.The move to Sheremetyevo Airport sees the debut of Qatar Airways’ QSuite on the route.Qatar Airways continues to rebuild its network, which currently stands at over 140 destinations. Qatar Airways’ first flight to Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) touched down on October 31, 2021. The airline has moved its services to Moscow from Domodedovo Airport to Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) and is now operating its multi-award winning Qsuite in Business Class on the route. QSuite is the industry’s first-ever double bed in Business Class, featuring privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room, a first of its kind in the industry. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “As the Qsuite makes its debut on our Moscow route, passengers can look forward to an unforgettable journey in the World’s Best Business Class, to many destinations. “With our growing network, we can offer passengers from Sheremetyevo seamless connectivity to popular destinations in Asia, Africa, Middle East and the Americas, and top sunshine getaways like Maldives, Seychelles and Zanzibar via the ‘Best Airport in the World 2021’, Hamad International Airport (HIA).” Mikhail Vasilenko, Director General of JSC Sheremetyevo International Airport, said: “Sheremetyevo International Airport heartily welcomes Qatar Airways, and we especially value the highest levels of service and legendary hospitality provided by the airline to its customers. Travellers will definitely appreciate this new route from Moscow to Doha and the opportunity to travel to more than 140 remarkable destinations around the world. In turn, Sheremetyevo International Airport is ready to provide Qatar Airways’ passengers with the most modern amenities, world-class service at 5-star Skytrax level, and the best quality of customer care to be found among Europe’s largest airports.” Qatar Airways continues to rebuild its network, which currently stands at over 140 destinations. From October 6, Russia officially entered the green list for travelling to visit Qatar after the Sputnik V vaccine was accepted by the Qatari Ministry of Health.

Tonga’s government will announce on Monday whether the island will be placed under a national lockdown.There was one COVID-19 case among 215 passengers who arrived from the city of Christchurch.About 31 percent of Tonga’s population are fully vaccinated and 48 percent have had at least one dose. Tongan officials announced that Tonga is no longer coronavirus-free after a passenger from a flight from Christchurch, New Zealand tested positive for COVID-19 virus. This is the first COVID-19 infection recorded in the Polynesian kingdom since the beginning of the global coronavirus pandemic. In today’s radio address, Tonga’s Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa confirmed that there was one COVID-19 case among 215 passengers who arrived from the city of Christchurch. Tu’i’onetoa said the government was planning to make an announcement on Monday on whether a national lockdown will be imposed. Meanwhile, the prime minister demanded all Tongans abide by physical distancing and to follow coronavirus-related regulations. According to Tonga‘s health ministry’s chief executive Siale ‘Akau’ola, the health workers, police and the entire staff working at the Fua’amotu airport when the Christchurch flight arrived were placed under quarantine. He added that all those working near the flight had been vaccinated. Christchurch flight passengers included seasonal workers and members of Tonga’s Olympic team. Tonga is located northeast of New Zealand, and is home to about 106,000 people. About 31% of Tongans are fully vaccinated and 48% have had at least one dose, according to research group Our World in Data. Tonga is among the few remaining nations in the world that have avoided outbreaks of COVID-19. Like many of its neighbors, Tonga’s isolation has helped keep it safe but it faces big challenges should the virus take hold due to its under-resourced health system. The nearby nation of Fiji avoided significant outbreaks until April, when the Delta variant of the coronavirus ripped through the island chain, infecting more than 50,000 people and killing at least 673.

United Airlines announces five new flights from four US cities to London Heathrow Airport.United Airlines to offer 22 flights per day to London, United Kingdom by Spring of 2022.Once service begins, United will offer more flights between New York City and London than any other U.S. carrier. United Airlines today announced it is adding five new flights to London’s Heathrow Airport, including two more flights from New York/Newark, additional trips from both Denver and San Francisco, as well as an all-new direct flight from Boston. The new service begins in March of 2022 and with these additions, United will be the only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service between the nation’s top seven business markets and London. United will offer 22 flights per day from the U.S. to London, and more flights between New York City and London than any other U.S. carrier. London was the most booked international destination for United’s business customers in October, and the airline expects this trend to continue into 2022. “For nearly 30 years, United has provided a critical link between the U.S. and London, maintaining service throughout the pandemic and strategically growing our schedule to keep our customers in these key global business centers connected,” said Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of international network and alliances at United Airlines. “London is an integral part of United’s network and we remain confident demand will continue to grow, particularly as international business travel returns in 2022.” These new flights build on United’s largest–ever trans–Atlantic expansion announced earlier this month. United currently operates a total of seven flights to Heathrow from the U.S.: two daily flights from New York/Newark and Washington D.C., and one daily flight from Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco. In December, service will increase to 10 daily flights, with additional flights from New York/Newark and Chicago, just in time for the winter holidays.  The five new flights will make hopping across the pond easier and more comfortable for both leisure and business travelers, as United Airlines will: Begin brand-new, daily flights from Boston operated with United’s premium Boeing 767300ER, which features 46 United Polaris business class seats and 22 United Premium Plus® premium economy seats.Resume daily flights from Denver and add a second daily flight operated by a Boeing 787-9.Add sixth and seventh daily flights from New York/Newark, each of which will be operated by United’s premium Boeing 767-300ER and allow for hourly service in the evening.Add a third daily flight from San Francisco operated by a Boeing 787-9.Resume daily service to London from Los Angeles.

EgyptAir flight MS729 has returned to Cairo airport due to a threatening message from unknown person.The aircraft returned to the airport of departure 22 minutes after the takeoff and landed safely.The Airbus A220 passenger aircraft en route from Cairo to Moscow sounded an alarm over the Mediterranean Sea. EgyptAir flight MS 729, traveling from Cairo to Moscow, Russia, was forced to return to Cairo Airport after a threatening message was discovered on one of the seats in the main cabin. “The flight MS 729 has returned due to a threatening message from an unknown person left on one of the aircraft seats,” EgyptAir said in a statement. “The aircraft returned to the airport of departure 22 minutes later and landed safely, all the necessary measures are being taken.” The Airbus A220 passenger aircraft en route from Cairo to Moscow sounded an alarm about half an hour after its departure, being already over the Mediterranean Sea. After that, the plane has returned to Cairo airport. According to airline sources, such incidents occur several times a year. As a general rule, such messages turn out to be someone’s prank. However, according to the rules of the airlines, the plane has to land in any case. Upon landing, the aircraft would be carefully checked in line with safety rules, passengers and their luggage would be screened, and then they would be put on another flight.

United announces new shuttle schedule between Newark Liberty and Reagan National airports starting on October 31 with dual-class CRJ-550.United now making 32 trips per day between NYC-area and D.C., a 78% increase and the most flights of any airline.All United’s flights from NYC will now be operated by dual class aircraft, including the new 737 MAX-8 and CRJ-550 jet. United Airlines is making travel between New York City and Washington D.C. easier and more convenient, announcing today it will launch new nearly hourly shuttle service between New York/Newark Liberty International Airport and Reagan National Airport on Oct. 31, and is adding five new flights between LaGuardia Airport and Washington Dulles Airport. In total, United Airlines will operate about 32 flights each day between the NYC and D.C. areas, a 78% increase and the most flights of any other airline. United Airlines is also giving all of its New York City customers an upgrade: starting October 31, all of the airline’s departures from New York/Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport will include a first-class option, including the 737 MAX-8 and the CRJ-550 – the world’s first 50-seat regional jet with first-class seats and amenities. United will now offer over 7,000 premium seats to customers in New York City, more than any other airline, and the most in the airline’s history. “By flying spacious, modern planes out of the New York City area, we’re not only giving our customers more flexibility and choice but we’re also delivering a reliable, premium experience overall,” said Ankit Gupta, Senior Vice President of Domestic Planning and United Express. “Our customers who regularly travel between Washington, D.C., and New York have told us they value convenience and comfort above all else, and United is committed to providing the high level of service they’re asking for.” United’s CRJ-550 is the world’s first 50-seat regional aircraft designed to offer first class seats and amenities. Originally designed to seat 70 plus passengers, United’s CRJ-550 configuration maximizes customer comfort. United’s new shuttle service between New York/Newark Liberty International Airport and Reagan National Airport will operate seven days a week, with 18 flights offering nearly hourly service between 6AM and 10PM, more frequency than any other airline. United Airlines will also operate five daily flights between New York/Newark Liberty International Airport and Washington Dulles Airport. The new flights between LaGuardia Airport and Washington Dulles Airport will bring the daily flight count to nine and provide consistent service seven days a week between 6AM and 10PM.

The Biden Administration announced a new international air travel policy that is stringent, consistent across the globe, and guided by public health.Starting on November 8, foreign national air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the United States,Fully vaccinated air travelers will continue to be required to show documentation of a pre-departure negative viral test from a sample taken within three days of travel to the United States before boarding. As of November 8 the United States is changing the requirements for leisure and business travelers to enter the US. The United States Department of State released new COVID-19 Vaccinations and Testing for International Travel guidelines today. The Biden Administration announced a new international air travel policy that is stringent, consistent across the globe, and guided by public health. Starting on November 8, foreign national air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the United States, with only limited exceptions. The CDC has determined that for the purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include those FDA approved or authorized, as well as vaccines with an emergency use listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO).  See cdc.gov for more details. Fully vaccinated air travelers will continue to be required to show documentation of a pre-departure negative viral test from a sample taken within three days of travel to the United States before boarding. That includes all travelers – U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and foreign nationals. To further strengthen protections, unvaccinated travelers – whether U.S. citizens, LPRs, or the small number of excepted unvaccinated foreign nationals – will now need to show documentation of a negative viral test from a sample taken within one day of travel to the United States. Both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated should travel with proof of their vaccination status to provide to their airline prior to departure to the United States. That proof of vaccination should be a paper or digital record issued by an official source and should include the traveler’s name and date of birth, as well as the vaccine product and date(s) of administration for all doses the traveler received. For foreign nationals, proof of vaccination will be required – with very limited exceptions – prior to departure to the United States. While vaccination proof is not required for U.S. citizens and LPRs, fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and LPRs (and their dependents) will continue to be able to show documentation of a negative viral test from a sample taken up to three days before departure to the United States. They must present proof of vaccination to qualify for the 3-day test window. U.S. citizens and LPRs who are unable to show that they are fully vaccinated will have to show documentation of a negative viral test taken no more than one day before departure. In addition to verifying proof of a pre-departure negative test result – which they have done since January 2021 – airlines will now also verify vaccination status. Passengers will need to show their vaccination status, either via a paper record, a photo of their paper record, or a digital app. The airlines will need to: Match the name and date of birth to confirm the passenger is the same person reflected on the proof of vaccination;Determine that the record was issued by an official source (e.g., public health agency, government agency) in the country where the vaccine was given;Review the essential information for determining if the passenger meets CDC’s definition for fully vaccinated such as vaccine product, number of vaccine doses received, date(s) of administration, site (e.g., vaccination clinic, healthcare facility) of vaccination. Children under 18 are exempted from the vaccination requirement for foreign national travelers, given both the ineligibility of some younger children for vaccination, as well as the global variability in access to vaccination for older children who are eligible to be vaccinated. Travelers must show documentation of a negative viral COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the past 90 days before boarding a plane to the United States (or before boarding the first flight in a series of connections booked on the same itinerary to the United States). Both nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), such as a PCR test, and antigen tests qualify. A self-test can be used if it meets the requirements of the order including real-time proctoring by a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test and that generates a test result that can be reviewed by the airline before boarding. This is the same standard for qualifying tests that has applied to the pre-departure testing requirement since January. The test must be administered no more than three calendar days before the date of the international flight to the United States. So, if a traveler is departing for the United States at 10 PM on January 19, they would have to present a negative test result for a test that was taken any time after 12:01 AM on January 16. Previously, all travelers were required to show a negative test result within three days of travel to the United States. For those U.S. citizens and LPRs who can show they are fully vaccinated, that requirement remains the same – they have to show documentation of a negative test result from a sample taken within three days of travel. That means that all fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and LPRs traveling to the United States should be prepared to present documentation of their vaccination status alongside their negative test result. Those U.S. citizens and LPRs who cannot demonstrate proof of full vaccination will now have to show documentation of a negative test from a sample taken within one day of departure. The easiest way to avoid having to meet this tougher requirement is for travelers to get vaccinated. We believe the overwhelming majority of international travelers will already be fully vaccinated and those who aren’t already and are eligible should get vaccinated before traveling. Over-the-counter proctored tests are widely available in the United States, so U.S. citizens traveling abroad can bring a proctored test kit with them upon departure from the U.S. that they can take before returning home. And we are confident that there will be sufficient supply globally as well. However, there is also a waiver process in place from the pre-departure testing requirement when a suitable test is not available.

A highlight of the discussion was the possibility of introducing a special service between Dubai and Jamaica, in celebration of Jamaica Day at Expo 2020, Dubai in February 2022.There was also a productive discussion around tourism and airline recovery prospects.Further discussions are anticipated to enable a more fulsome engagement of the Emirates and other partners in the Middle East. A major element of the wide-ranging discussion was the possibility of introducing a special service between Dubai and Jamaica, in celebration of Jamaica Day at Expo 2020, Dubai in February 2022. “We agreed to explore the feasibility of arranging this flight, details of which are to be worked out as soon as possible. There was also a productive discussion around tourism and airline recovery prospects and the positive V-shape pattern being experienced by Jamaica and Dubai,” said Bartlett.  He anticipates further discussions in the context of multi-destination strategies being formulated in the northern Caribbean to enable a more fulsome engagement of the Emirates and other partners in the Middle East. Emirates is the largest airline in the UAE, and the Middle East overall, operating over 3,600 flights per week. While in the UAE, Minister Bartlett and his team also met with the country’s Tourism Authority to discuss collaboration on tourism investment from the region; Middle East tourism initiatives; and gateway access for North Africa and Asia and facilitation of airlift. There were also meetings with executives of EMAAR, arguably the largest and most prestigious hospitality and Real Estate/Community developer in the Middle East; DP World, one of the world’s largest port and marine logistics companies; DNATA, the single largest tour operator in the UAE and TRACT, a powerful tour operator in India. “The round of marketing activities my team and I had with the key tourism and logistics partners in the UAE, were very fruitful.  This will undoubtedly result in the process of securing new investments, markets and gateways from the Middle East, Asia/Asia Minor and Africa to Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean,” Minister Bartlett explained.  From the UAE, Minister Bartlett will head to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he will speak at the 5th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII). This year’s FII will include in-depth conversations about new global investment opportunities, analysis of industry trends, and unparalleled networking among CEOs, world leaders, and experts. He will be joined by Senator, Hon. Aubyn Hill in his capacity as Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), with responsibility for Water, Land, Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs), the Special Economic Zone Authority of Jamaica and special projects. Minister Bartlett will return to the island on Saturday, November 6, 2021.

European travelers can now book a much-deserved winter break from one of Ryanair’s new winter routes to Amman or Aqaba.This includes exciting destinations like Madrid, Paris-Beauvais, Poznan, Rome-Ciampino, and Vienna.To celebrate, Ryanair has launched a JOD 17 (€19.99) seat sale for travel until the end of March 2022, which must be booked by midnight Wednesday, October 27. Ryanair’s Amman W21 schedule will deliver: •             16 routes in total •             5 new routes from Madrid, Paris-Beauvais, Poznan, Rome-Ciampino and Vienna •             Over 370 on-site jobs Ryanair’s Aqaba W21 schedule will deliver: •             6 routes in total •             1 new route from Vienna •             Over 50 on-site jobs European travelers can now book a much-deserved winter break from one of Ryanair’s new winter routes to Amman or Aqaba, including exciting destinations like Madrid, Paris-Beauvais, Poznan, Rome-Ciampino, and Vienna. To celebrate, Ryanair has launched a JOD 17 (€19.99) seat sale for travel until the end of March 2022, which must be booked by midnight Wednesday, October 27, on Ryanair.com. Speaking from Amman, Ryanair’s Director of Commercial, Jason McGuinness, said: “As Europe’s largest airline, we are delighted to announce our largest ever schedule to Jordan, further strengthening the long-standing cooperation between Ryanair and the Jordan Tourism Board. As Ryanair takes delivery of 55 additional Boeing B737-8200 ‘Gamechanger’ aircraft this Winter, we are delighted to announce six new routes (22 total) to Amman and Aqaba, which demonstrates Ryanair’s ability to rapidly rebuild tourism in Jordan. “Jordanian tourism will recover strongly this Winter 2021, and Ryanair who will be at the forefront of this, are pleased to announce our largest Winter schedule to Jordan – operating flights to 22 routes across 14 countries, allowing Ryanair customers to experience the Wonder of Petra or valleys of Wadi Rum.  “To celebrate we are launching a seat sale to celebrate our Winter routes to Jordan, with fares available from just JOD 17 (€19.99) for travel until the end of March 2022, which must be booked by midnight Wednesday, October 27, 2021. “Since these amazing low fares will be snapped up quickly, customers should log onto www.ryanair.com to avoid missing out.” Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, Dr. Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, stated regarding broadening the prospects for cooperation between the two parties: “Signing of this Agreement by the JTB and Ryanair and reaching a total of 22 routes in Jordan will increase the numbers of tourists, producing sustainable tourism solutions that will be received by all governorates throughout the Kingdom. It will also promote the diverse Jordanian tourism sector and local communities by creating new employment opportunities for those in the sector. “With the addition of these new six routes, there will be an increase in the number of tourists to the Kingdom with an average of 39,000 tourists for the upcoming Winter and Summer season, which will in effect have pronounced positive financial impact on all other tourism sectors.”

Radixx, a Sabre company and leading airline retailing software provider, today announced the company has entered into an agreement for the full Radixx product suite with TOKI AIR, a start-up low-cost carrier based in Japan’s port city, Niigata. TOKI AIR will initially focus its strategy on the regional leisure market with flights originating out of Niigata Airport to major domestic destinations within Japan.   TOKI AIR chose Radixx as its technology partner due to its established presence within Japan as well as its ability to meet the airline’s implementation timeline.  As part of the engagement, TOKI AIR will take advantage of the full Radixx product suite including Radixx ezyCommerce, Radixx Res, Radixx Go, Radixx Go Touch, and Radixx Insight. The adoption of the full suite will enable the airline to launch sales with the most modern solutions and drive efficiencies from the start of operation.   “We were impressed by each of the product demos that we saw in regard to response times and automated processes that will help establish our airline operations,” said Masaki Hasegawa, Representative director, TOKI AIR. “We are grateful to the Sabre and Radixx team for their commitment to meet our implementation time. We believe that their existing footprint in Japan along with their breadth of products has allowed us to establish an exciting path forward with Sabre and the Radixx product suite as our chosen technology partner.”   To showcase its e-commerce offers, TOKI AIR will use Radixx ezyCommerce internet booking engine including a fully integrated Travel Agency Portal which will be used by local travel agents. TOKI AIR will maintain a high level of control over their online branding and offers using the Radixx ezyCommerce Content Management System.   TOKI AIR will go live on the Radixx Res passenger services system designed to optimize retailing strategies and conversion, with retailing built in the core, enabling centralized management of flight and value-added services.  It is this centralized logic that will allow the airline to quickly setup fare and ancillary offers as well as automate processes that enable efficiency. The modern, intuitive interface supports their need for double-byte characters, enhancing the agent experience.    Radixx Go departure services suite and Radixx Go Touch mobile solutions will enable TOKI AIR to evolve its check-in operations at the airport and easily expand capacity during peak season using roaming agents. Together, the departure services desktop and mobile solutions will help create an efficient airport experience for travelers.   TOKI AIR will use Radixx Insight reporting and analytics tool to proactively make swift and meaningful business decisions in real-time.   “We are thrilled to further expand our valued partnerships in Japan and welcome TOKI AIR to the Sabre and Radixx community,” said Chris Collins, senior vice president and general manager for Radixx. “We are proud to provide their airline with our industry-leading technology and are deeply committed to facilitating a seamless implementation and go live for their airline.”   Together, Sabre and Radixx’s robust travel platform will provide the airline a one-stop shop in offer and order management through fulfillment and post-flight operations.  TOKI AIR operated a test flight from Tokyo Narita Airport to Sado Airport on May 24, 2021. TOKI AIR plans to launch sales in March 2022 and commence flight operations towards the middle of 2022. The airline also plans to expand its cargo business with ATR Cargo Flex aircraft.   About Sabre CorporationSabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfilment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveler experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre’s technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world. For more information visit www.sabre.com.  About Radixx  Founded in 1993, Radixx, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, combines an innovative technology approach with unique partnership models enabling airlines of all sizes and business models to be effective retailers and efficient operators. Radixx caters to LCC and ULCC airlines, including the support of GDS distribution. Radixx offers a world-class Internet Booking Engine, Radixx ezyCommerce™, a cloud-based Passenger Services System, Radixx Res™, and a leading Departure Services Suite, Radixx Go™, uniquely designed to enable airlines to increase their profitability and maximize productivity through expanded distribution services. Since 2016, Radixx has delivered its sixth-generation, micro-services-based passenger services system. For more information on Radixx, please visit www.radixx.com.  About TOKI AIR   Established in 2020, TOKI AIR is a low-cost carrier jointly established by the Niigata Chamber of Commerce and Niigata Association of Corporate Executives. The new airline is expected to operate ATR aircraft to attractive routes such as Kansai area, Nagoya, Sendai, and Sapporo. TOKI AIR plans to commence operations in 2022. And TOKI AIR plans new route connected SADO-island and Tokyo. 

The proof-of-vaccination certificate will have a Canadian identifying mark and meets major international smart health card standards.The document will include a person’s name, date of birth and COVID-19 vaccine history — including which doses a person received and when they were inoculated.Canadians will not be able to board a plane for foreign or domestic travel without a proof-of-vaccination certificate beginning November 30. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today that a new standardized COVID-19 vaccination travel certificate is being launched by the country’s government. “As Canadians look to start travelling again, there will be a standardized proof-of-vaccination certificate,” Trudeau said, urging Canadians who have not done so to get vaccinated as soon as possible. “We can end this pandemic and get back to the things we love.” The national government will pay for rolling out the standardized vaccination passport, Trudeau said. “We will picking up the tab.” In Canada, healthcare is largely delivered by provincial governments and mostly financed by the national government, sometimes leading to political squabbles about jurisdiction and who pays for what. Some provinces, including Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and all three northern territories, have already started using the national standard for a proof-of-vaccination certificate, Trudeau said. New digital travel document, dubbed Vaccine Passport, will have a QR code for scanning at airports, train stations and other points of entry.

Antigen test would be offered to outgoing air travelers whose countries accept approved rapid testing upon return from international destinations.The Federation has removed the exit testing requirement for travelers whose countries of origin do not require return testing. The exit tests will be taken at the visitors “Travel Approved” hotel or accommodation solely by a Ministry of Health approved health professional. St. Kitts & Nevis announced yesterday, October 20, 2021, that the Antigen test would be offered to outgoing air travelers whose countries accept approved rapid testing upon return from international destinations. The Federation has removed the exit testing requirement for travelers whose countries of origin do not require return testing.  The exit tests will be taken at the visitors “Travel Approved” hotel or accommodation solely by a Ministry of Health approved health professional 48 – 72 hours prior to departure, with samples tested in a certified local lab. Scheduling of the test must be through the hotel concierge at the respective “Travel Approved” hotels; travelers staying in villas, condos and/or private homes are advised to contact the COVID-19 taskforce hotline 311 or [email protected] to schedule their test. Please note the tests are at the traveler’s cost with cost ranging between USD 50.00 and USD 55.00. Approved labs at this time are: The Joseph N. France Laboratory; Next Gen Laboratory; Avalon Laboratory and Quality Diagnostics.  For entry into entry into the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis, all Travel Protocols and Requirements remain in place, including the submission of negative test results from an RT PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival. Visitors are reminded to regularly check the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and Nevis Tourism Authority websites for updates and information. 

Offered for terms of five and seven-and-a-half years, the note was issued in four tranches. Due to strong demand, the total issue volume was raised markedly from the initially envisaged volume of €200 million.Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen and UniCredit Bank AG acted as the joint lead arranger for Fraport’s note loan issue. Fraport AG successfully placed a promissory note totaling €500 million today (October 21). Offered for terms of five and seven-and-a-half years, the note was issued in four tranches. Due to strong demand from German and international investors, the total issue volume was raised markedly from the initially envisaged volume of €200 million. The issue was made at the lower end of the price spread. Fraport AG’s executive board member for finance and controlling (CFO), Prof. Dr. Matthias Zieschang, said: “We are very pleased with the extremely high demand from investors for our promissory note. This is another clear vote of confidence in the Fraport Group. Moreover, it confirms that we are on the right track. Thanks to our consistent liquidity management, we have surmounted the peak of the coronavirus pandemic – and we will also be able to make the necessary investments for the future.” Today’s promissory note issue increases the amount of new financing raised by Fraport AG during 2021 to nearly €2.9 billion. Thus, the Group now has a total of about €4.5 billion in liquidity funds as well as secured and unused credit lines.  Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen and UniCredit Bank AG acted as the joint lead arranger for Fraport’s note loan issue.

Total demand for air travel in September 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 53.4% compared to September 2019. This marked an uptick from August, when demand was 56.0% below August 2019 levels.Domestic markets were down 24.3% compared to September 2019, a significant improvement from August 2021, when traffic was down 32.6% versus two years ago. All markets showed improvement with the exception of Japan and Russia, although the latter remained in solid growth territory compared to 2019. International passenger demand in September was 69.2% below September 2019, fractionally worse than the 68.7% decline recorded in August.  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a moderate rebound in air travel in September 2021 compared to August’s performance. This was driven by recovery in domestic markets, in particular China, where some travel curbs were lifted following the COVID-19 outbreaks in August. International demand, meanwhile, slipped slightly compared to the previous month.  Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to September 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern. Total demand for air travel in September 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 53.4% compared to September 2019. This marked an uptick from August, when demand was 56.0% below August 2019 levels.   Domestic markets were down 24.3% compared to September 2019, a significant improvement from August 2021, when traffic was down 32.6% versus two years ago. All markets showed improvement with the exception of Japan and Russia, although the latter remained in solid growth territory compared to 2019. International passenger demand in September was 69.2% below September 2019, fractionally worse than the 68.7% decline recorded in August.  “September’s performance is a positive development but recovery in international traffic remains stalled amid continuing border closures and quarantine mandates. The recent US policy change to reopen travel from 33 markets for fully vaccinated foreigners from 8 November is a welcome, if long overdue, development. Along with recent re-openings in other key markets like Australia, Argentina, Thailand, and Singapore this should give a boost to the large-scale restoration of the freedom to travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.  International Passenger Markets European carriers’ September international traffic declined 56.9% versus September 2019, down 1 percentage point compared to the 55.9% decrease in August versus the same month in 2019. Capacity dropped 46.3% and load factor fell 17.2 percentage points to 69.6%. Asia-Pacific airlines saw their September international traffic fall 93.2% compared to September 2019, virtually unchanged from the 93.4% drop registered in August 2021 versus August 2019 as the region continues to have the strictest border control measures. Capacity dropped 85.2% and the load factor was down 42.3 percentage points to 36.2%, easily the lowest among regions. Middle Eastern airlines had a 67.1% demand drop in September compared to September 2019, slightly improved over the 68.9% decrease in August, versus the same month in 2019. Capacity declined 52.6%, and load factor slipped 23.1 percentage points to 52.2%.  North American carriers experienced a 61.0% traffic drop in September versus the 2019 period, somewhat improved on the 59.3% decline in August compared to August 2019. Capacity dropped 47.6%, and load factor fell 21.3 percentage points to 61.9%. Latin American airlines saw a 61.3% drop in September traffic, compared to the same month in 2019, an upturn over the 62.6% decline in August compared to August 2019. September capacity fell 55.6% and load factor dropped 10.7 percentage points to 72.0%, which was the highest load factor among the regions for the 12th consecutive month.  African airlines’ traffic fell 62.2% in September versus two years’ ago, almost 4 percentage points worse than the 58.5% decline in August compared to August 2019. September capacity was down 49.3% and load factor declined 18.4 percentage points to 53.7%. Domestic Passenger Markets September 2021 (% chg vs the same month in 2019)World shareRPKASKPLF (%-pt)PLF (level)Domestic54.2%-24.3%-14.7%-9.3%73.0%Australia0.7%-80.3%-71.2%-26.2%56.2%Brazil1.6%-17.3%-16.8%-0.5%81.2%China P.R.19.9%-26.2%-10.5%-14.6%68.9%India2.1%-41.3%-30.5%-13.4%72.4%Japan1.4%-65.5%-34.5%-36.7%40.9%Russian Fed.3.4%29.3%33.3%-2.6%83.1%US16.6%-12.8%-5.5%-6.5%76.1% Brazil’s domestic market sustained its gradual recovery amid positive vaccination progress. Traffic was down 17.3% compared to September 2019 – improved from a 20.7% fall in August.  Japan’s September domestic traffic was down 65.5%, worsened from a 59.2% decline in August versus August 2019, owing to the impact of restrictions. The Bottom Line “Each re-opening announcement seems to come with similar but different rules. We cannot let the recovery get bogged down in complication. The ICAO High Level Conference on COVID-19 agreed that harmonization should be a priority. The G20 declared a commitment to take action to support a recovery with seamless travel, sustainability, and digitalization. Now governments must put actions behind these words to realize simple and effective measures. People, jobs, businesses and economies are counting on real progress,” said Walsh. IATA’s vision for safely re-establishing global connectivity is based on five key principles: Vaccines should be available to all as quickly as possible.Vaccinated travelers should not face any barriers to travel.Testing should enable those without access to vaccines to travel without quarantine.Antigen tests are the key to cost-effective and convenient testing regimes.Governments should pay for testing, so it does not become an economic barrier to travel.

Heavy fog disrupts flights from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports.More than one hundred flights were grounded at Moscow’s main airports by dense fog today.Airports cited low visibility conditions as reason for dozens of flight delays and cancellations. Over 100 flights have been canceled or delayed at Moscow’s main airports due to heavy fog. Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports announced dozens of flights delays and cancellations by noon, due to a dense fog covering Russia’s capital city. In Sheremetyevo, more than 30 flights were delayed (as of 11:50 Moscow time), in Domodedovo – more than 25 flights (as of 12:15 Moscow time), in Vnukovo – up to 47 flights (as of 12:10 Moscow time). It was also reported that at least 20 planes were redirected to an alternate airfield, including at Domodedovo. “On November 2 (as of 12:10 Moscow time) 47 flights were delayed (for more than an hour) in Vnukovo due to low visibility conditions,” the airport said. “From 00:00 to 12:15 the airport served about 120 flights for arrivals and departures. 16 flights were redirected to Domodedovo from other airports of the Moscow air hub, 23 flights went to alternate airfields,” the press service of Domodedovo reported. In the morning, the Federal Air Transport Service reported that over 30 flights had been redirected to alternate airfields in Moscow over the past night. On the night of November 1-2, a dense fog covered Moscow. According to Hydrometeorological Center of Russia, the fog in the capital is of a natural origin and arose as a result of a sharp cooling of the air. It is expected to disperse by 2:00 pm in Moscow and by 3:00 pm in the Moscow region.

Jamaica Tourism is carving out new markets in the Middle East that will give connectivity to Africa, Asia and Asia Minor.In discussions with Saudia Airlines there is an understanding that the ambition is for engagement by summer 2022.The broader strategy is to have Jamaica become the hub for connectivity from the Middle East to the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and areas of North America. This announcement follows Minister Bartlett’s recent travels to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to explore investment opportunities and boost tourism travel to Jamaica. “The last two weeks have been very eventful for us in trying to carve out the new markets in the Middle East that will give us the connectivity to Africa, Asia and Asia Minor. We have had discussions in Dubai and in Riyadh. The discussions with Saudia Airlines are well advanced and we’ve had an understanding that there is an ambition for engagement by summer of 2022,” said the Tourism Minister. “The details of that arrangement are being worked out with Saudia and another carrier that will make the possibility for connectivity easier and more seamless in the short run. So we are very excited about seeing the Middle Eastern gateway opening to Jamaica,” he added. Minister Bartlett noted that the broader strategy is to have Jamaica become the hub for connectivity from the Middle East through to the Caribbean, Central America, South America and areas of North America. This will position Jamaica as being central to air connectivity between the East and West. “We are very confident that we will see results from this in short order as both airlines that we have spoken to have shown a strong appetite for the Caribbean and, more so, Latin America,” he said. Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia. It is the third largest in the Middle East in terms of revenue, behind Emirates and Qatar Airways. It operates domestic and international flights to over 85 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

A direct weekly flight from Montreal will be operated to resume service to Martinique with a two-class B737 aircraft of 169 seats.This proves how much Martinique and the whole French West Indies are important for us at Air Canada.This strategic route will be operated up to five times a week on a new generation Boeing-737 aircraft.  Air Canada returned to Martinique starting October 30, following several months of interruption of service due to the pandemic.   A direct weekly flight from Montreal (YUL) will be operated to resume service to Martinique with a two-class Boeing 737 aircraft of 169 seats, all equipped with individual touch-sensitive screens that grant access to a full entertainment system, including movies, documentaries, music, and games. « We are delighted to come back to Martinique” stated Alexandre LEFEVRE, Air Canada’s Senior Director network planning. “This proves how much Martinique and the whole French West Indies are important for us at Air Canada, as we have established strong relationships in the region for over 45 years now. As much as Martinique is a popular sun destination for Quebecers, Quebec is an appealing destination for Martinicans looking for leisure, high education, and business opportunities. This strategic route will be operated up to five times a week on a new generation Boeing-737 aircraft. We are looking forward to welcoming you on board.” Air service to Fort-de-France will be provided in strict accordance with sanitary measures, to ensure the safest stay in the Isle of Flowers. 

The recovery of tourism in Lapland will benefit from new easyJet’s international routes.Italy is a significant market for Lapland’s Christmas season.Earlier, easyJet launched a route from London Gatwick to Rovaniemi in 2018. Swiss low-cost airline easyJet has announced two weekly flights (Wednesday, Sunday) from Milan, Italy to Rovaniemi, Finland, starting from 19th of December 2021. The winter route will offer flights till 9th of January 2022.  Earlier, easyJet launched a route from London Gatwick to Rovaniemi in 2018. “We are truly pleased for the newly announced route by easyJet. These new connections opened for high demand state, just how interesting Rovaniemi and Lapland are as magical winter destinations. Italy is a significant market for our Christmas season,” states Sanna Kärkkäinen the Managing Director of Visit Rovaniemi. The recovery of tourism in Lapland will benefit from these newly opened routes, Kärkkäinen sums up. Visit Rovaniemi previously announced a new flight route opening by Air France, consisting of two weekly flights starting from 4th of December 2021, offering flights till 5th of March 2022. Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, in northern Finland. The city is known for being the “official” home town of Santa Claus, and for viewing the Northern Lights.  EasyJet plc, styled as easyJet, is a British multinational low-cost airline group headquartered at London Luton Airport. It operates domestic and international scheduled services on over 1,000 routes in more than 30 countries via its affiliate airlines EasyJet UK, EasyJet Switzerland, and EasyJet Europe.

Southwest does not condone Employees sharing their personal political opinions while on the job serving customers.Some called on the Federal Aviation Administration to get involved and check the pilot’s mental health.The airline also had its fair share of criticism from conservatives, for allegedly “cowering to the left-wing mob.” A viral phrase used to insult US President Joe Biden has triggered an internal investigation by the Southwest Airlines. Dallas-based carrier announced that it has launched an internal probe after one of its pilots signed off with a ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ phrase though the loudspeaker. “Southwest does not condone Employees sharing their personal political opinions while on the job serving our Customers, and one Employee’s individual perspective should not be interpreted as the viewpoint of Southwest and its collective 54,000 Employees,” Southwest Airlines said in a statement yesterday. The controversy was caused by reports that a pilot on a Southwest Airlines flight from Houston, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico on Friday said, ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ though the loudspeaker – a recent right-wing conservative meme that has become code for obscenity directed at current Democratic US President Joe Biden. According to AP reporter Colleen Long, who happened to be on that flight, she was almost removed after trying to ask the pilot about using the phrase.  The airline’s seemingly feeble response to the incident had many calling for the pilot to be publicly identified and fired, while others called for boycotts of the airline as a whole. Some went as far as to compare voicing anti-Joe Biden remarks to declaring allegiance with terrorists. Southwest’s promise to address the situation directly with the employee in question, following an internal probe, triggered even more backlash and demands for a much stronger statement and concrete action. Some even called on the Federal Aviation Administration to get involved and check the pilot’s mental health. Southwest Airline also had its fair share of criticism from conservatives, for allegedly “cowering to the left-wing mob.”

A mandatory vaccination policy requires all active airline employees to be fully vaccinated.Employees will be strongly encouraged to wear a face mask whenever outside of their personal workspaces or when interacting with others.All visitors and anyone entering company buildings are required to be fully vaccinated. Air Canada said today that it has enacted a Return to the Workplace Plan to transition employees working remotely safely back into the workplace, beginning November 15. The plan, developed in compliance with Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines, uses a hybrid approach combining on-site and remote work options to give employees flexibility and confidence as they return to their pre-pandemic work routines. “While frontline employees at Air Canada have attended work running the operation throughout the pandemic, for which I thank and commend them, since March 2020 a significant number have worked remotely pursuant to Federal Public Health directives. Now, with caseloads falling nationally, Air Canada‘s mandatory workplace vaccination policy, and other company health measures, it is possible for people to begin a structured return to the office and safely resume a more normal work life. Our plan takes a balanced approach, meeting the needs of those eager to work again in-person with their colleagues and others who may prefer to continue, for personal or professional reasons, working remotely certain days of the week,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada. “For individuals, companies or any organization to achieve their full potential requires personal connections and interactions. This makes the return of Canadians to the workplace a necessary step in the recovery of our society and economy from the pandemic’s isolating effects. As a country, we can and must begin to resume our pre-pandemic routines, especially as our high vaccination rates, effective public health policies and the sacrifices made by all of us to beat COVID-19 have created the conditions to do so safely.” Beginning November 15, those Air Canada employees who are presently working off-site will start a graduated return to the workplace, with options to continue working set days remotely. To ensure the health and safety of employees in the workplace: A mandatory vaccination policy requires all active employees to be fully vaccinated;All visitors and anyone entering company buildings are required to be fully vaccinated;Employees will be strongly encouraged to wear a face mask whenever outside of their personal workspaces or when interacting with others;Physical distancing is required where practical;Home screening programs continue to be offered and their use encouraged;Hand sanitizer and disinfection products will continue to be readily available.

Holiday travelers now have more options to reconnect with family or take a Hawaii vacation.Hawaiian Airlines is adding new nonstop flights between the islands and the US West Coast.Guests traveling between HNL and SEA will enjoy the roominess and comfort of Hawaiian’s wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft. Hawaiian Airlines is offering holiday travelers more options to reconnect with family or take a Hawaii vacation with additional nonstop flights between the islands and the US West Coast. To meet anticipated holiday demand, Hawaiian Airlines is expanding once-daily service between Honolulu (HNL) and Seattle (SEA) and San Francisco (SFO), as well as between Kahului, Maui (OGG) and Los Angeles (LAX), with the following additional flights: Flight No.RouteHoliday Schedule*Date of Holiday AdditionsEst. DepartureTimeEst. ArrivalTimeHA 27SEA-HNL2 daily flights19-Nov-21 to 21-Nov-2127-Nov-21 to 29-Nov-2117-Dec-21 to 5-Jan-228:0012:15HA 28HNL-SEA2 daily flights18-Nov-21 to 20-Nov-2126-Nov-21 to 28-Nov-2116-Dec-21 to 4-Jan-2221:455:30HA 55LAX-OGG2 daily flights19-Nov-21 to 21-Nov-2127-Nov-21 to 29-Nov-2117-Dec-21 to 5-Jan-2212:0515:45HA 56OGG-LAX2 daily flights18-Nov-21 to 20-Nov-2126-Nov-21 to 28-Nov-2116-Dec-21 to 4-Jan-2222:005:00HA 54HNL-SFO1 daily flight Mon-Thur2 daily flights Fri-Sun18-Dec-21 to 9-Jan-2213:1520:30HA 53SFO-HNL1 daily flight Tue-Fri2 daily flights Sat-Mon19-Dec-21 to 10-Jan-228:0011:45* All listed routes operate once-daily before the holiday additions Guests traveling between HNL and SEA will enjoy the roominess and comfort of Hawaiian’s wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft. Hawaiian Airlines will use its quiet and fuel-efficient narrow-body Airbus A321neo to operate the additional flights between LAX and OGG and HNL and SFO. All guests traveling to the Hawaiian Islands must comply with the state of Hawaii’s Safe Travels program requirements.

Air Transat expands its United States program with two new destinations, Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as year-round flights to Florida.Air Transat announces nonstop service between Montreal – Amsterdam and Quebec City – London.The Montreal – Amsterdam flight will run three times a week and the Quebec City – London flight, once weekly. Air Transat announced that four new routes will be added to its 2022 summer flight program. For the first time ever, the airline will be serving the San Francisco, Los Angeles and Amsterdam airports from Montreal. Furthermore, it will offer an exclusive direct flight between Quebec City and London, strengthening its role as the leading international carrier from the Jean-Lesage Airport. Finally, Air Transat will operate routes to Fort Lauderdale and Miami year-round. “By analyzing travel trends, it’s clear that the United States is still one of the top destinations for Quebecers and Canadians in the wake of the pandemic. Thanks to the versatility of our world-class fleet, we are perfectly positioned to meet this demand and quickly adapt to our passengers’ needs, which is why our service south of the border will be expanding starting in 2022,” explains Annick Guérard, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Transat. Air Transat is enhancing its United States flight program with the addition of California. The Montreal – San Francisco flight will be operated twice weekly, while the Montreal – Los Angeles flight will run three times a week. Due to sustained demand for flights to Florida, certain routes that were previously available only in winter will now be offered throughout the year. During summer, the Montreal – Miami flight will be operated three times a week and the Quebec City – Fort Lauderdale flight, once weekly. At the same time, the carrier is expanding its service to Europe by adding direct service for two segments, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, making Air Transat the only Canadian airline to fly direct from Montreal to the Dutch capital. The Montreal – Amsterdam flight will run three times a week and the Quebec City – London flight, once weekly.

With this commitment, which aligns with the target of the Paris Agreement for global warming not to exceed 1.5°C, the aim is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to make flying sustainable.Pegasus Airlines carries out monitoring, reporting and improvement work within the framework set out by national and international regulations as part of the efforts towards climate protection and combating global warming.Pegasus Airlines will continue to work tirelessly towards becoming the greenest airline in Turkey and in the region Managing its operations and activities under a “sustainable environment” approach, Pegasus Airlines has joined the world’s leading airlines in the resolution to achieve “Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050” that was approved at The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 77th Annual General Meeting. With this commitment, which aligns with the target of the Paris Agreement for global warming not to exceed 1.5°C, the aim is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to make flying sustainable. Commenting on the announcement, Mehmet T. Nane, CEO of Pegasus Airlines, said: “As Pegasus Airlines, minimizing the negative effects on the environment and preventing pollution within the framework of the life cycle are an integral part of our environmental policy. We also carry out monitoring, reporting and improvement work within the framework set out by national and international regulations as part of the efforts towards climate protection and combating global warming. And now, it is a great honor to make this commitment to IATA’s “Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050” resolution together with the world’s leading airlines.” Mehmet T. Nane continued: “With this commitment, we support and commit to the target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 by utilizing the opportunities provided to our sector through technological advances, with the support from the energy sector and in coordination with stakeholders. Within the framework of our “sustainable environment” approach, we will continue to work on our fleet transformation and carbon offsetting projects in the medium term; and in the long term, focus on the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), new technology aircraft and carbon capture technologies. We will continue to work tirelessly towards becoming the greenest airline in Turkey and in our region.” As part of its ongoing efforts to combat climate change, Pegasus Airlines acts in full compliance with the sectoral regulations outlined by national and international authorities within the framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that is crucial for aviation sector, and conducts annual monitoring, verifying and reporting of its carbon emissions in accordance with international regulations. Placing importance on reducing carbon emissions at source, Pegasus implements a variety of operational improvements to achieve this such as transforming to a younger fleet, purchasing lower emission aircraft, reducing aircraft weight and route optimization. With the commitment to achieve “Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050”, and under its transparency principle, Pegasus Airlines has begun to publish its carbon footprint on a monthly basis on its investor relations website, starting with its October 2021 report. All these efforts are also being planned in tandem with Pegasus’ governance strategy in the field of Sustainability (ESG – Environmental, Social, and Corporate) and to support its outputs.

A delegation of Seychelles dignitaries welcomed the return of Air France to the island nation.Seychelles was removed from France’s red list, and this is expected to boost visitor arrivals.It will also help improve occupancy not just in hotels, but also in the smaller guesthouses and self-catering establishments and bring more visitors to Praslin, La Digue, and the other islands. The 203 guests flying in from France on this first flight were given a taste of creole hospitality as they received local souvenirs from the Department of Tourism and experienced the lively spirit of the Seychellois through live traditional music. To commemorate the return of the direct connection of the island nation to one of its key traditional markets, and of Seychelles being placed on the approved “Liste Orange” for French travelers, a delegation comprising the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde; the French Ambassador, His Excellency Dominique Mas; Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Sherin Francis; and Director General for Destination Marketing, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin were present to welcome the arrivals. Mrs. Willemin commented that the removal of Seychelles from France’s red list and the return of Air France is not only expected to boost visitor arrivals, it will help improve occupancy not just in hotels, but also in the smaller guesthouses and self-catering establishments and bring more visitors to Praslin, La Digue, and the other islands. “Having Air France back on our shores is a great moment for our destination. France remains a market that is performing well for us despite the lack of direct flights and the fact that we were on the red list. With the availability of a direct flights to Seychelles as from today, we are forecasting the French market would not only do well in terms of visitor arrivals but also to regain its place in the top three markets.” The outlook is positive, Mrs. Willemin said. “We are delighted that the six first flights expect full passenger loads and with reports from our French travel trade partners, who have stepped up their promotion of the destination, that their forward bookings to Seychelles are healthy and looking good. Our tourism operators locally, especially the smaller establishments and on islands other than Mahé, have missed our French guests and will be delighted to welcome them back.” Ambassador Dominique Mas mentioned that having a direct connection will help ease the journey of travelers to Seychelles. “The improvement of the sanitary situation in both countries has indeed contributed to the restart of travels between France and Seychelles. The decision to place Seychelles on the ‘orange list’ and the arrival of Air France today reiterates the confidence of both governments in the good functioning of their respective safety measures. We are happy to have a direct flight back from the Paris Charles De Gaulle airport as it is now easier for French travelers to get to Seychelles,” said the French Ambassador. Seychelles, which went back to physical promotional activities in September, recently participated at the 2021 IFTM Top Resa exhibition, one of the main international trade fairs dedicated to tourism in France, Mrs. Willemin said. “IFTM Top Resa was a promising event for us as we noticed a renewed interest in our destination and allowed us to increase our visibility in the media in France.” Seychelles recorded 43,297 visitor arrivals from France in 2019, making it the country’s second top market for that year. So far in 2021, 8,620 visitors from France have travelled to the islands. With the return of Air France, the Seychelles is now served by 11 airlines.   #rebuildingtravel

Hawaiian Airlines today confirmed it will resume its five-times-weekly service between Australia’s Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) and Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), beginning Dec. 13. Hawaiian, which suspended the route in March 2020 due to travel restrictions imposed at the onset of the pandemic, will welcome Australians back to the islands with its signature Hawaiian hospitality in time for the holidays. “We are thrilled to reconnect Hawaiʻi and Australia and have been encouraged by the public’s response to Australia’s national vaccination program, enabling the reopening of borders,” said Andrew Stanbury, regional director for Australia and New Zealand at Hawaiian Airlines.  “Hawaiʻi is a hugely popular holiday destination for Australians, and we know many people have been keenly waiting to take a Hawaiian vacation. We are looking forward to safely welcoming our guests back on board to enjoy the authentic hospitality we know our guests love and have missed,” he added. HA451 will resume Dec. 13 by departing HNL on Mondays and Wednesday through Saturday at 11:50 a.m. and arrive at SYD approximately 7:45 p.m. the next day. Starting Dec. 15, HA452 will depart SYD on Tuesdays and Thursday through Sunday at 9:40 p.m. with a 10:35 a.m. scheduled arrival at HNL, allowing guests to check in to their accommodations and begin exploring O’ahu, or connect to any of Hawaiian’s four Neighbor Island destinations.  Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige last week welcomed back visitors beginning Nov. 1 now that public health efforts have resulted in among the lowest rates of COVID in the United States. Hawaiian Airlines last month also launched a new in-flight video encouraging visitors to Travel Pono (responsibly) by enjoying Hawai’i safely and responsibly.  In addition to convenient nonstop flights to Hawai’i, Australian travelers flying on Hawaiian Airlines also regain access to the carrier’s extensive U.S. domestic network, allowing them to seamlessly continue their travels to 16 U.S. mainland gateways – including new destinations in Austin, Orlando, and Ontario, California – with the option to enjoy a stopover in the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian will continue to operate the SYD-HNL route with its 278-seat, spacious wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft, which features 18 Premium Cabin lie-flat leather seats, 68 of its popular Extra Comfort seats, and 192 Main Cabin seats.  Currently, only Australian citizens and returning permanent residents and their immediate family members are permitted to enter Australia without an exemption. While entry requirements for the state of Hawaiʻi remain to be announced, Hawaiian hopes the state of Hawai’i will align its requirements with U.S. government rules requiring international arrivals to show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure effective Nov. 8. International rules continue to evolve, and travelers are encouraged to stay updated via official government channels as they prepare for their trip.  Hawaiian started SYD-HNL service in May 2004 and maintained its position as a leading destination carrier for travel to Hawaiʻi via New South Wales. The carrier’s three-times-weekly service between HNL and Brisbane Airport (BNE), which launched in November 2012, remains paused. Visit www.HawaiianAirlines.com to view flight schedules and purchase tickets.

World Travel Market is ready to open its doors on November 1, and so is the Kingdom of Thailand.The Minister of Tourism and the Governor of Tourism will be attending the World Travel Market in London.A press conference is already scheduled for Monday at WTN to announce the 46 countries on the new green list to enjoy an amazing holiday again in the Kingdom Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand will open the country to visitors from 46 countries instead of only 10 Covid-19 low-risk countries announced earlier, starting from Nov 1. Even though not officially announced the Foreign Ministry of Thailand published a list of the countries allowed to send citizens to Thailand. Travel to Thailand again from these countries and territories: AustraliaAustriaBahrainBelgiumBhutanBrunei DarussalamBulgariaCambodiaCanadaChileChinaCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFInlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandIsraelItalyJapanLativiaLithuaniaMalaysiaMaltaNetherlandsNew ZealandNorwayPolandPortugalQatarSaudi ArabiaSingaporeSloveniaSoith KoreaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesHong Kong (China) Dov Kalmann, representative of the Tourism Authority in Thailand welcomes this news. He told eTurboNews after Americans, Israel has been sending most visitors to the regions already open for tourism in Thailand. This is a great news !

High testing costs and continued travel restrictions hinder accessibility of travel and create elitist system.With only 34% of world population fully vaccinated, immunization inequality threatens economic recovery.The sector’s contribution to global GDP fell from nearly US$ 9.2 trillion in 2019, to just US$ 4.7 trillion in 2020, representing a loss of almost US$ 4.5 trillion. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia launched today an important new report that highlights the main points to restore international mobility, and recommendations to drive the recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector, while enhancing its resilience. With the pandemic bringing international travel to an almost complete standstill, due to border closures and severe travel restrictions, Travel & Tourism suffered more than any other sector over the past 18 months. The sector’s contribution to global GDP fell from nearly US$ 9.2 trillion in 2019, to just US$ 4.7 trillion in 2020, representing a loss of almost US$ 4.5 trillion. Furthermore, as the pandemic ripped through the heart of the sector, a shocking 62 million Travel & Tourism jobs were lost. This new report highlights WTTC’s latest economic projections which reveal the sector’s recovery is set to be slower than expected this year, largely linked to continued border closures and challenges linked to international mobility. The sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to rise by a modest 30.7% year-on-year in 2021, representing only US$ 1.4 trillion increase, and at the current rate of recovery, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP could see a similar year-on-year rise of 31.7% in 2022. Meanwhile, the sector’s jobs are set to rise by a mere 0.7% this year, representing only two million jobs, followed by 18% increase next year. Representing the worst crisis for the Travel & Tourism sector, COVID-19 not only impacted the global economy, but also the wellbeing and livelihoods of people all over the world. Before the pandemic began to severely impact the sector, Travel & Tourism was one of the largest sectors globally, responsible for one in four new jobs created worldwide between 2015-2019 and was a key enabler for socio-economic development and poverty reduction, offering unique opportunities to women, minorities, rural communities, and youth. This new report from WTTC, in partnership with Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia reveals pain points that focus on the urgent challenge to restore international mobility, framed by the need to address the weaknesses of the sector shown during the pandemic by redesigning a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future. This important new report demonstrates how international border closures, uncertainty due to changing rules, the prohibitive cost of testing, and the lack of reciprocity and uneven vaccination rollout have hindered the recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector during the past 18 months. By June 2020, all countries still had some form of travel restrictions, playing an important role in the drop in international spending by 69.4% that year. These restrictions, ever-changing and confusing, continued to significantly affect traveler’s confidence to book, as there was no clear pathway, nor global consensus, in terms of testing requirements, quarantine, and vaccination standards. According to the report, the latest global traveler sentiment survey published by Oliver Wyman shows only 66% plan to travel abroad in the next six months, and less than one in 10 (9%) have booked a future trip, showing the continued uncertainty of traveler’s decision-making. Costly PCR tests continue to have a detrimental impact on travelers, reversing any progress of making travel accessible and creating further inequalities. Julia Simpson, President & CEO WTTC, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector is key for many livelihoods which continue to be affected by the failure to harmonize and standardize COVID-19 regulations worldwide. There is no excuse for a patchwork of regulations, countries need to join forces and harmonize the rules. Many developing countries rely on international travel for their economy and have been left devastated. “As is stands, only 34% of the global population have been fully vaccinated, showing that there are still large vaccine rollout inequalities globally. A swift and equitable immunization plan, alongside worldwide reciprocal recognition of all WHO approved vaccines, is needed to safely reopen international travel and promptly resume the economic activity. “WTTC recognizes the importance of restoring consumer confidence, and we have developed, with the public and private sector working together, a set of harmonized Safe Travel protocols for 11 industries across the Travel & Tourism sector. Our globally recognized Safe Travels stamp has been adopted by more than 400 destinations worldwide.” His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia said: “This report shows the impact COVID-19 has had on the global travel and tourism industry – and the unevenness of the recovery now underway. We need to be clear: unless tourism recovers economies will not recover.  “We must come together to support this critical industry, which before the pandemic was responsible for 10% of GDP globally. With this report, Saudi Arabia is calling for the sector to come together to Redesign Tourism for a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.” The report outlines recommendations to achieve a swift recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector, as COVID becomes an endemic. A focus based on international coordination to reopen borders, fair testing conditions, and digitalisation for travel facilitation, together with sustainability and social impact at the core of the sector, will restore international mobility and the Travel & Tourism sector. These measures will save millions of jobs, and enable communities, businesses, and destinations which rely on the Travel & Tourism sector, to fully recover and prosper again.

Two thirds of Chinese travelers have taken a domestic flight since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.81 percent of survey respondents say they plan to fly t least once within next 12 months.Of those planning to travel, 73% will travel for leisure, with only 24% planning business trips. According to the latest travel industry survey, 96% of travelers in China are ready and are planning on traveling by air in the near future. 81% of the survey respondents say they plan to fly at least once within the next 12 months and 50% plan to fly by this autumn. Of those planning to travel, 73% stated it was for leisure with only 24% planning business travel. The pent-up demand is also reflected in China’s passenger traffic, which is showing signs of a strong recovery. As of September 2021, China traffic was at 87% of 2019 levels — way ahead the rest of Asia (42%). The survey revealed that two thirds (66%) of Chinese travelers have taken a domestic flight since the start of the pandemic. The schedules data reveal domestic travel in Q4 is primed to outpace pre-pandemic levels, growing by some 15% compared to Q4 2019. Following months of restrictions triggered by China’s Zero-COVID policy, increased demand for a major return to international and regional travel is obvious. More than half (61%) of survey respondents said that they are ready to travel out of mainland China once borders are open, with Southeast Asia being the top region of choice, followed by Europe, Australia/New Zealand and East Asia.

Morocco bans flights to and from the UK over deteriorating COVID-19 situation in Great BritainBritish carrier EasyJet has cancelled outbound travel from UK to Morocco until November 30.Major British holiday operator TUI is working with customers to organize their departure from Morocco. Moroccan government announced that all flights to and from the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany have been suspended effective midnight on Wednesday. Government officials in Rabat said that the UK flights ban has been enacted due to the sharply rising number of new COVID-19 infection cases in Great Britain. The move, which will take effect from 23:59GMT on Wednesday, has been confirmed by the Moroccan National Office of Airports, which warned that it will remain in place ‘until further notice. The government’s decision to ban travel could impact families in England and Wales planning to travel to the popular tourist location for Britons during the half-term holidays, which begin next week.  British carrier EasyJet, which runs flights between Europe and Morocco, has cancelled outbound travel from the UK to Morocco until November 30. EasyJet is in talks with the Moroccan government about offering repatriation flights for UK citizens who find themselves stuck abroad due to the restrictions. Major holiday operator TUI has confirmed it has spoken with the Moroccan government about the move, and said the company is working with customers to organize their departure from the North African nation. The decision to restrict travel between the UK and Morocco comes as British officials record over 40,000 new COVID-19 cases per day, and the country reported its highest single-day deaths from coronavirus since March. In the past two weeks, the UK has reported more new COVID-19 cases than France, Germany, Italy and Spain combined.  The head of the British umbrella group NHS Confederation, Matthew Taylor, has warned that the UK is “stumbling into a winter crisis,” leaving the health service “on the edge.”  However, the UK government has rejected calls to implement COVID-19 restrictions under its COVID ‘Plan B,’ ruling out any suggestion of a lockdown over the winter.