Home

Aviation News

Latest

Aviation News

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 7, 2021

IATA: May air cargo 9.4 percent above pre-COVID levels

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

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 7, 2021

Lufthansa secures further liquidity on the capital market

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

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 7, 2021

Lifting restrictions on international travel to USA urged

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

Juergen T Steinmetz·

Aviation Feature

·July 7, 2021

Port Moresby Declaration on Regional Aviation Safety and Security endorsed

Ministers responsible for civil aviation and senior aviation officials from 14 Pacific Islands States convened virtually this week to endorse the Port Moresby Declaration formalising their shared commitments to progressing important Pacific regional aviation matters through a new enhanced collaboration framework.The Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting (RAMM), hosted by the Papua New Guinea government on Wednesday, 30 June, resulted in Pacific Forum Member States endorsed the Port Moresby Declaration on Aviation Safety and Security.The Port Moresby Declaration provides a range of strategic priorities and actions to respond to the critical challenges regarding aviation safety and security performance facing Forum Members, who have been seriously impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministerial Meeting was the first such high-level regional aviation meeting since the initiation of the Pacific Civil Aviation Safety and Security Treaty (PICASST) in 2004. Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu attended the RAMM. Forum Member Countries welcomed the participation of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) Secretary General, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Secretary General, and senior officials from CROP agencies including the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP), and South Pacific Community (SPC). The meeting was also attended by government officials form the United States of america and Singapore, as well as officials from the World Bank, and the Airlines of the South Pacific Association. RAMM Chair and Papua New Guinea Minister for Civil Aviation, the Honourable Sekie Agisa said:“The Port Moresby Declaration is a considerable achievement which formally builds on previous commitments and gives renewed focus to implementing a holistic and collaborative regional approach to achieving sustainable aviation safety and security.” “Although faced with many challenges, the message is clear, through collaboration and commitments, our region can achieve strengthened aviation safety and security compliance,” he said. The Declaration demonstrates Pacific governments commitments to creating a way forward for strengthened aviation safety and security. Safe and secure aviation is recognised as an essential requirement to enabling connectivity and sustainable development in the Pacific. Secretary General of the PIFS, Mr. Henry Puna said:“We need to shift our thinking and our approach from ‘business as usual’ and start to explore new and innovative approaches to create a more safe, secure and sustainable aviation sector for our region; and one which promotes the spirit of the Blue Pacific while respecting national jurisdictions and development aspirations.” “The prioritization of aviation in Pacific States is critical to assure the local levels of ICAO compliance which will ultimately restore this region’s significant aviation’s benefits,” commented ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu, “and it’s my hope that the Port Moresby Declaration will suitably emphasize the importance of air transport to national and regional recoveries to Pacific States.” Another significant milestone was achieved with the endorsement of the Framework for Aviation in the Pacific which will enhance regional collaboration through the development of a 10-year Pacific Regional Aviation Strategy. The Strategy will create a pathway to the long term safe and sustainable development of the aviation system to deliver the vision for a harmonised, collaborative and connected Pacific aviation system that supports safe, secure, and sustainable aviation in all Pacific States. The Pacific Regional Aviation Strategy will focus on COVID-19 recovery and long-term sustainable development of the Pacific aviation system including strengthening Member States’ regulatory oversight capability, capacity, and effectiveness. It was also agreed that the PICASST will be amended to better address the current needs of the region to enable a wider scope of collaborative activities, and leverage opportunities including a stronger Pacific voice in the international aviation system. Ministers also agreed to strengthening the multi-functional regional aviation organisation to address aviation issues and opportunities as a key regional priority. In that regard, Ministers recognised the improved performance of the regional aviation organisation, the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO). They agreed to strengthen PASO with appropriate and sustainable resourcing to ensure it continues to deliver enhanced aviation safety and security services to all Member States as an important part of the response to the ICAO Pacific Small Island Developing States Study. Ministers agreed to the Cooks Islands hosting the next RAMM in 2022, before the next ICAO Assembly, to monitor progress and consider the amended PICASST, Regional Pacific Aviation Strategy, and sustainable funding arrangements to support enhanced regional collaboration and a strengthened multi-functional regional aviation organisation.

Linda Hohnholz eTN editor·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

Zurich-Montego Bay non-stop flight service a game-changer

Tourism Minister Bartlett says inaugural flight between Zurich and Montego Bay will boost connectivity out of that section of Europe.Demand for Jamaica is more concentrated and individual countries have the capacity to drive numbers.Jamaica is not just seen as a vacation center for the economy class but also for the well-heeled and the high net-worth demographic. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, declared the service “a game-changer in terms of boosting connectivity out of that section of Europe,” after welcoming Captain Patrick Ritter and crew of the Edelweiss Airline flight, which brought 99 passengers on its inaugural run. Underscoring its significance, the Minister said: “Now we’re seeing that the demand for Jamaica is more concentrated and that individual countries have the capacity to drive numbers sufficient to bring an aircraft non-stop into Montego Bay.” The occasion was commemorated, with Minister Bartlett presenting gifts to Capt. Ritter who is renewing his acquaintance with Montego Bay. With memories of being here 15 years ago and having had a good time, for him returning is a “great pleasure.” Zurich is one of the richest cities in Europe and Mr. Bartlett sees the interest in coming to Jamaica as “a big statement that Jamaica is not just seen as a vacation center for the economy class but also for the well-heeled and the high net-worth demographic.” This he said was important as it generates more confidence in building back at a higher level “so that the resources that are to stay in Jamaica to help us to build the economy is assured.” In welcoming the service, Director of Tourism, Donovan White said the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has been working consistently to attract visitors, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. “We work very hard for the demand that we have created, and we have spared no effort in the marketplace to ensure that Jamaica is positioned as one of the best destinations available to travelers who are ready to travel,” he expressed. Mr. White said following the start of the pandemic last year, “Jamaica and the Tourist Board created more comment on the destination than we have ever created at any other time in our history and we did that deliberately because we needed to make sure that as we traverse the pandemic and come out of it, that we were in a position to present Jamaica in a way that would continue to drive that demand forward.” Edelweiss is recognized as the leading Swiss leisure travel airline, with flights from Zurich to over 70 destinations. Meanwhile, the Sangster International Airport is again buzzing with activity with the addition of several new flights into Jamaica. Chief Executive Officer of MBJ Airports Ltd., Shane Munroe says tourism recovery is underway with operations at the airport moving from 30 percent in January to over 70 percent at the end of June, when compared to 2019 and “for the summer the prospect looks good mostly from the United States.” He added that some 80 percent of the airport’s workforce is back on the job. He said June was a strong month with over 200,000 passengers arriving at the airport and a greater number is expected for July and August, the peak summer months, “and the outlook for the winter season is positive. Right now we don’t have the European flight coming in so when you add the flights from TUI, flights from Canada which are slowly coming back, the UK as well, certainly the recovery is well on its way.” #rebuildingtravel

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

Qatar Airways expands IATA Travel Pass trial

Expanded trial will enable travelers to Doha to share their Qatar issued vaccination certificate via their mobile with the airline and authorities in a more safe, seamless and secure way.Trial will be rolled out in phases, beginning with cabin crew traveling from Kuwait, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Sydney.Qatar Airways remains committed to reducing paperwork and providing a more contactless, secure and seamless travel experience for its passengers. Qatar Airways continues to set the benchmark for innovation, safety and customer service, becoming the first airline to trial COVID-19 vaccine authentication through the IATA Travel Pass ‘Digital Passport’ Mobile App. As more travelers return to the skies, the airline remains committed to reducing paperwork and providing a more contactless, secure and seamless travel experience for its passengers. The trial will be rolled out in phases from July, beginning initially with cabin crew returning to Doha travelling from Kuwait, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Sydney. Cabin crew will be able to upload their Qatar issued COVID-19 vaccination credentials along with their COVID-19 test results to the IATA Travel Pass Mobile App and verify they are eligible to travel. On arrival in Doha, crew will then be able to safely and securely share their vaccination certificate and proceed through immigration at the airport. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker said: “Despite the significant challenges the pandemic has caused international aviation, our industry has continued to be a leader in adopting new technologies and innovations to ensure a safe, secure and seamless travel experience for our passengers. Qatar Airways is proud to lead the way by becoming the first airline to trial COVID-19 vaccine authentication through the IATA Travel Pass ‘Digital Passport’ Mobile App. I want to especially thank Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Interior, Primary Health Care Corporation and Hamad Medical Corporation, whom without their ongoing support, this trial would not be possible. “We know as more people begin making plans to return to their favorite holiday destinations, they will inevitably face the challenge of ensuring they have the right paperwork. Through trialing and supporting the development of new technologies, we aim to provide travelers with a tool that will support them to seamlessly travel across borders with greater confidence.” Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General said: “Qatar Airways and the Qatari Government are showing leadership by becoming the first to trial the verification of passengers’ vaccine credentials through IATA Travel Pass. Certificates of COVID-19 vaccination or testing status will be key to restoring people’s freedom to travel. Trials by Qatar Airways and some 70 other airlines have demonstrated that IATA Travel Pass can efficiently manage test results. This important new trial focusing on vaccination status will build even more confidence in IATA Travel Pass as a complete solution for travelers, governments and airlines.”

Dr. Peter E. Tarlow·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

Balancing tourism marketing and security needs

Even as late as the last decade of the twentieth century, it was not uncommon to hear tourism officials voice their concerns that they feared that too much, or too visible, tourism security practices would lead to visitor fear and a lowering of profits.Then COVID-19 became a reality, and every form of security became important.The twenty-first century first year of its third decade changed all the assumptions of the past. In an ever more dangerous world, visitors and tourists demanded to know what security and health precautions were being taken, how their safety was being considered, and to whom to turn in case of an emergency. Modern tourism authorities recognize that there is a fundamental paradigm shift underway in the travel industry and that old assumptions will no longer hold. Due to government imposed multiple shut-downs and the need to work from home, living with the business assumptions of only a few years ago is very dangerous and might make the difference between a business’ survival and failure. Those entities and organizations in the travel and tourism industry that embrace and emphasize security will have a good chance of surviving and this includes parts of the industry, such as national parks, that are interconnected with government. The venues that provide give good security mixed with good customer service have a better chance of resilience and survival. While no one can produce absolute security, nor do we know which challenges lie ahead, the techniques found below might help you to become a smaller target and recover faster. They can help to you to use security, safety, and health as a marketing tools. The key is to begin with achievable successes and use those successes to build momentum. • Security and safety, and public health may have different meanings to scholars and in the US government, but in the world of travel they are one and the same. In the post-COVID era it is important that we recognize that poisonous water, poor sanitation, and gunfire have the same results: the destruction of your tourism business. It is essential that the travel and tourism industry understand the relationship between risk management and security. They are two sides of the same coin. Places that receive a great deal of negative publicity, fairly or unfairly, will have to work to change the perception if they hope to survive. • Beautification and security go hand and hand. When the environment is safe, the visitor also feels safe. Tourism security professionals know that good security begins with a perception of safety. By cleaning your streets, planting flowers, trees and mini gardens around your city, you are not only lessening the chances that a crime will occur but also increasing a visitor’s desire to spend time in your community. Make sure that when you landscape an area to do it according to the principles of CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design). • Be careful of whom you chose to invite into your community to give advice. Tourism security specialists must know both tourism and security. There are many universities that give courses in tourism but few that understand the relationships between tourism surety and tourism. Invite people who can help a community not merely solve a problem but promote a vision. Tourism security can only be a marketing tool if it is part of a community’s total vision. That means that the vision must be accepted by the local attractions, politicians, police departments, first responders, hotels management, restaurant owners, and tourism authorities. • Never create false senses of security, safety when it comes to visitor’s health. Never promise what you cannot fulfill. Marketing disasters occur when reality does not match expectations. Train and prepare your community to be safe and secure. Good security is not a matter of gas masks, but simple logic. Check to make sure your signage is accurate, review traffic patterns, and provide up-to-date tourism information and emergency numbers. • Develop cooperative efforts with your local police and fire departments, first aid providers, medical personnel and hospitals. Make sure that your first responders, both public and for-profit are aware of how important tourism security is to tourism. For example, most police officers have never been trained in good tourism security. It is essential to have a person work with your local police, private security, ambulance units, and first aid units who can “translate” between tourism and security issues. Most tourism officials do not realize that police and fire departments follow strict Weberian bureaucratic procedures. If your police department’s senior administration does not support a tourism security policy and the training of officers, then there is a low probability of police cooperation. Help your chief to understand that tourism security is good business not only for the community but also for his/her department. For example, too many police departments still believe that their task is to earn money for their communities through the giving of traffic tickets. Have your city government explain to your police department that such policies are not only out of date but counterproductive. • Offer seminars for your tourism security and safety partners. First responder departments will be much more willing to aid in tourism security if they too see the benefits. Show them how the profits from tourism can help to purchase new equipment, fund a new position or aid their budget. • Encourage tourism security professionals and security partners to attend both in-person and on-line state and regional tourism conferences. The oldest and most famous tourism security conference is held each year in Las Vegas. Right now many of these in-person conferences are just coming back to life after a year’s absence due to the pandemic. Every major CVB should have a representative at a tourism security conference along with at least one member of its law enforcement agency. • Know what is unsafe in your community and work with local governments to improve these security concerns. How safe is your local airport? Are hotel and restaurant workers’ backgrounds investigated? How often do we check for updated health regulations? How often do taxi drivers over charge or not clear their vehicles? Do tour companies provide their customers with what they promise? How often are credit card numbers stolen as part of an identity theft scam? What cyber security problems exist or might exist? • Know who is studying at your local university, especially in engineering courses and who is using his or her academic career as a background for spying. University students act sociologically as if they are long term visitors. Many universities host foreign students, about whom they know very little. Are university students a positive or negative for your community? Are foreign students there only for the sake of academic learning or are they also on undercover reconnaissance missions? Tourism professionals should be working with university administrators and security specialists never to go beyond the law, but also to have a good idea about who is in their community and for what reasons. #rebuildingtravel

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

Ethiopian leads Africa in passenger and freight traffic during COVID-19 crisis

Ethiopian carried 500 thousand tons of freight and 5.5 million passengers through its main hub, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.The cargo terminal has handled more than 500 thousand tons of freight during the year 2020.Ethiopia also topped the list in the most connected countries in Africa. Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest Pan-African airline, has become Africa’s topairline in passenger and freight traffic retaining its leadership position in the continent. According to the African Airlines Association’s (AFRAA) report, Ethiopian has been ranked first by passenger and cargo traffic in 2020. Ethiopian carried 500 thousand tons of freight and 5.5 million passengers through its main hub, Addis Ababa BoleInternational Airport. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said, “We are honored tocontinue our leadership even during the Global Pandemic Crisis which has devastated the aviation industry. This is a manifestation of our resilience and agility. We are excited about the role we played in the fight against the pandemic by continuing our much-needed air connectivity within Africa and with the rest of the world without any flight suspension. We are saving lives through air transport of medical supplies and vaccines.” Ethiopian Airlines topped the list with the highest passenger traffic transported through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. A total of 5.5 million passengers have been transported through the airport. Of this traffic, Ethiopian transported 5.2 million passengers and the remaining passengers were transported by other airlines. The cargo terminal has handled more than 500 thousand tons of freight during the year 2020. Ethiopia also topped the list in the most connected countries in Africa due to Ethiopian Airlines’ large number of direct flights within the continent.

Tony Ofungi - eTN Uganda·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

Uganda issues online visa application directive

Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has directed that all visa applications must be made and paid for online.The directive was issued and signed off by Major General Apollo Kasita-Gowa the Director of Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.Only travelers with approved visas having applied online will be granted entry into the country. Following the forty-two day lockdown directive issued by His Excellency President Yoweri K Museveni in his latest address to the nation on the COVID-19 spike late last month, Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has since directed that all visa applications must be made and paid for online and not on arrival. The directive was issued and signed off by Major General Apollo Kasita-Gowa the Director of Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) on 23rd June,2021. It reads in part “…in implementing their mandate of controlling, regulating and facilitating movements in and out of the within the 42-day lockdown has directed that visa applications are made online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ as opposed to visa on arrival.” The Directorate has further directed that: Only travelers with approved visas having applied online will be granted entry into the countryAirline operators are to carry only passengers with pre-approved visas for visa prone countries. Failure to comply, the necessary fine will applyAll inland transit passengers will be cleared to proceedAll travelers coming in and going out of the country are required to have travel documents and other evidence to support their travelAll other online applications and renewals for immigration facilities that are Entry, Work Permits, Special Passes, Dependant Passes and Certificate of Residence can still be applied for online Online applicants will receive an approved notification which they must print and travel with as travel authorization. Further notice was seen by ETN from by Aeronautical Information Service of the Civil Aviation Authority confirming that in addition to airlines permitted to carry only travelers with approved and authorized visas returning residents with valid resident facility (entry/work permits , passes or certificate of residence shall bepermitted. The notice excludes nationals of countries that are exempt listed on the immigration website. The directive is effective from July 3 to July 31,2021. However the online visa application has not been without its shortcomings. Some applicants had not received confirmation and some tour operators complained that their frantic clients were already in transit by the time of the directive. This prompted the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) Board led by Civy Tumusiime to engage with the DCIC who resolved the matter by availing a dedicated line to immigration officer to clear stranded tourists.

Juergen T Steinmetz·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

Passenger plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean when trying to land in Petropavlovsk

Flying in the Russian Far East from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Palana may have been deadly for 23 passengers and 6 crew mebers of an Kamchatka Airlines passenger plane.The AN-26 stopped communication before landing and crashed into the Pacific Ocean.Emergency services are on the scene looking for survivors in bad weather. Russian rescue ships are currently in the rough sea of the Western Pacific Ocean Tuesday afternoon for survivors on this Kamchatsky Airlines flight. Signals from the black box had been located. Among the 29 people on boards were 2 children. The weather conditions are extremely difficult in the region and may have contributed to the crash. The local government said that the aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness and the crew had passed a pre-flight inspection. A criminal case was initiated on violation of traffic safety rules and aircraft operationThe airline has not yet confirmed the crash Kamchatka Airlines is a Russian carrier based at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport. The carrier previously operated charter services with a fleet of turboprop and narrow-body equipment. Passenger plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean when trying to land in Petropavlovsk 3 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy is a city and the administrative, industrial, scientific, and cultural center of Kamchatka Krai, Russia. Its population is 179,780. The city is widely known simply as Petropavlovsk. The adjective Kamchatsky was added to the official name in 1924. The city has a magnificent setting on Avacha Bay and is overlooked by two giant volcanoes and surrounded by a long line of snow-capped mountains. More news on plane crashes on eTurboNews

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

WTTC reveals dramatic impact of COVID-19 on global Travel & Tourism

World Travel & Tourism Council releases new Economic Trends Report.COVID-19 pandemic saw Asia-Pacific region suffer the greatest GDP losses.America’s the least hit, saved by a strong domestic recovery. Asia Pacific was the region hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic according to the new annual Economic Trends Report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The report reveals the full dramatic impact of travel restrictions designed to curb COVID-19 on the global economy, individual regions, and its job losses worldwide. Asia-Pacific was the worst performing region, with the sector’s contribution to GDP dropping a damaging 53.7%, compared to the global fall of 49.1%. International visitor spending was particularly hard hit across Asia Pacific, falling by 74.4%, as many countries across the region closed their borders to inbound tourists. Domestic spending witnessed a lower but equally punishing decline of 48.1%. Travel & Tourism employment in the region fell by 18.4%, equating to a shocking 34.1 million jobs. However, despite this decline, Asia-Pacific remained the largest region for the sector’s employment in 2020, accounting for 55% (151 million) of all global Travel & Tourism jobs. Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC, said: “WTTC data has laid bare the devastating impact the pandemic has had on Travel & Tourism around the world, leaving economies battered, millions without jobs and many more fearing for their future. “Our annual Economic Trends Report shows just how much each region has suffered at the hands of the crushing travel restrictions brought in to control the spread of COVID-19.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

WTTC reveals dramatic impact of COVID-19 on global Travel & Tourism

Juergen T Steinmetz·

Aviation Feature

·July 5, 2021

Current regulations require refunds only if bags are lost.The bag-fee proposal is the first of several airline-consumer regulations coming from the administration of US President Joe Biden.If approved, the proposal could take effect by next summer. A senior official with the US Department of Transportation said that the agency will issue a proposal in the next few days that would requite the airlines to refund fees on checked baggage if the bags aren’t delivered to passengers within “reasonable” time. The proposal, if made final after a lengthy regulation-writing process, would also require prompt refunds for fees on extras such as internet access if the airline fails to provide the service during the flight. If approved, the proposal could take effect by next summer, official added. The proposal will require refunds if airlines fail to deliver a bag within 12 hours of the passenger’s US flight touching down or within 25 hours of an international flight. Current regulations require refunds only if bags are lost, although airlines must compensate passengers for “reasonable” incidental expenses incurred while their bags are delayed. The government does not know how often airlines keep fees even when bags are significantly delayed. The bag-fee proposal is the first of several airline-consumer regulations coming from the administration of US President Joe Biden under an executive order that the president will soon sign, according to a senior Department of Transportation (DOT) official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a proposal that hasn’t been made public. The order will be designed to boost competition and give consumers more power, the official said. Last year, more than 100,000 consumers complained to the government about airline service. Refunds were the biggest gripe, although most claimed airlines refused to give refunds to consumers who cancelled trips because of the pandemic. The Transportation Department is seeking a $25.5 million fine against Air Canada, but has not taken action against other carriers over refunds for canceled flights. In 2019, the last full year before the pandemic, passengers paid US airlines $5.76 billion in fees on checked bags, according to the Transportation Department. That dropped to $2.84 billion last year, when travel slumped because of the pandemic. The figures do not include fees for carry-on bags.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 2, 2021

Hawaii launches vaccination exception program travelers vaccinated in US and US Territories

Travelers vaccinated in the U.S. or U.S. Territories may participate in the program starting on the 15th day after second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.Travelers must bring a hard copy of their vaccination documentation to show screeners at the gate prior to boarding and/or upon arrival in Hawaii.Sign the online legal attestations on Safe Travels Hawaii. Hawaii is finalizing preparations for the July 8 launch of the State of Hawaii‘s vaccination exception program for domestic, Hawaii-bound travelers vaccinated in the United States or US Territories. The program allows these travelers to bypass the state’s quarantine requirement with proof of vaccination. Travelers vaccinated in the U.S. or U.S. Territories may participate in the exception program starting on the 15th day after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine — or starting the 15th day after they’ve received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. In addition, Hawaii-bound travelers should: Upload one of three vaccination documents to their Safe Travels Hawaii account, prior to traveling to Hawaii. One of the following documents must be uploaded: A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record CardVAMS (Vaccination Administration Management System) printout ORDOD DD Form 2766C The Safe Travels digital platform is now allowing vaccine document uploads for trips arriving in Hawaii on July 8 and beyond. Sign the online legal attestations on Safe Travels Hawaii, confirming the uploaded documentation is true and accurate.Bring a hard copy of their vaccination documentation to show screeners at the gate prior to boarding and/or upon arrival in Hawaii. Screeners will review/verify the vaccination documents, match photo IDs, name and DOB as well as confirm that the attestations are signed. NOTE: Children under 5 years old are not required to test and will not be quarantined if traveling with an adult who has a pre-travel test exception or a vaccination exception. Children 5 years and older who have not been vaccinated must participate in the Pre-Travel Testing Program and test with a Trusted Testing Partner to bypass the mandatory 10-day quarantine. The state successfully launched the vaccination exception program for travelers vaccinated in the State of Hawaii, on June 15. This program does not cover international travelers.

Linda Hohnholz eTN editor·

Aviation Feature

·July 1, 2021

Hawaiian Airlines emerging stronger from the COVID-19 crisis

Hawaiian Airlines today released its 2021 Corporate Kuleana Report outlining the carrier’s progress on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.Despite this being the most challenging period in its 92-year history as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline continues to focus on corporate responsibility.Addressing climate change remains one of Hawaiian’s key ESG priorities. “As we progress through 2021, I am incredibly proud of our team’s accomplishments in the face of extreme adversity and encouraged for our future,” Hawaiian Airlines CEO Ingram continued. The airline has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through ongoing fleet investments, more efficient flying, carbon offsets, and industry advocacy for air traffic control reform and sustainable aviation fuel development and proliferation. Starting this year, Hawaiian has pledged to offset emissions from international flights above 2019 levels, in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Hawai‘i’s hometown airline also defined steps it is taking to foster diversity and inclusion, calling it a “key driver of our success.” Evidence-based processes to minimize bias in hiring and promotional practices across Hawaiian have contributed to team diversity, with approximately 78% of its active workforce identifying as diverse based on ethnicity and 44% based on gender. “We can always do better, and we are re-examining our practices to ensure Hawaiian Airlines remains a diverse, inclusive, equitable and desirable place to work, and where every team member is respected, valued and supported,” Ingram said. The 2021 Corporate Kuleana Report chronicles how Hawaiian – Hawai‘i’s only locally based major carrier and one of its largest employers – endured the devastating impacts of the pandemic by preserving financial resources, supporting employees and communities statewide, and safely providing essential transportation. In the fourth quarter of 2020, Hawaiian became the first U.S. airline to establish a network of dedicated drive-through testing sites near its key gateway airports once the state of Hawai‘i began exempting travelers from quarantine with proof of a negative COVID-19 test. “We enhanced disinfection throughout our operations and adopted an in-flight face covering policy as an added layer of protection in our cabins, which were already extremely safe by virtue of their built-in airflow and filtration systems,” the report noted. In addition to maintaining vital transportation for passengers and cargo to, from and within the islands throughout the pandemic, Hawaiian employees participated in numerous philanthropic efforts, which took on renewed importance in 2020. Among the highlights: More than 1,500 Hawaiian Airlines volunteers donated approximately 6,500 hours to cultural and environmental conservation initiatives, and to care for Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable community members. The airline also partnered with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education in a summerlong Kōkua our Schools project to refresh seven public campuses before educators welcomed students back in the fall semester.Hawaiian operated a complex humanitarian mission to fly 1.6 million masks to Honolulu from Shenzhen, China. The airline supported Hawai‘i’s medical workers, including doctors, nurses, assistants and volunteers who took over 600 complimentary neighbor island flights in April and May 2020 to conduct COVID-19 testing and deliver care.Hawaiian donated $472,000 worth of catering goods – ranging from new hand towels and condiments to soft drinks and packaged foods – to nonprofits in Hawai‘i and throughout the carrier’s U.S. mainland network, as well as hundreds of thousands of soft goods and inflight items to local humanitarian organizations and schools, such as Main Cabin blankets, pillowcases and amenity kits, and First Class slippers, mattress pads and pillowcases. Hawaiian’s 2021 Corporate Kuleana Report includes metrics established by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). To read the report and learn more about Hawaiian’s ESG practices, please visit https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 1, 2021

Etihad Airways extends Verified to Fly travel document initiative globally

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

American announces new Colombia, Mexico and US flights from Miami

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

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

Hawaii launches vaccination exception program travelers vaccinated in US and US Territories

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

US airlines may soon be required to refund fees for delayed checked baggage

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

Air Canada launches new nonstop service between Montreal and Kelowna

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to resume commercial airline service on September 8

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

Flights from Budapest to Paris resumed by Transavia

Budapest Airport’s Paris pairing with Transavia.Relaunching 22 October 2021, Transavia will commence a twice-weekly service from the French capital on Fridays and Sundays.Budapest Airport will again offer connections to Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Paris Beauvais, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Paris Orly. Budapest Airport is delighted to announce that its airline partner Transavia is committing to reopen links between the Hungarian capital and Paris for the coming winter season. Relaunching 22 October 2021, the carrier will commence a twice-weekly service from the French capital on Fridays and Sundays, perfect for weekend visits to either celebrated city. France has always been one of Budapest’s largest country markets and as the low-cost airline of the Air France-KLM group rejoins the market later this year, the Hungarian gateway will again offer connections to Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Paris Beauvais, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Paris Orly. Balázs Bogáts, Head of Airline Development, Budapest Airport comments: “Reconnections to major European cities are vital for our redevelopment. Paris is renowned for its many splendours – art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture – I am sure that this route will not only prove popular with Hungarian passengers wanting to explore France, but also those wanting to visit our own wonders in Budapest.” Bogáts adds: “Budapest Airport is moving forward and Transavia’s latest announcement is another step towards the future for us.”

Linda Hohnholz eTN editor·

Aviation Feature

·July 6, 2021

New flights into Jamaica vital to tourism recovery effort

Air Canada is back in Jamaica after 6 months with a weekly flight using its Dreamliner aircraft and a plan to go daily soon.Jamaica’s management of the pandemic and the quality of its product has served the nation well.New flights are coming in numbers that will increase significantly with the projection for the year now at approximately 1.8 million. On Sunday (July 4), Jamaica witnessed the return of Air Canada from the Canadian market and Condor from Frankfurt, Germany, with a Swiss flight out of Zurich, operated by Edelweiss Air, scheduled for Monday evening, all landing at the Sangster International Airport. Minister Bartlett welcomed their arrival which he said was “very important to the tourism recovery effort” following the global shut down of international air travel due to COVID-19. Air Canada is back after six months with a weekly flight using its Dreamliner aircraft and a plan to go daily soon, while Condor’s rotation is twice weekly until September and the Zurich flight is a first for direct flights between the two cities. The Minister said these points underscored “that Jamaica’s management of the pandemic and indeed the quality of the product that we have maintained and the connectivity that we have preserved during this interim period, have done us well” and recovery was taking place even faster than had been anticipated. Minister Bartlett pointed out that in the last three months weekend arrivals have been significant with an average of 15,000 visitors over a three-day period, and with new flights coming in the numbers will increase significantly with the projection for the year now at approximately 1.8 million. This, he added, meant that jobs and revenue flow were coming back at a faster rate than anticipated. “We’re excited at the prospect therefore of continued growth and I reiterate that the continued development of the industry, the growth of our economy and the resumption of jobs is a function of the responsibility of all of us and we must continue to observe protocols, uphold the principles of good management of the entire area, including the Resilient Corridors which have proven to be one of the powerful marketing tools for Jamaica.” The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has played a major role in marketing the flights and JTB’s Regional Director for Canada, Angella Bennett said: “There’s been a surge in bookings coming into Jamaica from Canada since the Government of Canada has lifted the restrictions on international travel.” She said expectations were high for the Canadian market “to perform exceptionally well this winter” and over 280,000 seats had already been secured. The Dreamliner with a 298-seat capacity is the latest carrier in the Air Canada fleet and is being flown to Jamaica for the first time. Captain Geoff Wall was also excited at returning, admitting the welcome “really make us feel like we’re coming home so it’s good to be back.” He said after COVID-19: “It’s just nice to be able to leave Canada, bring Canadian tourists and locals back to Jamaica to be with their families, enjoy what is normally a sunshiny place and the hospitality as well.” Arriving on board the Condor flight, JTB’s Regional Director for Continental Europe, Gregory Shervington said the flight was previously set for last year but got pushed back a number of times because of the pandemic. He said Condor represented a solid connection with Germany over the past 20 years “and it is the precursor to more coming, including Monday’s flight out of Zurich and on Wednesday we’ll have Lufthansa with its sister airline Eurowings Discover coming back with three non-stop flights.” The new flights have been welcomed also by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the office of the mayor of Montego Bay. JHTA’s Chapter Chairman, Nadine Spence was particularly pleased with the return of Air Canada, noting that “Canada is one of our favoured destinations, contributing over 22 percent of all tourism arrivals.” She said the return showed that there was confidence in travelling and that “Jamaica is a loved destination.” Deputy Mayor, Richard Vernon was also “happy to have these airlines back.” He said: “This means a lot to us; we really benefit immensely from tourism here in Montego Bay and numerous persons have been unemployed since March of last year and because of this we can expect persons to go back to work.” More news about Jamaica #rebuildingtravel

By adapting race conditions, and meeting safety and security regulations, the airport will once again host the unique run.This year’s air transport industry charity-sportive event will take place on Saturday 18 September 2021 on Budapest Airport’s 13R-31L runway.Proceeds from this year’s run will be shared between Hungarian disability group SUHANJ! Foundation and international blood cancer charity, Anthony Nolan. Following recognition as Anthony Nolan’s Organizational Fundraiser of the Year, Budapest Airport and anna.aero have confirmed this year’s air transport industry charity-sportive event will take place on Saturday 18 September 2021 on Budapest Airport’s 13R-31L runway. Having raised a cumulative €220,000 for charity since 2013, the proceeds of this year’s run will be shared between Hungarian disability group SUHANJ! Foundation and international blood cancer charity, Anthony Nolan. With all entry fees donated to the chosen charities, runners from airlines, airports and enterprises across the aviation community are invited to join teams from various prestigious companies and athletes from the SUHANJ! Foundation, in the race which will comprise of two running distances – 10km (four runway lengths) and 5km. Chris Dinsdale, CEO, Budapest Airport comments: “In addition to running together in a unique environment, on an airport runway, participants will also support several good causes. We at Budapest Airport believe that social responsibility is important, so it is a great pleasure for us to join forces for the aims represented by the SUHANJ! Foundation and Anthony Nolan, for the ninth year in a row.” Despite the difficulties the pandemic has raised for all in the aviation community and societies worldwide, Budapest Airport’s key priority is to continue to support noble causes, even more so during testing times. By adapting race conditions, and meeting safety and security regulations, the airport will once again host the unique run as the only major, and totally-connected, European airport able to commit to the closure of a runway in daylight hours on a Saturday. “In the face of immense struggles for all, Budapest Airport maintained this great tradition last year and raised almost €20,000 thanks to the participation of nearly 600 runners. We see it as a crucial role to continue our fundraising and look forward to welcoming all our loyal supporters, as well as new runners, to our annual run this year,” adds Dinsdale. Budapest Airport will also be holding a competition to allow another lucky 100 runners to take part in the race through a prize draw which will be announced on the airport’s social media at a later date.