U.S. travel industry will welcome all vaccinated international visitors back to the United States after 19 months of pandemic-related border restrictions beginning November 8.Reopening a ‘critical step in right direction,’ though additional federal resources needed to address visa processing backlog.In 2019, international inbound travel produced $239 billion in export income for the U.S. economy and directly supported 1.2 million American jobs.
At air, land and sea ports of entry, and across destinations nationwide, the U.S. travel industry will welcome all vaccinated international visitors back to the United States after 19 months of pandemic-related border restrictions beginning Monday (November 8), a long-awaited milestone that marks the rebuilding of international inbound travel.
This action is a key first step in the recovery of the highly lucrative international travel market. In 2019, international inbound travel produced $239 billion in export income for the U.S. economy and directly supported 1.2 million American jobs.
After nearly two years of restrictions, Monday begins in earnest the return of international travel, when long-separated families and friends can safely reunite, travelers can explore this amazing country, and the U.S. is able to reconnect with the global community. It is a monumental day for travelers, for the communities and businesses that rely on international visitation, and for the U.S. economy overall.
The countries affected by restricted travel—which included the United Kingdom, Ireland, the 26 Schengen Area countries, South Africa, Iran, Brazil, India and China—comprised just 17% of all countries worldwide but accounted for a disproportionate 53% of all overseas visitors to the United States in 2019.
The land borders with Canada and Mexico—the top two inbound markets to the U.S.—were also closed.
Barbados’ tourism growth continues New airlift, new experiences and refreshed product are already translating to increased tourism business for Barbados....
Star Alliance has been named the World’s Leading Airline Alliance at the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year....
2018 airline ancillary revenue estimate represents a 312% increase from 2010 figure IdeaWorksCompany and CarTrawler project airline ancillary revenue will...
Yesterday, over the opposition of the Atlanta City Council, Atlanta community groups, and the nation’s largest federal employee union, the...
Delta Air Lines carried 15.5 million passengers in November Delta Air Lines today reported operating performance for November 2018. The...
International investigators from Joint Investigation Team (JIT) have accused three Russians and one Ukrainian of 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines...
The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority issued an air operator’s certificate (AOC) to Norse Atlantic Airways. The new airline is on track to start transatlantic flights in spring 2022.
“We would like to thank Norway’s Civil Aviation Authority for a constructive and professional process. We are now one important step closer to launching our attractive and affordable flights between Europe and the U.S. in spring next year,” said CEO and founder Bjørn Tore Larsen of Norse.
“We’ve had a good and constructive dialogue with Norse throughout the process of issuing a Norwegian AOC. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to a continued fruitful relationship going forward,” said Director General of the Civil Aviation Authorities of Norway, Lars E. de Lange Kobberstad.
An AOC is the approval granted by a national aviation authority to an aircraft operator to allow it to use aircraft for commercial purposes. This requires the operator to have personnel, assets and systems in place to ensure the safety of its employees and the general public.
“I would also like to commend my colleagues at Norse for their outstanding efforts getting the important AOC in place,” Bjørn Tore Larsen added.
Norse plans to start commercial operation in spring 2022 and the first flights will depart from Oslo to selected cities in the U.S.
Norse Atlantic Airways is a new airline that will offer affordable fares on long-haul flights, primarily between Europe and the United States. The company was founded by CEO and major shareholder Bjørn Tore Larsen in March 2021. Norse has a fleet of 15 modern, fuel-efficient and more environmentally friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliners that will serve destinations including New York, Florida, Paris, London and Oslo, among others. First flights are expected to take off in spring 2022.
Southwest Airlines announces promotion of Linda Rutherford Southwest Airlines Co. today announced the promotion of Linda Rutherford to Senior Vice...
Financial investment bidders are finally emerging for the beleaguered Air India airline.It has been several years of trying to sell the national carrier, with attempts being blocked for various and sundry reasons.Still on the docket is the airline’s huge losses – as in who will handle them – the new buyer or the government?
Tata Sons, which founded Air India airline in 1932 and then got out of it in 1953, is once again a bidder for the airline, and it has submitted financial bids along with some other key bidders.
SpiceJet Chairman, Ajay Singh, has also made an offer, and some investment funds have also joined Singh in the bidding process to secure the airline. Singh has been a major player in the aviation field for some years now, and his role now in Air India is being watched with great interest.
Ajay Singh
Security clearance and fixing of a reserve price for the sale are two vital aspects that the government has to resolve. Other factors which have been of concern are the question of how to deal with the massive losses that Air India has accumulated over the years, and how the other assets of the Maharaja line are to be treated, including its real estate and art collection. Ground handling and air catering have also been issues of concern ever since the talk of disinvestment came up.
Over the past few years, several attempts have been made to sell the national carrier, but those attempts were held back for various reasons. One of the major reasons was how to answer the question of who will handle the massive losses – the new buyer or the government?
Staff issues have also been another trouble spot, with questions like who will be retained by the new buyer, and who will be sacked? The unions and associations were at one stage keen to have a say and were even thinking of bidding.
The role, if any, of foreign buyers was also a discussion point, but now it seems the major bidders have come up with financial bids in the form of the participation of Tatas and Ajay Singh.
#rebuildingtravel
More than 100 travel industry organizations—including groups within and outside the Sustainable Travel Coalition—are joining efforts. US Travel Organizes Sustainable...
Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Dubai and Moscow’s Domodedovo (DME) Airport will have a third daily flight on Dubai...
Air Astana has signed an agreement with Air Lease Corporation for the long-term lease of three new wide-body Boeing 787-9...
Airbus inaugurates test facility for propulsion systems of the future Airbus Chief Technology Officer Grazia Vittadini and Airbus Defence and...
The Bahamas is getting another major airlift boost with the announcement of Delta Air Lines’ new route. Delta Air Lines...
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Oil Park Development...
On August 15, Taliban entered Kabul and established full control over city.Western countries are evacuating their nationals from Afghanistan.Turkmenistan allows Afghanistan evacuation flights to pass through its airspace.
The press office of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan issued a statement today announcing that Turkmenistan’s government has made a decision to open the country’s airspace to evacuation flights flying foreign nationals out of Afghanistan.
Turkmenistan opens its airspace for Afghanistan evacuation flights
“As is known, some countries have started to evacuate their citizens located in Afghanistan. In this situation, fulfilling its international commitments, including those arising from international humanitarian law, Turkmenistan will provide its airspace for the carriage of these persons by the planes of foreign states,” the Foreign Ministry’s statement said.
On August 15, the Taliban radical militant group entered Kabul without any resistance and established full control over the Afghan capital within several hours. President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani has fled the country, allegedly taking $169 million of state treasury money with him.
Since then, Afghanistan’s Vice President Amrullah Saleh declared himself as the country’s caretaker president, calling for armed resistance to the Taliban.
Western countries are evacuating their nationals and embassy staff.
Outlook for 2017 fiscal year fulfilled – International businessexpansion achieves important milestones – Frankfurt Airport recordsstrong growth – More efficient...
Currently, 66 % of all US flight attendants who represent three labor unions are negotiating fresh arrangements with a number...
Lufthansa will be stationing five A380 aircraft in Munich The summer brings many changes for Lufthansa in Munich. The biggest...
Hong Kong Airlines is pleased to announce a new decorative amenity kits series that highlights Hong Kong’s vibrant culture through...
Air Astana announces direct flights from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Male in the Maldives.Kazakhstan to the Maldives flights will resume on October 9, 2021.Air Astana Maldives route will be serviced with Airbus A321LR and Boeing 767 aircraft.
Air Astana will resume direct flights from Almaty to Male in the Maldives on October 9, 2021.
Airbus A321LR and Boeing 767 aircraft will operate on the Almaty-Male route four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Air Astana previously operated flights to the Maldives from December 5, 2020 until May 24, 2021, prior to suspension due to government restrictions.
All passengers, including those who have been fully vaccinated, require a negative PCR test certificate in English to enter the Republic of Maldives.
Additionally, passengers need to complete a Traveler Health Declaration 24 hours prior to departure.
Visas will be issued free of charge upon arrival at Male Airport.
Upon returning to Kazakhstan, all passengers must have a negative PCR certificate, except those who have been fully vaccinated.
Air Astana is the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, based in Almaty.
Air Astana operates scheduled, domestic and international services on 64 routes from its main hub, Almaty International Airport, and from its secondary hub, Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport.
Almaty International Airport, formerly Alma-Ata Airport, is a major international airport 15 km northeast of Almaty, the largest city and commercial capital of Kazakhstan.
Almaty International Airport the busiest airport in Kazakhstan, accounting for half of country’s passenger traffic and 68% of cargo traffic.
Boeing’s 787-10 Dreamliner Boeing announced today the 787-10 Dreamliner received an amended type certificate (ATC) from the U.S. Federal Aviation...
Increasing air traffic to bolster global demand for air transport modifications High importance of passenger safety provisions in the airline...
Air Seychelles has over the past few months started to implement its training calendar in preparation for the delivery of...
Terrorist threats targeting Air India flights follow a recent diplomatic row between Canada and India. SOURCE: India Wants Canada to...
257 people were killed when an Algerian military plane crashed shortly after taking off from an army airport in the...
Southwest Airlines Co. has made a number of management changes throughout the business, most of which were announced immediately. These...
Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V., the first privatized airport group in Mexico and operator of Cancun Airport and...
This year’s main sponsors of the event were Airbus, Lufthansa Systems, Lufthansa Technik, and Turkish Cargo Czech Airlines wins 10th...
Qantas dismissed more than 2,000 ground handlers during the pandemic.Qantas outsourced jobs to save money for the company.Qantas recorded AU$18 billion ($13.2 billion) in revenue in 2019.
In a landmark decision, Australian federal court has sided with the Transport Workers Union in the case brought by TWU against Qantas Airways Limited.
The union took Australian airline giant to court after the outsourcing scandal saw over 2,000 Qantas employees laid off amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Union Sues Qantas Airways Over Massive Pandemic Layoffs and Wins
Qantas dismissed more than 2,000 ground handlers during the pandemic, whose roles were outsourced to save money for the corporation, which in 2019 recorded AU$18 billion ($13.2 billion) in revenue.
Justice Michael Lee said he was not convinced of the evidence put forth by Qantas – Australia’s most dominating airline – that the laying off of thousands of employees was not, at least in part, motivated by their union membership.
The TWU hired Josh Bornstein as its head lawyer to argue the airline’s actions contravened the Fair Work Act. The case was centered around claims that Qantas’s bullish moves – led by CEO Alan Joyce – were made to squash the union’s power in wage negotiations.
“The Federal Court has found for the first time that a major employer has sacked over 2,000 workers because it was seeking to deprive them of the ability to collectively bargain with the company for a new enterprise agreement,” said Bornstein.
Honiara, Solomon Islands – Further spreading the benefits of international tourism across the Solomon Islands and providing a vital air...
For the second time today, Russia’s Ural Airlines’ passenger jet was forced to make emergency landing. It happened at the...
US airports continue to struggle with disruption and flight cancellations, staffing issues, limited capacity and sluggish passenger spending. SOURCE: US...
Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Thursday highlighted the agency’s Passenger Screening Canines (PSCs), a key asset used to...
JetBlue Technology Ventures JetBlue Technology Ventures (JTV), the venture capital subsidiary of JetBlue Airways, today announced its latest efforts to...
Norway’s low-cost airline Norwegian Air Shuttle has denied media reports about the carrier purchasing ill-fated Russian-made Sukhoi Superjet SSJ-100 aircraft...
West Coast, Caribbean and Mexico are poised for a considerable comeback to pre-pandemic levelsCustomers are expressing a heightened interest in North American destinations along the West Coast, Caribbean and MexicoTraffic into Hawaii increased 81% in the first two months of 2021 when comparing to pre-pandemic 2020 traffic
VistaJet, a global business aviation company, today announced a substantial uptick of inbound flights to popular travel markets, including traditional private aviation business and leisure destinations like Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Reflecting yet another positive indication of the travel industry’s rebound, it also further demonstrates the continued reliance on private travel as health and safety remains top-of-mind among American travelers. Nearly 80% of UHNW individuals are more inclined than before to travel by private jet, which they consider a safer and more reliable flight solution.
Below are five destinations where VistaJet has experienced a noticeable uptick in demand:
California: VistaJet recorded a 57% increase in traffic to the greater Los Angeles area when comparing January to February 2021. Additionally, there has been a 7% increase in the number of flights departing the Bay Area when comparing pre-pandemic January 2019 to 2021. Travel from the local area to international destinations include Central America, the Caribbean and Japan.British Virgin Islands: Service to the British Virgin Islands has more than doubled. VistaJet expects traffic into this region to continue to be in high demand as customers look to explore, relax and reconnect in more remote destinations.Hawaii: Traffic into the islands increased 81% in the first two months of 2021 when comparing to pre-pandemic 2020 traffic. VistaJet expects the increase in traffic to remain consistent as clients look for tropical weather year-round.Las Vegas: By January 2021, traffic into this region approached pre-pandemic 2020 levels. As of February 2021, VistaJet is seeing international traffic into this region and expects demand throughout the year to significantly increase.Cabo, Mexico: When comparing fall 2019 to fall 2020, there was a 900% increase in arrivals to Cabo; VistaJet expects this trend to continue for 2021 as customers seek out warm weather.
Safety and travel have become one in the same, and the private aviation industry experienced a sharp rise in first-time fliers over the past year, including a 29% increase in new Members at VistaJet — which is still a fraction of the potential market of private jet fliers. As the first and only truly global private aviation company having arranged flights to over 187 countries, VistaJet is poised to be at the forefront of both North American and international travel. VistaJet is already seeing an influx of bookings, with demand driving over 50% of the group fleet to the US. Currently, the customers are expressing a heightened interest in North American destinations along the West Coast, Caribbean and Mexico.
Tourism Australia is excited to be welcoming back travelers from South Korea to Australia, following today’s announcement that Australia is reopening its borders to quarantine-free travel for fully vaccinated South Korean citizens from 1 December.
The announcement is part of Australia‘s phased re-opening to international travel and builds on quarantine free travel arrangement with Singapore, which came into effect on 21 November.
“The announcement today enabling fully vaccinated travelers from South Korea to travel to Australia from 1 December is an exciting and significant next step in rebuilding international visitation from this key tourism market,” Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said.
“Australia has long been a popular outbound destination for travelers from South Korea, with 280,000 travelling to our country pre-COVID, and we are really excited that we will have the opportunity to welcome visitors from this important travel market once again.
“With the reopening of travel from South Korea, Tourism Australia will soon be kicking off dedicated marketing activity to urge travelers to come and enjoy all the incredible tourism experiences that await them in Australia,” Ms Harrison said.
Southwest Airlines announces seasonal nonstop service to CancunCancun, Mexico, is the top international destination from Kansas City withKansas City becomes one of Southwest’s 20 international gateway airports
Southwest Airlines announced that the carrier will offer its first international service from Kansas City International Airport (MCI), with seasonal, Saturday nonstop service to Cancun International Airport (CUN) beginning on November 13.
Cancun, Mexico, is the top international destination from Kansas City with more than 200 pre-pandemic passengers per day during the peak season. Kansas City becomes one of Southwest’s 20 international gateway airports.
“Southwest Airlines‘ decision to launch international service from Kansas City International Airport speaks volumes to their long term commitment to Kansas City and providing travelers in the Heart of America the convenient travel options they desire,” said Pat Klein, director of Kansas City’s Aviation Department.
The announcement comes as passenger numbers are increasing as more and more people get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently directs all air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 viral test result no more than 3 days before travel.
The Saturday schedule is:
WN #751 MCI-CUN 6:15a.m. – 10:55 a.m.WN #750 CUN-MCI 4:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Passengers affected by flight suspensions may have fees waived for rebooking or may request a refund in the form of a travel voucher for future ticketing.Passengers who wish to amend their travels with no new specified travel date can submit their request online within 24 hours prior to the proposed departure date.Passengers who booked their tickets through travel agencies are advised to directly contact their agents for further arrangements.
According to the Notification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) regarding guidelines for airport operators and air operators on domestic routes during the epidemic situation of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (No. 3), in order to abide by the prevention of surveillance operations in accordance with the requirements and orders of the state, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited regrets to announce the temporary suspension of Bangkok – Samui (v.v.) from 21 July 2021 onwards.
In addition to that, the airline would also like to announce the postponement of some of its domestic routes which were scheduled to resume on the 1st of August 2021 to until further notice. The postponed routes include: Bangkok – Chiang Mai (v.v.), Bangkok – Phuket (v.v.), Bangkok – Sukhothai (v.v.), Bangkok – Lampang (v.v.) and Bangkok – Trat (v.v.)
However, the current Samui sealed routes, flights accommodating transit/transfer international passengers, connecting from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Koh Samui (3 flights per day) will still be operated as normal. Additionally, the Samui – Phuket route (v.v.) will still be available 4 flights per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to support the country’s Phuket Sandbox project.
Passengers affected by temporarily flight suspensions may have fees waived for rebooking or alternatively may request a refund in the form of a travel voucher to be used for future ticketing. Passengers can make any necessary changes up to 24 hours prior to their flight.
Passengers who wish to amend their travels with no new specified travel date (open ticket) can submit their request online within 24 hours prior to the proposed departure date. The airline will use information provided via such form in order to further accommodate passengers.
Passengers who booked their tickets through travel agencies are advised to directly contact their agents for further arrangements.
Moreover, the airline encourages passengers to check announcements, orders, and travel procedures, for each destination prior to travel from the related authorities such as:
The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Airports of Thailand Department of Airports
Bangkok Airways apologizes for the inconvenience caused and the airline remains committed to the safety and hygiene of our passengers and employees as the highest priority. The airlines strictly implement surveillance measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This is the email WOW Air passengers received after the airline shut down and flights were canceled: Dear WOW air...
As the holiday travel season approaches, travel experts and consumer advocates are repeating their calls for Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to protect travelers by adopting mandatory COVID-19 safety standards for airlines and airports. While the DOT issued safety guidance over the summer for air travel, these recommendations are strictly voluntary and compliance has varied […]
- eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online
Global Investment in Aviation Summit The heads of civil aviation authorities and aviation ministers from around the world will converge...
Leading consumer and business travel advocacy organizations, including Air Travel Fairness, the Business Travel Coalition (BTC), The Travel Technology Association...
The traveling people put the brakes on their plans to fly after a Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft’s doorway suddenly...
The first Airbus A321neo, which was built at their recently established A320 Family Final Assembly Line ( FAL ) in...
Man rams through Hannover airport’s gate in a vehicle, drives on the tarmac Germany’s Hannover Airport has been shut down...
The Worldwide Airport Slot Board (WASB), comprising Airports Council International (ACI World), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Worldwide Airport Coordinators Group (WWACG) released a joint recommendation for airport slot use relief for the northern summer 2021 season. The organizations called on regulators worldwide to temporarily adopt more flexible slot rules in line […]
- eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online
by: Harry Johnson | Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology provider to the global travel industry, and American Airlines,...