Air Canada announced today that it has significantly increased cargo capacity into and out of Vancouver between November 21 and 30 from its hubs in Toronto, Montreal and Calgary as it works to ensure that the vital economic supply chain links in British Columbia are maintained following the impacts of last week’s flooding. In total, Air Canada is adding 586 tons of cargo capacity, representing 3,223 cubic meters to support B.C.’s economic supply chain and the needs of its communities. The additional capacity is equivalent in weight to approximately 860 adult moose. “The economic supply chain is vital, and to help support the urgent transport of goods into and out of British Columbia, we have increased capacity to our YVR hub by using the flexibility of Air Canada‘s fleet to reschedule 28 passenger flights from narrow-body aircraft to be operated with wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Boeing 777, and Airbus A330-300 aircraft. These changes will allow an additional 282 tons of goods to be moved across the country on our scheduled passenger flights,” said Jason Berry, Vice President, Cargo, at Air Canada. “Additionally, Air Canada Cargo will operate an additional 13 all-cargo flights between our Toronto, Montreal and Calgary cargo hubs and YVR using widebody aircraft, providing approximately 304 tons of additional capacity. These aircraft will help move mail and perishables such as seafood, as well as automotive parts and other industrial goods,” concluded Mr. Berry. Air Canada is also working with its regional partner Jazz Aviation to provide additional regional cargo capacity by temporarily converting an Air Canada Express De Havilland Dash 8-400 from its normal passenger configuration into a special freighter configuration. This Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter operated by Jazz can carry a total of 18,000 lbs. (8,165 kg) of cargo and will be deployed to transport critical goods, as well as consumer and industrial goods and will be in service as early as this week. Last week, as the impact of the devastating floods became apparent, Air Canada quickly added capacity to the Air Canada Cargo network by substituting larger widebody aircraft on 14 passenger flights into Vancouver. In addition to the extra cargo capacity, Air Canada had also increased the number of seats available for customers in Kelowna and Kamloops since November 17, adding approximately 1,500 seats into both communities by utilizing larger aircraft on routes. This enabled people affected by the highway closures to fly into and out from these airports, and through the cargo capacity of these passenger aircraft, also allowed for the important transport of emergency medical supplies into these regions. Air Canada continues to monitor the situation in British Columbia very closely and will adjust its passenger and cargo schedule accordingly.

Vietnam’s holiday island of Phu Quoc welcomed more than 200 fully vaccinated tourists from South Korea today. South Korean visitors are the first foreign tourists to Vietnam since the country shut its borders closed almost two years ago to stop the spread of the coronavirus infections. Vietnam closed its borders in March of 2020, shortly after confirming its first reported COVID-19 infection case. Since then, Vietnam allowed only several international flights a week with foreign experts, diplomats and returning Vietnamese nationals. Those international arrivals must undergo a 14-day quarantine in designated hotels or government-run facilities. Today, the fully vaccinated South Korean tourists were tested for COVID-19 upon arrival, and once the negative results are returned, they can enjoy all tourist activities on the island without a mandatory 14-day quarantine. South Korean visitors will be able to freely enjoy sightseeing, shopping and entertainment events that require vaccine certificates. According to Vietnam’s Health Ministry, all staff members working in the island’s service facilities and 99% of Phu Quoc’s adult residents have been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. The island is also planning to vaccinate children aged 12 to 17 next month. Vietnam is the latest country in Asia to join Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia in reopening their borders to fully vaccinated foreign visitors. Thailand was the first has started to allow the limited number of fully vaccinated foreign visitors to Phuket island before expanding to other areas, including Bangkok, starting from November 1. The Indonesian tourist island of Bali opened to arrivals last month with some restrictions including testing and a five-day hotel quarantine. Malaysia opened up Langkawi island under a pilot ‘COVID-19 bubble’ program.

 After careful appraisal of ongoing passenger volumes, SAA is adjusting its flight schedules to accommodate passenger requirements.  The airline will remove from the schedule its daily return service to Maputo in Mozambique. The decision is effective from December 1, 2021, and passengers holding tickets will be accommodated on codeshare flights operated by Mozambique Airlines, TM (LAM).  SAA’s Interim Executive Commercial Simon Newton-Smith says, “When SAA resumed operations at the end of September, we committed to constantly monitor passenger volumes and revenue on all routes. Demand on this service has not met expectations and for the time being, this change is in line with our strategy of being a transparent management and fiscally responsible.”  Newton-Smith says taking upon two new routes, to Lagos in Nigeria and Mauritius has been encouraging and new services to other destinations are also being considered for 2022.  Other adjustments being made for the December ’21 and January ’22 holiday season, are due to the expected slow demand on traditionally non-travel days, as customers spend their time with families and friends.  Return flights to Accra in Ghana have been adjusted and will not operate on 25th December 2021 and 1st January 2022. Kinshasa, DRC flights have been adjusted and will not operate on 24th December 2021 and 31st December 2021. All Passengers will be accommodated on the next available SAA flights.  SAA had operated 4 days a week to Lusaka from September to 30 November 2021. SAA had scheduled additional frequencies to fly 7 days a week from December, however further adjustments were made to the schedule to operate 5 days a week from the 1st of December. Affected passengers will be accommodated on the next available SAA flights.  Notes Newton-Smith, “No airline likes to cancel flights but we are committed to success and sustainability of our airline, whilst we meet our valued customer requirements. We apologize to customers for any inconvenience and full assistance will be provided to all customers holding an SAA ticket on flights that are withdrawn from the schedule.  Customers should refer to issuing offices for assistance.” Passengers who no longer wish to travel may cancel their booking and are able to receive a full refund (inclusive of taxes) or opt for the credit voucher which will be offered to the original form of payment.  Newton-Smith says customers who have booked through a travel agent should contact them directly and if tickets were brought online or through the SAA call center customers can contact SAA Trade Support via e-mail at [email protected] Customers who booked through an overseas SAA call center should contact their local SAA office. 

Africans will never forget the crash of Boeing 737 Max in Ethiopia and how the Western media rushed to blame Ethiopian pilots! Today Boeing is confirmed to be the guilty party, and the tone in the media has changed. Today the United States is warning pilots about Addis Ababa International Airport to be unsafe because of the TPLF TerroristGroup firepower! No armed group can march into Addis Ababa! There is no armed group able to do so. This and many other messages are flooding social media channels. The fact remains the United States is warning pilots that planes operating at one of Africa’s busiest airports could be “directly or indirectly exposed to ground weapons fire and/or surface-to-air missiles” as Ethiopia’s war nears the capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopians are at the edge due to the United States warnings and America’s warning for Americans to leave the country. The message is: Don’t use Ethiopian Airlines. Tweets say the aim is for America to cripple the Ethiopian economy. This is undeclared war by the USA!!! The Federal Aviation Administration advisory issued Wednesday cites the “ongoing clashes” between Ethiopian forces and fighters from the northern Tigray region, which have killed thousands of people in a year of the war. The U.S. this week urged its citizens in Ethiopia to “leave now,” saying there should be no expectation of an Afghanistan-style evacuation. Diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting have met resistance, but Kenya’s president told visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday that Ethiopia’s prime minister in a meeting on Sunday gave the impression he was ready to consider several proposals to ease tensions and reduce violence, a senior State Department official said. In the meantime tweets from Ethiopia are demanding for the US to stop scaring people, claiming Addis Ababa is safe. Other tweets are suggesting for the Addis Ababa-based African Union to pack up and move to another African country. African Tourism Board Chairman Cuthbert Ncube said: “I flew on Ethiopian through Addis Ababa several times in the last few days and met with airline officials.” There is no imminent danger, and Ethiopian Airlines’ leadership should be trusted in their decision to operate the airline safely.” “I hope a further escalation of the civil conflict can be avoided”

Starting on December 12, 2021, South African Airways (SAA) will add another important continental route to its network with a three-times a week flight fromJohannesburg to Lagos in Nigeria. SAA has been flying to Nigeria for the past 23 years and the resumption of the service is a welcome addition to its growing network on the African continent. “This specific destination takes SAA into one of the biggest travel markets in Africa and we’re delighted that we are again able to resume operations, providing a link between Africa’s two biggest economies,” said Thomas Kgokolo, Interim CEO of South African Airways. The relaunch of service between Johannesburg and Lagos is part of SAA’s gradual growth strategy, having resumed full operations in September on the domestic South Africa and regional Africa routes. “Our intention is to continue to develop our route network driven by passenger demand and revenue potential. We are constantly evaluating opportunities in the local, regional and international markets,” adds Kgokolo. Not only does the new Johannesburg-Lagos route function as a key commercial and economic link between the two countries but will also service the burgeoning tourism market in both countries. SAA will continue in partnership with South African Tourism to promote the country in Nigeria with the expectation that it will generate more visitors now that international pandemic travel restrictions are being revised.

As of today, travelers can enjoy year-round, nonstop service between Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) and Palm Springs international Airport (PSP), thanks to  Alaska Airlines. The daily flights depart Mineta San José at 8:10 a.m., arriving in Palm Springs just before 9:30 a.m., daily. For those in Palm Springs, the daily flight to San José departs at 10:10 a.m. “Nonstop service to Palm Springs has been a top-requested route for several years,” said John Aitken, SJC Director of Aviation. “This link between Silicon Valley and Coachella Valley is an incredibly exciting sign of recovery, and both regions will benefit from the convenient, daily service.” “Securing nonstop service to San José has been a priority for Palm Springs International Airport,” said Ulises Aguirre, Executive Director of Aviation for the City of Palm Springs. “San José, along with the rest of Bay Area, is a top destination for residents and businesses in the Coachella Valley and we’re thankful to Alaska Airlines for connecting PSP to SJC.” The 80-minute flight operates aboard an Embraer 175 aircraft, with 76 seats; 12 in business and 64 in economy. Launch of service kicks off the busy Thanksgiving holiday period, which begins today, with Mineta San José International expecting 400,000 travelers through next weekend. 

Two US T-38C Talon supersonic training jets were involved in ‘an aircraft accident’ on the runway of the Laughlin Air Force Base, located near Del Rio, Texas near the US-Mexico border, around 10am local time today. According to a statement from Laughlin AFB, one pilot has been killed and two others were injured during a runway ‘mishap.’ One pilot died on the scene. Another was taken to the Val Verde Regional Medical Center in Del Rio, treated and released. The third pilot involved in the ‘accident’ is in critical condition, and was evacuated to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Their names are being withheld pending the notification of their next of kin. “Losing teammates is unbelievably painful and it is with a heavy heart I express my sincere condolences,” said Colonel Craig Prather, commander of the 47th Flying Training Wing. “Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with our pilots involved in this mishap and their families.” The twin-engine Northrop T-38 is the world’s first supersonic training jet, and has been in service with the US Air Force since 1959. It is scheduled for replacement by the Boeing T-7 Red Hawk starting in 2023.

CMA CGM Group and Airbus have signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of four A350F freighter aircraft. The order, which is subject to finalization in the coming weeks, will lift CMA CGM’s total Airbus fleet to nine aircraft, including five A330-200F. The aircraft will be operated by CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the recently launched air cargo activity of CMA CGM Group. “We are proud to welcome CMA CGM AIR CARGO in the group of operators for the A350F and we are equally pleased to support the company’s future strategic development,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. ”The A350F will fit seamlessly into the carrier’s existing fleet of Airbus freighters. Thanks to its composite airframe and latest technology engines, it will bring unbeatable efficiency in terms of fuel burn, economics and CO₂  emissions, empowering the long-term sustainable growth of the Group.” Scherer adds: “Having an early endorsement by such an international cargo powerhouse as the CMA CGM Group is very gratifying.” The A350F is based on the world’s most modern long range leader, the A350. The aircraft features a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimized for cargo operations. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a 30t lighter take-off weight, generating an at least 20% lower fuel burn over its current closest competitor. With a 109t payload capability (+3t payload/ 11% more volume than its competition), the A350F serves all cargo markets (Express, general cargo, special cargo…) and is in the large freighter category the only new generation freighter aircraft ready for the enhanced 2027 ICAO CO₂ emissions standards.

The daily Alaska Airlines flights depart Mineta San José at 8:10 a.m., arriving in Palm Springs just before 9:30 a.m., daily. For those in Palm Springs, the daily flight to San José departs at 10:10 a.m. “Nonstop service to Palm Springs has been a top-requested route for several years,” said John Aitken, SJC Director of Aviation. “This link between Silicon Valley and Coachella Valley is an incredibly exciting sign of recovery, and both regions will benefit from the convenient, daily service.” “Securing nonstop service to San José has been a priority for Palm Springs International Airport,” said Ulises Aguirre, Executive Director of Aviation for the City of Palm Springs. “San José, along with the rest of Bay Area, is a top destination for residents and businesses in the Coachella Valley and we’re thankful to Alaska for connecting PSP to SJC.” The 80-minute flight operates aboard an Embraer 175 aircraft, with 76 seats; 12 in business and 64 in the economy. The launch of the service kicks off the busy Thanksgiving holiday period, which begins today, with Mineta San José International expecting 400,000 travelers through next weekend.  SJC offers the following to help travelers de-stress at the Airport this holiday season: New Online Parking Reservations are available at flysanjose.com/parkingNew Kids’ Zoom Zone near Gate 25New Trader Vick’s Restaurant in Terminal BLive Guitarists are Strolling the Terminals through 11/25Airport Ambassadors in the Terminals to provide traveler assistance “The Lounge at SJC” is openSunflower Lanyard Program (for travelers w hidden disabilities) Those traveling this holiday season are reminded to wear a face-covering at the Airport and aboard aircraft. SJC recommends arriving at least two hours ahead of flight time to allow for parking, ticketing, and screening, and to check with airlines for any flight changes. Travelers departing from SJC can plan ahead and save money by booking airport parking online. To reserve Airport Parking online and see real-time parking availability, visit  flysanjose.com/parking. SJC: Transforming How Silicon Valley TravelsMineta San José International Airport (SJC) is Silicon Valley’s airport, a self-supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San Jose. The airport, now in its 71st year, served nearly 15.7 million passengers in 2019, with nonstop service across North America and to Europe and Asia. For more airport information, visit https://www.flysanjose.com.

If you’re looking for a new international destination to escape to – with an unbeatable mix of beaches, adventures and heritage that’s not too far away from the West Coast – it’s time to consider sun-splashed Belize. To make that trip planning easier, Alaska Airlines began nonstop service today to Belize City from Seattle (SEA) and Los Angeles (LAX). From Belize’s capital city, the sky’s the limit for exploration and fun. Given the strong demand for flights to Belize and building on our prior announcement of seasonal service in the winter, Alaska Airlines now intends to fly the Los Angeles-Belize City route year-round. “For nearly two decades the Belizean market has been on our radar. We’re thrilled to now be inaugurating service from both Seattle and Los Angeles,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of network and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “Belize offers terrific family-friendly, eco-conscious possibilities – from iconic islands to lush jungles and ancient sites. And it’s closer than you might think: From L.A., it’s only a five-hour flight, and from Seattle it’s six hours.” “In addition to attracting greater business investment and human capital, this new flight will also spur tourism which is essential for Belize‘s prosperity. It comes at a very opportune time as it further boosts the industry’s recovery efforts,” noted Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations. “We therefore value our partnership with Alaska Airlines in providing such a vital connectivity for travelers from the West Coast interested in reinvigorating themselves and relaxing in our tropical jewel while immersing in a rich, unique cultural experience.” Alaska’s service to Belize operates four times a week between Los Angeles and Belize City (BZE) and twice weekly between Seattle and Belize City – just in time for the holiday season. StartsEndsCity PairDepartsArrivesFrequencyAircraftNov. 19Year-roundLAX – BZE11:00 a.m.5:30 p.m.M, W, F, Sa737-800Nov. 20Year-roundBZE – LAX10:00 a.m.1:30 p.m.T, Th, Sa, Su737-800Nov. 19May 21SEA – BZE8:30 a.m.4:35 p.m.F, Sa737-800Nov. 20May 22BZE – SEA11:00 a.m.3:55 p.m.Sa, Su737-800

Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight from Doha to Almaty in Kazakhstan landed at Almaty International Airport on Friday, 19 November 2021, marking the launch of the airline’s newest gateway in Central Asia. Operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, flight QR0391 was welcomed with an opening ceremony attended by Qatar Ambassador to Kazakhstan, His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz Sultan Al-Rumaihi; Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Eastern Regions, Mr. Marwan Koleilat; Chairman of Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan, Mr. Talgat Lastayev; President of Almaty International Airport, Mr. Alp Er Tunga Ersoy and a host of airport and government officials from Kazakhstan. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to launch direct services to Almaty, which reflects the close relationship between the State of Qatar and Kazakhstan. Almaty is continuing to grow in popularity with our passengers for both business and leisure purposes, attracting travelers who wish to enjoy its rich culture, cuisine and natural scenery. “This important new gateway will provide enhanced connectivity to both business and leisure travelers, and will help connect passengers from Kazakhstan to our extensive global network of more than 140 destinations worldwide.” President of Almaty International Airport, Mr. Alp Er Tunga Ersoy, said: ““We are very happy to welcome the first passenger flight from Doha by Qatar Airways which is one the 5-star airlines in the world. Citizens of Kazakhstan will enjoy using high-level service quality on board and can discover more than 140 destinations. Besides, we believe that this route will help to develop the relationship between the two countries not only in tourism but also economic and culture. I would like to extend my gratitude to the management of Qatar Airways for their effort to open this route during the COVID-19 pandemic.” The new direct services to Almaty will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 120 seats in Economy Class. As well as enjoying the award-winning in-flight service on board, passengers travelling to Kazakhstan will also have access to Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system, offering the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more.

Brussels Airlines accelerated and intensified in 2020 its transformation plan Reboot Plus, in order to pave the way for a future-proof company that is able to face the competition, with a sound and healthy cost structure.After the restructuring, the company started the second phase of its Reboot Plus plan: the build-up and improvement phase.The Belgian company is transforming to become a healthy, profitable airline that offers perspectives to its customers, partners and employees. Today, Brussels Airlines (www.BrusselsAirlines.com) presents a new brand identity, confirming its position in the market as Belgium’s home carrier and the Africa expert of the Lufthansa Group. Updated colors, a new logo and aircraft livery are the visual token of the airline’s new chapter, stating its readiness for future challenges and reemphasizing on the importance of the Belgian brand. A chapter with a strong focus on customer experience, reliability and sustainability while keeping a competitive cost-structure. As a consequence of the COVID-19 crisis, Brussels Airlines accelerated and intensified in 2020 its transformation plan Reboot Plus, in order to pave the way for a future-proof company that is able to face the competition, with a sound and healthy cost structure.    After the restructuring, the company started the second phase of its Reboot Plus plan: the build-up and improvement phase. Brussels Airlines now turns its attention to the future with strategic investments in an improved customer experience, new technologies, digitization, new ways of working, and the development of its employees. The Belgian company is transforming to become a healthy, profitable airline that offers perspectives to its customers, partners and employees; an airline with a constant focus on the environment and the reduction of its ecological footprint. A New Brussels Airlines. “We want to clearly mark the start of the New Brussels Airlines. For our customers, who deserve the best, but also for our employees, who are committed to the transformation that we’re pushing forward and to which they contribute every day. That is why today we present the visual translation of our new start. With this new brand identity, we are ready to show our customers, our employees, our partners and all other stakeholders that we are turning a page. As one of the four Lufthansa Group network airlines, we are building the way towards a promising future.  We see this new brand identity as a symbol of confidence in our company – re-emphasizing our identity as Belgium’s home carrier.” – Peter Gerber, CEO of Brussels Airlines.

Heathrow teams up with Microsoft, UK Border Force CITES and Smiths Detection to deploy the world’s first artificial intelligence system that spots and aims to stop wildlife trafficking through airports.Project SEEKER was demonstrated to HRH The Duke of Cambridge at an event in Microsoft’s UK headquarters today.Following the pioneering trials at Heathrow, Microsoft calls for global transport hubs to use the system to help combat the $23bn illegal wildlife trafficking industry. Heathrow has teamed up with Microsoft to trial the world’s first artificial intelligence system to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. ‘Project SEEKER’ detects animal trafficking in cargo and baggage passing through the airport by scanning up to 250,000 bags a day. It recorded a 70%+ successful detection rate and was particularly effective at identifying ivory items such as tusks and horns. By identifying more trafficked items and earlier, authorities have more time, scope and information to pursue criminal traffickers and combat the $23bn illegal wildlife trafficking industry. In addition to Microsoft, Project SEEKER has been developed in partnership with UK Border Force and Smiths Detection and is supported by the Royal Foundation. Microsoft developers have taught Project SEEKER to identify animals or products such illegal products used in medicines, and trials at Heathrow have demonstrated the algorithm can be trained on any species in just two months. The technology automatically alerts security and Border Force officers when it detects an illegal wildlife item in a cargo or baggage scanner, and objects seized can then be used as evidence in criminal proceedings against smugglers.   The Duke of Cambridge visited Microsoft‘s headquarters to hear about the potential of this technology as part of his work with The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife program. To support the development of this new technology, the Project SEEKER team was able to benefit from United for Wildlife’s global network of expertise on the illegal wildlife trade. In addition, United for Wildlife will be working with its partner organizations in the transport sector to support the global roll out of the SEEKER capability. Jonathan Coen, Director of Security at Heathrow Airport, said: “Project SEEKER and our partnership with Microsoft and Smiths Detection will keep us one step ahead of traffickers, by exploring new technology that will help us protect the world’s most precious wildlife. We now need to see more transport hubs deploy this innovative system, if we are to take meaningful action on a global scale against this illegal industry.” United for Wildlife aims to make it impossible for traffickers to transport, finance or profit from illegal wildlife products by building crucial relationships between the transport and finance sectors, Non-governmental organizations and law enforcement agencies and encouraging the sharing of information and best practice between these stakeholders. United for Wildlife has been working with organizations like Microsoft to raise awareness of technology that can support efforts to disrupt the criminal trade of wildlife products globally.

The help alliance is the central pillar of the Lufthansa Group’s social commitment.As an internationally operating company and part of the German and international community, the Lufthansa Group assumes responsibility for current social challenges beyond its actual business activities.The non-profit limited liability company supports numerous projects around the world that provide young people in particular with access to education and enable them to lead self-determined lives. help alliance, the aid organization of Lufthansa Group, and Mastercard are looking forward to this year’s RTL Donation Marathon, which will take place on November 18 and 19, 2021. Viewers can already donate from tomorrow for the joint aid project “First-class pre-school education for children” in the township of Capricorn in Cape Town, South Africa, and thus support the construction of the new iThemba pre-school. Since 2019, the strong partnership of help alliance, Mastercard and “RTL – We help children” has been collaborating with celebrity patron Beatrice Egli to give children from the township access to quality education and thus free them from the downward spiral of poverty, unemployment and crime. So that the youngest children can soon learn side by side with the primary school children, the joint project is now being expanded: with the donations from this year’s RTL Donation Marathon, the new building for the preschool is now also to be constructed on the grounds of the iThemba primary school. “With our project, we want to bring hope (“iThemba” in Zulu) into the lives of the children – through access to quality pre-school education for the youngest children in the township. The need for pre-school places is very high there, which is why the pre-school on the existing premises has by far reached its capacity limits. With the support of “RTL – We help children” and Mastercard, it will be possible to build a new preschool building and thus make early education possible for a total of 140 disadvantaged children,” says Susanne French, Lufthansa Purser, help alliance advisory board member and volunteer iThemba project coordinator. Peter Bakenecker, President Central Europe at Mastercard, is also looking forward to the next joint project milestone and is thrilled that the expansion of the primary school, which was initiated in 2019, was successfully completed this summer despite Corona restrictions: “The fact that the construction work on the iThemba Primary School was completed on time despite the difficult conditions shows how much drive and energy is being put into the work on site. We are all the more pleased to continue to be part of the joint project and thus create a place of refuge and a perspective for the little ones”. The iThemba education project in Cape Town was founded 15 years ago with the iThemba Pre School as a kindergarten and preschool to offer educational opportunities for disadvantaged children from socially disadvantaged families. The pre-school has always focused on a holistic approach and teaches social skills in addition to Mathematics and English language lessons. Everyday school life and learning together teach respectful interaction and have a positive effect on the children and their environment. Every euro donated in the RTL Donation Marathon will go towards the realization of the new preschool building without a cent deduction, so that in future the preschool and primary school children in Capricorn will be able to learn on the same ground.

WestJet’s new non-stop route from YYC to London Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, is welcomed by those looking to access the world’s premier financial and business center and those eager for a direct connection to explore London’s culture and landmarks. Heathrow is a critical access point for business and leisure travelers and will be of great benefit to investors and tourists .Air access is key to Alberta’s economic recovery and growth of the tourism industry. WestJet today announced it will add non-stop service to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) beginning early Spring 2022. As WestJet continues to increase global connectivity from Western Canada, the addition of non-stop service between Calgary and London-Heathrow signals confidence in the recovery of business and leisure travel between both destinations. “As the airline with the most flights from Alberta, this is an important recovery milestone as we forge new connections between Canada and one of the world’s most sought after global hubs,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “We continue to strengthen our network, offering more options for business and leisure travelers and these investments will expedite our industry’s recovery while ensuring Western Canada builds back from the pandemic more connected than ever before.” As confidence in business and leisure travel continues to rise, WestJet‘s newest route will operate this spring on the airline’s 787 Dreamliner. WestJet’s 787 service features the airline’s Business Cabin including lie-flat pods, dining on demand and elevated Premium and Economy Cabin options. “We are committed to the expansion of our global hub in Calgary and supporting the recovery of many sectors who rely on travel and tourism,” continued Weatherill. “As the airline with the most non-stop European destinations from YYC, we are looking forward to guests benefitting from more options and increased connectivity for travel between Canada and the UK.” With the addition of Heathrow to WestJet’s network this spring, WestJet will connect Calgary to 77 non-stop destinations throughout the year.  WestJet will also continue to offer non-stop flights between Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax to London, Gatwick. Additional network details for travel between Calgary and London-Heathrow including frequency, timing and introductory pricing will be available, and for sale, in the coming weeks.

Qatar Airways welcomed the ultra-modern, fuel efficient jet to Doha International Airport.The 777-9 builds on the passenger-preferred and market-leading 777 and 787 Dreamliner families.The aircraft will remain in Qatar before returning to Seattle’s Boeing Field to continue its rigorous test program. Qatar Airways today showcased its role as a global launch customer for the latest generation Boeing 777-9 aircraft after welcoming the ultra-modern, fuel efficient jet to Doha International Airport (DIA). A host of VIP guests joined Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, to share in the arrival of the aircraft, which will remain in Qatar before returning to Seattle’s Boeing Field to continue its rigorous test program. The aircraft, which is anticipated to join the award-winning airline’s fleet in the near future, will be the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, delivering 20 percent lower fuel consumption and emissions than previous generation aircraft. Key technologies enabling this efficiency are its new carbon-fiber composite wing, new engines and natural laminar flow nacelles. Boeing 777-9 builds on the passenger-preferred and market-leading 777 and 787 Dreamliner families to deliver the flight experience of the future. Passengers and crew alike will enjoy a more comfortable cabin altitude, better humidity, a smoother ride, a wider cabin, larger windows and a spacious architecture. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “It was back in 2013 that Qatar Airways Group initially announced its planned investment in the Boeing’s latest generation aircraft. “After visiting the Boeing factory in Everett, Washington in September 2018, we had the opportunity to view the 777-9 up close in person, but today marks the first chance for the airline and our esteemed VIP guests to witness our significant commitment to this incredible aircraft here in Qatar as it arrives for the first time. “We are tremendously proud to be a global launch customer for this industry-leading product, and to be able to showcase our commitment towards continuing to support our thriving global network with a fleet that includes the youngest, most technologically-advanced and efficient twin-engine aircraft in the world.”  Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO, Mr. Stan Deal, said:  “We are honored by Qatar Airways’ enduring commitment to the 777-9 and to the partnership and innovation it represents. With its unprecedented improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions and new levels of comfort, we look forward to seeing the 777-9 delight Qatar Airway’s passengers for many years to come.”

SITA’s biometric-enabled kiosks and baggage messaging services transform Frankfurt Airport.SITA’s TS6 check-in kiosks allow passengers to check in quickly and obtain bag tags for later self-bag drop services.The kiosks work in concert with SITA Flex and offer passengers a unified user experience across multiple airlines. SITA, the technology provider for the air transport industry, has announced a large-scale technology deployment at Frankfurt Airport to enhance the passenger experience and increase the airport’s operational efficiency. The deployment features the installation of 87 biometric-enabled SITA TS6 Kiosks and is expected to be completed later this year. SITA‘s versatile TS6 check-in kiosks allow passengers to check in quickly and obtain bag tags for later self-bag drop services. The kiosks work in concert with SITA Flex and offer passengers a unified user experience across multiple airlines, increasing ease of use while also reducing physical touchpoints. Passengers remain in control of their self-service options, from check-in to self-bag drop via the intuitive biometric-enabled kiosk. The new SITA TS6 kiosk was the winner of the 2021 IF Design award for the slick, sustainable, and adaptive design, which can be customized to fit with the airport’s brand design and specific customer needs. The modular design also means enhancements and modifications can be made without replacing the entire kiosk, bringing added cost efficiency and sustainability benefits.  SITA’s TS6 Kiosk can be used for check-in and bag tagging paving the way for a completely touchless, mobile passenger journey. The deployment at Frankfurt Airport represents SITA’s largest implementation in Europe. Dr. Pierre-Dominique Prümm, Executive Director Aviation & Infrastructure at Fraport,  said: “Offering passengers innovative, safer, and smarter ways to travel while also ensuring we have resilient and efficient airport operations is vital as our industry recovers from the impact of the pandemic. SITA supports us in achieving this ambition, and we look forward to welcoming more passengers back to the skies.” Sergio Colella, President, Europe, SITA, said: “We’re proud to continue supporting leading airports such as Frankfurt in their recovery from the impact of the pandemic. Technology holds the keys to unlocking smarter and safer travel for all, recouping revenues lost during the past 18 months, and ensuring flexible operations that can adapt to the unforeseen circumstances of tomorrow. A more robust and sustainable air transport industry will benefit passengers, economies, and jobs.”

UK Royal Air Force F-35 combat aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean Sea earlier today.The pilot was safely rescued and returned to the aircraft carrier.Earlier in November, the UK took delivery of three F-35 stealth fighters, at a cost of £100 million ($135 million) apiece. British Ministry of Defense (MoD) issued a statement, announcing that a Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35 combat aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean Sea today. The pilot of the jet has managed to safely eject from the plane before the crash. The pilot was safely rescued and returned to the aircraft carrier and an investigation has been launched into the incident. According to the MoD statement, a “British F-35 pilot from HMS Queen Elizabeth ejected during routine flying operations in the Mediterranean this morning.” “It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time,” the ministry added. Today’s F-35 crash is the first incident reported for the UK’s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth. Earlier in November, the UK took delivery of three F-35 stealth fighters, at a cost of £100 million ($135 million) apiece, bringing the total number in the country’s fleet to 24. The British government has ordered six more jets, which are set to arrive next year, and seven that are due in 2023, with the aim of having 48 active F-35s by 2025. HMS Queen Elizabeth – the UK’s flagship aircraft carrier – had eight UK F-35s on board, as well as 10 American F-35s. It recently returned to Europe after spending more than seven months on its maiden voyage through the South China Sea and into the Indo-Pacific region. The Ministry of Defence has not yet recovered the plane, which is believed to have crashed into the sea at 10am GMT on Wednesday, and no other aircraft were involved in the incident. Despite the launch of an investigation, all remaining F-35s and training flights are continuing uninterrupted.

Middle East Airlines will use the solution for its entire fleet.The Beirut based airline is operating an all-Airbus fleet comprising A320 and A330 Family aircraft.Airbus’ SHM saves airlines time and cost associated with unscheduled maintenance. Middle East Airlines (MEA) has signed an agreement to join the community of Skywise Health Monitoring (SHM) users. The long standing Airbus customer will be the 50th airline using this innovative tool to optimize the maintenance of its fleets. SHM will support the airline’s maintenance and engineering teams by enabling real-time management of aircraft events and troubleshooting.  Using the Skywise aviation data platform, SHM collates and centralizes alerts, flight-deck effects, maintenance messages etc., prioritizes them, correlates any faults with the relevant troubleshooting procedures. It also highlights operational impacts, provides the maintenance history of the system (from the logbook and MIS information collected through Skywise Core and stored in the data lake), allowing effective tracking of the alerts. Additionally, it can help airlines anticipate and provision for tools and parts’ to be available closest to the aircraft. MEA will use the solution for its entire fleet. The Beirut based airline is operating an all-Airbus fleet comprising A320 and A330 Family aircraft. Airbus’ SHM saves airlines time and cost associated with unscheduled maintenance. SHM also Interfaces with Skywise Predictive Maintenance (SPM) and Skywise Reliability (SR) to provide an integrated user experience. Additionally, it is ready to harness powerful capabilities of the new on-board Flight Operations and Maintenance Exchanger (“FOMAX”) data router – which can capture and record over 24,000 real-time aircraft parameters for subsequent analysis.

Air Tanzania announced an order for a 787-8 Dreamliner, a 767-300 Freighter and two 737 MAX jets.The order, valued at more than $726 million at list prices, was previously unidentified on the Boeing Orders and Deliveries website.Air Tanzania will expand its current fleet of 787s, leveraging the new 737s for its regional network and the 767 Freighter to capitalize on Africa’s burgeoning cargo demand. Boeing and the United Republic of Tanzania today announced an order for a 787-8 Dreamliner, a 767-300 Freighter and two 737 MAX jets at the 2021 Dubai Airshow. The airplanes will be operated by Air Tanzania, the national flag-carrier of Tanzania, to expand service from the country to new markets across Africa, Asia and Europe. The order, valued at more than $726 million at list prices, was previously unidentified on the Boeing Orders and Deliveries website. “Our flagship 787 Dreamliner is popular with our passengers, providing unrivalled in-flight comfort and ultra-efficiency for our long-haul growth,” said Air Tanzania CEO Ladislaus Matindi.” Adding to our 787 fleet, the introduction of the 737 MAX and 767 Freighter will give Air Tanzania exceptional capability and flexibility to meet passenger and cargo demand within Africa and beyond.” Based in Dar es Salaam, the carrier will expand its current fleet of 787s, leveraging the new 737s for its regional network and the 767 Freighter to capitalize on Africa’s burgeoning cargo demand. “Africa is the third fastest-growing region worldwide for air travel, and Air Tanzania is well-positioned to increase connectivity and expand tourism throughout Tanzania,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing. “We are honored that Air Tanzania has chosen Boeing for its fleet modernization program by adding an additional 787 and introducing the 737 MAX and the 767 Freighter into its expanding network.” Boeing‘s 2021 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that, by 2040, Africa’s airlines will require 1,030 new airplanes valued at $160 billion and aftermarket services such as manufacturing and repair worth $235 billion, supporting growth in air travel and economies across the continent.

Jazeera Airways is pleased to extend its long-term relationship with Airbus further with this significant new order.The latest agreement will add an additional 28 Airbus aircraft to Jazeera Airways all-Airbus fleet.By taking both A320neo and A321 neo options Jazeera Airways will have great flexibility to extend its network to medium and longer haul destinations from Kuwait. Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jazeera Airways, the Kuwait-based carrier, for 20 A320neos and eight A321neos. The MoU was signed by Rohit Ramachandran, Jazeera Airways Chief Executive Officer and Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. Marwan Boodai, Chairman Jazeera Airways said, “Jazeera Airways is pleased to extend its long-term relationship with Airbus further with this significant new order. We will effectively double our current fleet size to 35 aircraft by 2026. The airline has pulled out of the pandemic strongly in Q3 with a return to profitability.  We have exciting expansion plans ahead, which will further boost our contribution to the Kuwait economy and in particular the travel sector.”  “We are proud to extend our partnership with Jazeera Airways through this latest agreement which will add an additional 28 Airbus aircraft to its all Airbus fleet”, said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, and Head of Airbus International. “The A320neo Family is without doubt the best platform to support Jazeera Airways’ growth plans. This is the perfect illustration of how Airbus helps escort the growth of its successful customers.” Rohit Ramachandran, CEO Jazeera Airways added, “By taking both A320neo and A321 neo options we will have great flexibility to extend our network to medium and longer haul destinations from Kuwait, offering passengers more choice to travel and enjoy popular destinations as much as underserved ones”. Jazeera Airways commenced operations in 2005 and has since emerged as a leading carrier in the region. It is operating regionally and internationally serving Middle East, Europe and Asia’s top destinations from its home base Kuwait. The Kuwaiti airline supports the country’s 2035 vision to further economic expansion and transformation into a commercial hub.  The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets and aerodynamics, which together deliver 20% in fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation Airbus aircraft. The A320neo Family has received more than 7,400 orders from over 120 customers.

Ibom Air currently flies to Uyo, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt using two A220s.The purchase of the new A220s will enable the airline to continue on its growth path, offering new routes across not just Nigeria, but to the west African region and to Africa at large.Airbus A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market. Akwa Ibom state government owned airline in Nigeria, Ibom Air has signed a firm order for ten (10) A220s at the Dubai Airshow. The signing was done by Mfon Udom, the chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, and Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International in the presence of the Akwa Ibom state Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel. Nigeria, with the largest population in Africa and the largest GDP, offers substantial growth potential in both domestic and regional travel. The A220 is therefore the ideal choice for a full range of services from very short-haul segments to intra-continental air routes. “It gives me great pleasure to be here to announce Ibom Air’s order for 10 Airbus A220s”, said Mfon Udom, CEO of Ibom Air. “As an organization, we at Ibom Air are delighted with the steep growth we have achieved in just over two and a half years since we commenced operations, a growth chiefly driven by the massive embrace of our product and brand by the Nigerian domestic flying public. The addition of the A220 to our fleet will support our growth strategy and boost operational efficiency. It will also offer our passengers more space and enhanced cabin experience, as a value add for choosing us.” “The A220 will allow us to increase the number of annual passengers through Akwa Ibom Airport, in Uyo, thus bringing more first-time visitors and business travelers to the region. These efforts reflect our commitment to supporting local commerce and making a positive contribution to socio-economic growth in Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria.” said the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. Ibom Air currently operates two A220s. The airline flies to Uyo, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. The purchase of the new A220s will enable the airline to continue on its growth path, offering new routes across not just Nigeria, but to the west African region and to Africa at large. “We are thrilled to add Ibom Air as a new Airbus customer. The A220 is ideally suited to Nigeria’s aviation needs, providing operational flexibility to grow the business by responding to demand for increased passenger services. Through this investment, Ibom Air is underscoring its ambition for regional and in due course, international connectivity and operational efficiency.”, said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market; it delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and a wide body comfort experience in a single-aisle cabin, with extra wide seats, more leg room and onboard connectivity for entertainment and communication. By the end of October 2021, the A220 had accumulated 643 firm orders.

Russia increases frequencies to Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan from December 1.The number of flights to Baku, Azerbaijan from Moscow, Russia will grow to 14 per week.It will be possible to fly three times a week from Zhukovsky airport to Nur-Sultan, Alma-Ata and Shymkent, Kazakhstan. Russia’s anti-coronavirus crisis center announced today that the Russian Federation will increase the frequency of scheduled flights to Italy, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Vietnam starting from December 1, 2021. Flights to Rome from Zhukovsky airport will be operating twice a week and from Moscow to Vietnamese cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang also twice a week. Russian authorities also allowed to launch one flight per week from Zhukovsky to Bishkek and Osh in Kyrgyzstan, as well as one flight per week to Issyk-Kul from each Russian airport open for international air traffic. The number of flights to Baku from Moscow will grow to 14 per week, and from the airports of other cities open for international flights – up to two per week. It will be also possible to fly three times a week from Zhukovsky airport to Kazakhstan’s Nur-Sultan, Alma-Ata and Shymkent, from the Russian airports in Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar, Sochi, Orenburg and Mineralnye Vody – to Nur-Sultan and Alma-Ata (one flights per week). Also, flights with the same frequency are allowed between Nur-Sultan and Krasnoyarsk, as well as Alma-Ata and St. Petersburg, Omsk, Ufa and Rostov-on-Don. The crisis center also allowed one flight per week from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan to Aktobe, from St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Rostov-on-Don – to Aktau, from St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar and Sochi – to Atyrau. Additional routes also include Moscow – Ust-Kamenogorsk, St. Petersburg – Petropavlovsk and Rostov-on-Don – Karaganda (one flight per week).

From its hubs in Munich and Frankfurt alone, Lufthansa is offering more than 120 additional flights with a capacity of 25,000 seats during the Christmas period. In the US, New York and destinations in the state of Florida are booked particularly often.With planning air travelers should consider in each case the appropriate current entry and quarantine regulations. The airlines of the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings) are offering around 80,000 additional seats on 440 extra flights for the upcoming holiday season and New Year. The airlines are now responding to the weeks-long increase in demand for flights during the Holiday vacations by resuming destinations and increasing the frequency of existing connections or deploying larger aircraft. From its hubs in Munich and Frankfurt alone, Lufthansa is offering more than 120 additional flights with a capacity of 25,000 seats during the Christmas period.  In the U.S., New York and destinations in the state of Florida are booked particularly often. In Europe, destinations on the Spanish mainland and the Canary Islands, Portugal and other sunny destinations in the Mediterranean region as well as Scandinavia are in particularly high demand. In addition to these destinations, the snow-sure ski resorts in Lapland (northern Finland) are back on the flight schedule. Thus one reaches over the holiday season and New Year from Frankfurt Ivalo and Kuusamo as well as from Munich Kittilä in Lappland and Tromsö in Norway – Northern Light inclusive. All flights are immediately bookable. With planning air travelers should consider in each case the appropriate current entry and quarantine regulations.  Travelers can make a personal contribution to climate protection and make their air travel CO2 neutral. In addition to the option of offsetting the flight via high-quality climate projects, Lufthansa guests can already fly with sustainable fuel today. The airlines of the Lufthansa Group have integrated the options into the booking process. Frequent flyers can find them in the Miles & More app.

Many skilled ground handling employees have left the industry and are not coming back. Two key tools for ground handlers are the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO).Digitalization can drive process improvements that will be critical to improving both sustainability and productivity.  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is focusing on standards, digitalization and addressing the skilled labor shortage to build resilience and ensure long-term sustainability post pandemic for ground handling activities.  “There will be challenges as ground handling operations ramp up to meet growing demand as the aviation industry’s recovery from COVID-19 progresses. Overcoming labor shortages, ensuring safety with strict adherence to global standards and digitalization and modernization will be critical to achieving a scalable restart,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations, speaking at the 33rd IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC), which opened in Prague today. Labor Ground handling providers are facing severe skills shortages and challenges in retaining and recruiting staff.  “Many skilled employees have left the industry and are not coming back. And recruiting, training and accrediting new staff can take up to six months. So, it is critical that we retain current staff and find more efficient ways of onboarding new personnel,” said Mejstrikova, who also outlined a number of priority solutions. To retain skilled staff, governments should include ground handlers in wage subsidy programs To speed up training processes, the use of competency-based training, assessments and online training formats should be increased, and training requirements harmonized  To increase the efficiency of staff utilization, a training passport should be developed that would mutually recognize skills across ground handlers, airlines and/or airports

Having increased connections across Canada and beyond through Edmonton International Airport is vital for the region.The airline’s growth will see Swoop’s flight capacity in Alberta’s capital increase 76% compared to pre-pandemic levels.Swoop expansion supporting the creation of 140 additional direct and spin-off jobs and an anticipated $120 million of economic output activity in 2022. Today, Swoop, a Canadian ultra-low fare airline, reaffirmed its commitment to the Edmonton Metropolitan Region with the announcement of new service to one U.S. and eight domestic destinations from its Western Canadian base. The airline’s significant new investments were celebrated this morning alongside the unveiling of Swoop’s newest aircraft, which will fly with the name #Edmonton. The airline’s growth will see Swoop‘s flight capacity in Alberta’s capital increase 76% compared to pre-pandemic levels, supporting the creation of 140 additional direct and spin-off jobs and an anticipated $120M of economic output activity in 2022. “This is a major milestone for Swoop as we underscore our commitment to leading the way for ultra-low fare air travel in Canada and reaffirm our position as the airline with the most destinations from Edmonton,” said Charles Duncan, President of Swoop. “With a strong focus on growth and Edmonton as our partner, we will continue to provide our travelers with more non-stop flights and ultra-low fares while supporting the recovery of Canada’s travel and tourism economy.” The addition of eight new Canadian destinations to Swoop’s summer schedule will see non-stop service from Edmonton to Charlottetown, Comox, Halifax, Kelowna, Moncton, Ottawa, Regina and Saskatoon. Swoop will be the first carrier to bring non-stop connectivity from Edmonton International Airport to Charlottetown and Moncton and the airline’s summer schedule will also see the restoration of service to London, Ont.  Beginning December 16, Swoop’s trans-border presence is growing from Edmonton with the addition of new service to Palm Springs. The scheduled non-stop service to Palm Springs will operate twice weekly.

Etihad Airways has signed multiple partnership and collaboration agreements at the 2021 Dubai Airshow.The first of Etihad’s A350’s, launched today at the Dubai Airshow as the “Sustainability50”, carries a unique “UAE50”.Etihad’s work with Boeing, GE, Airbus and Rolls Royce supports the strategic objectives to achieve a 20% reduction in emissions intensity in its passenger fleet by 2025, cut 2019 net emissions by 50% by 2035, and reach net zero emissions by 2050. Etihad Airways has signed multiple partnership and collaboration agreements with the aviation industry’s top manufactures, suppliers and stakeholders at the 2021 Dubai Airshow, bringing aviation’s leading organizations together under its strategic sustainability program to drive decarbonization creating the industry’s most comprehensive multi-organizational partnership to reduce CO2 emissions globally. The airline’s sustainability program, which to date has been focused on the airline’s fleet of GEnX powered Boeing 787’s under the Greenliner Program, will now be complimented by a similar program focused on maximizing the opportunities presented by the inclusion of the Rolls Royce XWB powered Airbus A350 fleet. The first of Etihad’s A350’s, launched today at the Dubai Airshow as the “Sustainability50”, carries a unique “UAE50” livery in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the federation of the UAE and the airline’s commitment to the 2050 target of net-zero carbon emissions. Etihad’s work with partners including Boeing, GE, Airbus and Rolls Royce supports the organization’s strategic objectives to achieve a 20% reduction in emissions intensity in its passenger fleet by 2025, cut 2019 net emissions by 50% by 2035, and reach net zero emissions by 2050. Speaking at Dubai Airshow, Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, acknowledged the uniting of these industry players for decarbonation is a unique and important step forward for the industry: “There’s no silver bullet for this one, no obvious single act that will provide a solution. It’s going to require the combination and the sum of many different organizations and governments working together for small, incremental improvements. “Governments and regulators must help the industry to drive innovation for long-term solutions to decarbonizing aviation. Support is needed for development of affordable and sufficient supply of sustainable fuels. Optimizing flight paths on the busiest routes in the world would prevent untold amounts of Co2 from being pumped into the atmosphere. There is a big opportunity here that doesn’t require any new technology to implement and could be implemented today if there was a will.

Fully reopen and resume visitor visa processing at U.S embassies and consulates.Ensure Customs and Border Protection and Transportation Security Administration officers are adequately resourced.Pass the Restoring Brand USA Act to provide emergency relief funding to Brand USA, the United States’ destination marketing organization. Days after the U.S. reopened its land and air borders to vaccinated international visitors, U.S. Travel released its biannual forecast which shows an uneven recovery for the international inbound and business travel segments, while domestic leisure travel has returned to near pre-pandemic levels. The forecast, based on analysis from Tourism Economics, projects that domestic leisure travel will continue to drive the U.S. travel industry’s recovery in the near term. This segment is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2022 and beyond. Domestic business travel spending is expected to reach 76% of 2019 levels in 2022 while the segment is not expected to fully recover until 2024. International inbound travel spending is forecasted to reach 72% of 2019 levels in 2022. The segment is not expected to fully recover until 2024 or 2025. While the experts see much reason for optimism on the horizon, their forecast reveals that travel’s recovery is uneven with much work ahead to ensure all segments reach pre-pandemic levels. The experts believe that the U.S. can implement smart, effective policies that bring back international visitors more quickly and spur business and professional travel to accelerate an economic and jobs rebound. Policies needed to accelerate the travel industry’s recovery: Fully reopen and resume visitor visa processing at U.S embassies and consulates Pass the Restoring Brand USA Act to provide emergency relief funding to Brand USA, the United States’ destination marketing organization Enact temporary tax credits to restore demand for in-person professional meetings and events Stabilizing policies can help ensure a more even recovery as US aims to restore the itself as the top destination in the world for global travelers.

Israel gives entry clearance to visitors vaccinated with Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine.Tourists fully vaccinated with Sputnik V will be allowed to enter Israel starting December 1.The Russian vaccine itself has been recognized by Israel from November 15, 2021. Israel’s Health and Tourism Ministries and the office of the Israeli Prime Minister issued a joint statement today, announcing that the visitors from the Russian Federation, who have received two shots of the Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, will be allowed to enter the country starting December 1. “Technical and legal issues have been discovered in the existing entry procedure for foreign tourists, which means that it will be possible for tourists vaccinated with Sputnik V to come to Israel starting December 1, 2021. By then, system synchronization will be established, legal formulations and obligations have been completed, and the entry mechanism will work without problems in order to take care of the health of both Israeli citizens and tourists, providing them with comfortable conditions and a pleasant travel experience. We made the decision that Israel will officially recognize the Russian Sputnik V vaccine on November 15, 2021,” the statement said. “Two weeks ago, Israel opened its doors to tourists vaccinated with WHO-recognized vaccines. In light of the successful vaccination of the Israeli population with a third dose and a low incidence of disease, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, together with Minister of Health Nitzan Horowitz and Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov made a decision to remove additional restrictions and open borders for tourists vaccinated with Sputnik V and who received a positive antibody test,” the statement said. Since March 2020, Israel has been virtually closed to tourism. Entry into the country was only possible for returning citizens or foreigners who received special permission. Since May, as part of a pilot program, several organized foreign travel groups have been admitted to the country, fully vaccinated with US-approved drugs. The Israeli Ministry of Tourism announced in April that it considers July 1 as a possible date for the start of admission to the country of vaccinated tourists from a number of states on an individual basis, but the implementation of these plans was postponed several times due to the epidemic situation. On November 1, Israel opened its borders for the first time in 20 months for foreign tourists vaccinated no more than six months ago with WHO-approved drugs, subject to a number of conditions for the number of vaccines and boosters received. Foreigners who meet these conditions must do swab tests 72 hours before departure and be isolated at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel until a negative result is obtained. In order to be allowed into Israel, foreigners within 14 days prior to entry “cannot be in a country belonging to the red zone, for the threat of the spread of coronavirus,” the Health Ministry said earlier.

Owens Thomsen will come from Banque Lombard Odier, where she has served as Head of Global Trends and Sustainability.Owens Thomsen holds a PhD in International Economics from The Graduate Institute in Geneva and an MBA equivalent from the University of Gothenburg in International Economics and Business.Holding US, UK and Swiss nationalities, she has worked in the UK, France and Switzerland and is fluent in Swedish, English and French. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Marie Owens Thomsen will join the Association as its Chief Economist effective 4 January 2022. Owens Thomsen will come from Banque Lombard Odier, where she has served as Head of Global Trends and Sustainability since 2020. Prior to that she was the long-time Global Head of Investment Intelligence (2011-2020) at Indosuez Wealth Management. Additionally, she has served in Chief Economist and related roles for Merrill Lynch, Dresdner Kleinwort Benson and HSBC. Her varied career also includes entrepreneurship and market development activities. “Marie’s work on macro-economic issues with a focus on sustainability will prepare her to address aviation’s top issues—namely recovery from COVID-19 and sustainability. Coming from outside the aviation sector, she will bring valuable new insights and perspectives. And I am confident that she will carry on IATA’s reputation for objective reporting and analysis that is essential for explaining aviation’s contribution to the global economy and advocating for the polices airlines need to be successful,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “I am joining IATA to contribute to the aviation sector which has been a formidable long-term driver of economic growth. I’ll do this with a research approach that identifies causal factors for critical issues and their high-priority solutions. This is important as aviation begins the recovery from COVID-19 and continues the journey to net zero emissions. I look forward to a future where aviation can flourish within a sustainable global economy,” said Owens Thomsen. Owens Thomsen holds a PhD in International Economics from The Graduate Institute in Geneva and an MBA equivalent from the University of Gothenburg in International Economics and Business. Holding US, UK and Swiss nationalities, she has worked in the UK, France and Switzerland and is fluent in Swedish, English and French. Owens Thomsen succeeds Brian Pearce who retired from IATA earlier this year after serving as Chief Economist since 2004.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the results of its 2021 Global Passenger Survey (GPS), which delivered two main conclusions:Passengers want to use biometric identification if it expedites travel processes.Passengers want to spend less time queuing.   “Passengers have spoken and want technology to work harder, so they spend less time ‘being processed’ or standing in queues. And they are willing to use biometric data if it delivers this result. Before traffic ramps up, we have a window of opportunity to ensure a smooth return to travel post-pandemic and deliver long-term efficiency improvements for passengers, airlines, airports, and governments,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security.  Biometric Identification 73% of passengers are willing to share their biometric data to improve airport processes (up from 46% in 2019). 88% will share immigration information prior to departure for expedited processing. Just over a third of passengers (36%) have experienced the use of biometric data when traveling. Of these, 86% were satisfied with the experience.  Data protection remains a key issue with 56% indicating concern about data breaches. And passengers want clarity on who their data is being shared with (52%) and how it is used/processed (51%).  Queuing 55% of passengers identified queuing at boarding as a top area for improvement. 41% of passengers identified queuing at security screening as a top priority for improvement.38% of passenger identified queuing time at border control / immigration as a top area for improvement.   The greatest wait increases are at check-in and border control (emigration and immigration) where travel health credentials are being checked mainly as paper documents.  This exceeds the time that passengers want to spend on processes at the airport. The survey found that: 85% of passengers want to spend less than 45 mins on processes at the airport if they are traveling with only hand luggage.90% of passengers want to spend less than one hour on processes at the airport when traveling with a checked bag.  Solutions IATA, working with industry stakeholders, has two mature programs which can support a successful ramping-up of aviation post-pandemic and provide travelers with the expedited experience they are demanding. IATA Travel Pass is a solution to manage the complex myriad of travel health credentials that governments require.  The app offers a safe and secure way for travelers to check the requirements for their journey, receive test results and scan their vaccine certificates, verify that these meet the destination and transit requirements and share these effortlessly with health officials and airlines prior to departure and using e-gates. This will reduce queuing and congestion for document checks—to the benefit of travelers, airlines, airports and governments. One ID is an initiative that is helping transition industry towards a day when passengers can move from curb to gate using a single biometric travel token such as a face, fingerprint or iris scan. Airlines are strongly behind the initiative. The priority now is ensuring there is regulation in place to support the vision of a paperless travel experience. One ID will not only make processes more efficient for passengers, but also allow governments to utilize valuable resources more effectively. “We cannot just revert to how things were in 2019 and expect our customers to be satisfied. Pre-pandemic we were preparing to take self-service to the next level with One ID. The crisis makes its twin-promises of efficiency and cost-savings even more urgent. And we absolutely need technologies like IATA Travel Pass to re-enable self-service or the recovery will be overwhelmed by paper document checks. The GPS results are yet another proof point that change is needed,” said Careen. About the GPSGPS results are based on 13,579 responses from 186 countries. The survey provides insight into what passengers would like from their air travel experience. Visit this link to access the complete analysis.

Emirates and Gulf Air have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a deeper commercial cooperation between both carriers.The MoU will set the framework between both carriers to establish a potential codeshare cooperation across the networks of each airline, extending reciprocal loyalty benefits on Emirates’ Skywards and Gulf Air’s Falconflyer. Discussions are also underway to initiate cargo cooperation.  Signed on the first day of the Dubai Airshow, the MoU will mark the beginning of closer ties between the two airlines. The MoU was signed by Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline and Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Captain Waleed AlAlawi. The signing ceremony was also attended by members of each airline’s executive management teams. Customers traveling on Emirates and Gulf Air’s operated flights can book single-ticket travel with competitive fares, and one-stop baggage check-in to their final destinations. Emirates will initially place its “EK” marketed code on Gulf Air operated flights between Bahrain and Dubai, and reciprocally, Gulf Air will add its “GF” marketed code to Emirates routes. Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said: “We are pleased to partner with Gulf Air on developing this codeshare agreement, which will give customers significantly enhanced choices, convenient schedules, and flexibility to connect between Dubai and Bahrain, and beyond to cities in our extensive long-haul network. We believe that our new partnership will bring real benefits to our customers and business, and today’s agreement is a positive step in our cooperation, and we are on the way to further strengthen our relationship in the future.” During the event, Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer said: “This will be a remarkable partnership between one of the first airlines in the Gulf region and one of the biggest carriers in the world. We’re proud to explore opportunities with Emirates to expand our reach and at the same time extend our boutique services to Emirates’ passengers when flying on our network. Gulf Air and Emirates operate multiple flights between Bahrain and Dubai and this agreement will provide passengers with more choices beyond our hubs.”Once the codeshare is activated, customers will be able to book their travel with both airlines on emirates.com and gulfair.com, through online travel agencies as well as with local travel agents.

Demand for air transport will continue to grow, driven by GDP, rising middle class and desire to explore and connect.Continued improvements in fleet efficiency, sustainable fuels, operations and propulsion technologies will enable the sector’s 2050 net-zero objective.Need for over 550,000 new pilots and over 710,000 highly skilled technicians over the next 20 years. In the next 20 years, Airbus forecasts demand for air transport to progressively shift from fleet growth to the accelerated retirement of older, less fuel-efficient aircraft, resulting in a need for some 39,000 new-build passenger and freighter aircraft, 15,250 of these for replacement. As a consequence, by 2040 the vast majority of commercial aircraft in operation will be of the latest generation, up from some 13% today, considerably improving the CO2 efficiency of the world’s commercial aircraft fleets. The economic benefits of aviation extend beyond the sector, contributing around 4% to annual global GDP and sustaining some 90 million jobs worldwide. While having lost nearly two years of growth over the COVID period, passenger traffic has demonstrated its resilience and is set to reconnect to an annual growth of 3.9% per year, driven by expanding economies and commerce around the globe including tourism. The middle classes, who are the likeliest to fly, will grow in number by two billion people to 63% of the world’s population. The fastest traffic growth will be in Asia with domestic China becoming the largest market. The demand for new aircraft will include around 29,700 Small aircraft like the A220 and A320 Families, as well as about 5,300 in the Medium aircraft category such as the A321XLR and the A330neo. In the Large segment, covered by the A350, a need for some 4,000 deliveries  is expected by 2040.  Cargo demand, boosted by e-commerce, is driven by an expected growth in express freight of 4.7% per year and a general cargo (representing about 75% of the market) growth of 2.7%.  Overall, over the next 20 years there will be a need for some 2,440 freighters, of which 880 will be new-build.  In line with growth, ever more efficient aircraft operations globally increase the need for commercial aviation services – including maintenance, training, upgrades, flight operations, dismantling and recycling. This growth is on track at Airbus’ pre-pandemic forecast levels reaching a cumulative value of around $4.8Tn in the next 20 years. While continuing through a COVID-related downdip of some 20% over the 2020-2025 period, the services market is rebounding, triggering a need for some 550,000+ new pilots and 710,000+ highly skilled technicians over the next 20 years. While maintenance will remain the leading services segment, flight, ground operations and sustainable services are also expected to grow significantly.   “As economies and air transport mature, we see demand increasingly driven by replacement rather than growth. Replacement being today’s most significant driver for decarbonization.  The world is expecting more sustainable flying and this will be made possible in the short-term by the introduction of most modern airplanes,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. “Powering these new, efficient aircraft with Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) is the next big lever. We pride ourselves that all our aircraft  – the A220, A320neo Family, the A330neo and the A350 – are already certified to fly with a blend of 50% SAF, set to rise to 100% by 2030 – before making ZEROe our next reality from 2035 onwards.” The global aviation industry has already achieved huge efficiency gains, as shown by the 53% decline in aviation’s global CO2 emissions since 1990. Airbus’ product range supports at least a 20% CO2 efficiency gain over previous-generation aircraft. In view of further ongoing innovations, product developments, operational improvements as well as market based options, Airbus is supporting the air transport sector’s target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

All German loans and Silent Participations, including interest, have now been repaid respectively terminated. Under this condition, ESF has undertaken to sell its stake in Deutsche Lufthansa AG amounting to approx. 14 percent of the share capital by October 2023 at the latest.The German government’s package originally provided measures and loans totaling up to 9 billion euros, of which the company has drawn down a total of around 3.8 billion euros. On Friday, Deutsche Lufthansa AG repaid or cancelled all remaining government Stabilization funds from the Federal Republic of Germany. The repayment was made much earlier than originally planned. This was made possible primarily by the rising demand for air travel, the fast restructuring and transformation of the Lufthansa Group and the capital markets’ confidence in the company. This means that this morning, the Silent Participation II of the Economic Stabilization Fund of the Federal Republic of Germany (ESF) amounting to 1 billion euros was repaid in full. After the company had already repaid Silent Participation I in October, of which only 1.5 billion euros were drawn, the unused and remaining part has now been terminated too. Last February, the company had already repaid a KfW loan of 1 billion euros earlier than expected. This means that all German loans and Silent Participations, including interest, have now been repaid respectively terminated. Under this condition, ESF has undertaken to sell its stake in Deutsche Lufthansa AG amounting to approx. 14 percent of the share capital by October 2023 at the latest. Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, says: “On behalf of all Lufthansa employees, I would like to thank the German government and the German taxpayers. In the most serious financial crisis in our company’s history, they have given us a perspective for the future. This has enabled us to save more than 100,000 jobs. We are proud that we were able to keep our promise earlier than expected and repay the German financial aid. I would like to thank our employees for their great commitment and especially our customers who have remained loyal to us in these challenging times. Lufthansa was able to rely on Germany and Germany can rely on Lufthansa. Many challenges remain. Our ambition is to strengthen our position among the world’s leading airline groups. To this end, we will consistently continue the restructuring and transformation of the company. Remco Steenbergen, CFO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, says: “Above all, I would like to thank our investors for their trust in our company. Without them such a quick exit from the Silent Participations would not have been possible. This trust is an obligation for us to consistently continue on the path we have taken to restructure and transform the Group. We are determined to further strengthen our balance sheet, increase our profitability and generate attractive capital returns. Our financial targets published in June show this very clearly. We are convinced that we will create sustainable value for our shareholders.” In June 2020, the shareholders of Deutsche Lufthansa AG cleared the way for the Stabilization measures of the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) of the Federal Republic of Germany. The German government’s package originally provided measures and loans totaling up to 9 billion euros, of which the company has drawn down a total of around 3.8 billion euros. This includes around 306 million euros with which the ESF built up its shareholding in Deutsche Lufthansa AG. To refinance existing liabilities and the government Stabilization packages, the company has taken various debt and equity financing measures since autumn 2020. In doing so, it benefited from the steadily growing confidence of the financial markets in the future prospects of the Lufthansa Group. In November 2020, the company made a “comeback” on the capital markets with a convertible bond with a total volume of 600 million euros and a corporate bond of 1 billion euros. In February 2021, Deutsche Lufthansa AG again successfully issued a bond for 1.6 billion euros. Another bond placement followed in July 2021 in the amount of 1 billion euros. In October 2021, the company successfully completed a capital increase. The gross proceeds from the capital increase amounted to 2.2 billion euros. Finally, on 9 November 2021, the Lufthansa Group was again successfully active on the financial market and issued a bond in the amount of 1.5 billion euros.

FlyersRights.org continues its litigation, supported by independent aviation safety experts.The goal of the FlyersRights litigation is to to compel the FAA to release the MAX fix details and flight testing. FlyersRights.org litigation against Boeing will be one of the few ways to achieve truth and accountability for the 737 MAX crashes. Boeing has settled its civil cases with all but two of the families of the victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Boeing 737 MAX crash on March 10, 2019. The ET302 crash, along with the Lion Air Flight 610 crash, just over four months prior, claimed the lives of 357 people.   FlyersRights.org, however, continues its litigation, supported by independent safety experts, to compel the FAA to release the MAX fix details and flight testing. The FAA, at Boeing’s behest, has kept secret all data related to the MAX under a claim of trade secrets, notwithstanding Boeing’s and the FAA’s multiple promises of full transparency. Boeing has admitted liability for compensatory damages caused by the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash, and the victims’ families may pursue compensatory damages in Illinois. However, the agreement bars punitive damages, damages that would have punished Boeing for egregious conduct and would deter Boeing and others from such behavior in the future.  “This settlement means that the FlyersRights.org litigation against Boeing will be one of the few ways to achieve truth and accountability for the 737 MAX crashes,” noted Paul Hudson, President of FlyersRights.org. “By avoiding discovery and depositions in these civil cases in addition to having avoided criminal trials and significant fines in its agreements with the federal government, Boeing so far has escaped with merely a slap on the wrist relative to the size of the company and the magnitude of its wrongdoing.” Notably, Boeing hopes to be able to avoid depositions of CEO David Calhoun, former CEO Dennis Muilenburg, and other employees. Boeing agreed to a deferred prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice in January 2021, paying $244 million in fines but admitting no guilt.

According to a recent survey of United’s business customers, nearly 20% say they expect travel to meetings and conferences will exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2022.Between October 27 and November 9, searches on United website for flights to Las Vegas during CES 2022 were up 70% compared to the prior two-week period. United Airlines is adding about 80% of the capacity it did for CES in 2020, demonstrating that business travel is on the rebound. In response to feedback from its business customers and an uptick in demand, United Airlines is expanding its schedule to make it easier for CES 2022 attendees to join the in-person show in Las Vegas. The airline is adding 14 new direct flights in early January between Las Vegas and San Jose, Calif., Boston, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, and is also adding 30 flights from its hub airports in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, and Washington D.C./Dulles. This represents a capacity increase of 37% compared to its usual January schedule to Las Vegas. “The return of in-person conferences and events is a very positive sign in the pandemic recovery, and United is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this increase in demand,” said Ankit Gupta, senior vice president of Domestic Planning and United Express. “We’re adding about 80% of the capacity we did for CES in 2020, demonstrating that business travel is on the rebound and our customers are eager to reunite with clients and colleagues.” Between October 27 and November 9, searches on United Airlines website for flights to Las Vegas during CES 2022 were up 70% compared to the prior two-week period. And according to a recent survey of United’s business customers, nearly 20% say they expect travel to meetings and conferences will exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2022. United Airlines will fly 81 flights into Las Vegas during the peak arrival days of January 3-4, and 109 flights on the peak departure days of January 8-10. New flights include: 8 direct flights from San Jose, California6 direct flights from Fort Lauderdale, Boston and Orlando15 additional flights from San Francisco, and 9 flights on a larger aircraft8 additional flights from Los Angeles, and 4 flights on a larger aircraft5 additional flights from Washington D.C./Dulles2 additional flights from New York/Newark

A notable outcome from COP26 was the move by 23 nations to sign the International Aviation Climate Ambition Declaration. The Declaration recognizes the need for aviation to “grow sustainably” and reiterates ICAO’s role to implement short, medium and long-term climate goals for the industry.Ensuring the maximum effectiveness of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, and the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels are key aims of the Declaration. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the commitments towards strengthening climate action made at COP26, and called on the global efforts to decarbonize aviation to be supported with practical, effective government policies. Management of international aviation’s climate commitments sits outside of the COP process and is the responsibility of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Nevertheless, airlines at the 77th IATA AGM in Boston, October, agreed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the stretch Paris agreement target to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees. “Airlines are on the pathway to net-zero carbon emissions, in line with the Paris agreement. We all want the freedom to fly sustainably. Reaching net-zero emissions will be a huge task requiring the collective effort of industry and support from governments. The pledges made at COP26 show that many governments understand the key to rapid progress is to incentivize technological change and fund innovative solutions. This is particularly true of sustainable aviation fuels, which will play a major role in addressing aviation’s environmental impact—they need the right incentives from governments to ramp-up production,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. A notable outcome from COP26 was the move by 23 nations to sign the International Aviation Climate Ambition Declaration. The Declaration recognizes the need for aviation to “grow sustainably” and reiterates ICAO’s role to implement short, medium and long-term climate goals for the industry. Ensuring the maximum effectiveness of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), and the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are key aims of the Declaration. “We are grateful to those states who have signed the International Aviation Climate Ambition Declaration and we urge more countries commit to this initiative. The robust and realistic plan to fly net zero by 2050 agreed by our member airlines can be of great use to ICAO member states as they move forward with a global framework and long-term goal for aviation carbon reductions,” said Walsh.

New air taxi aircraft took a test flight at Seoul’s Gimpo Airport.A public test flight of the aircraft is scheduled for next week in Seoul’s Incheon Airport.South Korea last year announced plans to develop national UAM infrastructure, investing some $65 million in the technology. An 18-rotor aircraft designed by German company Volocopter made a short test flight at Seoul’s Gimpo Airport on Thursday. [embedded content] A crewed test flight of an unusual aircraft designed to serve as an air taxi in the near future has been conducted with pilot taking it into the air and flying it back and forth inside a designated air corridor. It is hoped the new air taxi system will alleviate traffic congestion in South Korea‘s capital city and be operational by 2025. The urban air mobility (UAM) aircraft covered some 3km, staying under an altitude of 50 meters and reaching a speed of 45kph during the five-minute test flight. The main purpose of the test was to see how well the unit works in an airport environment, where air traffic control is essential for safe operation. The two-seater model, which uses electric motors to power 18 fixed-pitch propellers similar to a quadcopter drone, made its maiden flight in 2013. A public test flight of the aircraft is scheduled to take place next week in Incheon, the western part of the Seoul Capital Area. South Korea last year announced plans to develop national UAM infrastructure, investing some $65 million in the technology. The government hopes to run air taxis commercially from 2025, ferrying solo passengers between Incheon International Airport and central Seoul at a cost of about $93 per trip – higher than a premium conventional taxi. The price tag is expected to drop more than fivefold by 2035, when UAMs are more readily accepted and are piloted by automated systems rather than humans. However, Volocopter will be facing competition from a domestic UAM called OPPAV. Its developer, Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), is preparing to conduct a full-sized prototype test flight next year.

US State Department warning comes amid a deepening political crisis in the troubled Caribbean nation.According to MSF, its hospital and emergency room would run out of fuel for generators in three weeks or less.The US Embassy is unlikely to be able to assist US citizens in Haiti with departure if commercial options become unavailable. The United States Department of State warned US citizens in Haiti that “widespread fuel shortages may limit essential services in an emergency, including access to banks, money transfers, urgent medical care, internet and telecommunications, and public and private transportation options,” urging all Americans to leave the troubled Caribbean nation as soon as possible. All American citizens “should carefully consider the risks of traveling to or remaining in Haiti in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges”, the US State Department said in a statement. “The US Embassy is unlikely to be able to assist US citizens in Haiti with departure if commercial options become unavailable.” It is not clear how many US citizens currently live in Haiti, but the rare warning from the State Department comes amid a deepening political crisis and a severe fuel shortage that has impacted hospitals, schools and businesses, as the Haitian government and police are struggling to control gangs that have blocked fuel distribution terminals for several weeks. According to  Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF), its hospital and emergency center would run out of fuel for generators in three weeks or less if new supplies do not arrive. The fuel shortage also has threatened Haiti’s water supply, which depends on generators. The situation also has led to a spike in food prices in a country of more than 11 million people where more than 60 percent of the population makes less than $2 a day. The US State Department warning also comes as a group of 17 Christian missionaries who were kidnapped last month, including 16 US citizens, still remain captive.

Moscow office to support growth and expansion plans in response to fast developing Russian market.Chapman Freeborn have appointed Maxim Tsarev as Director General, Russia to lead the business in this new territory.Chapman Freeborn Russia will focus on three key product areas: Cargo, Passenger and Private Jets and OBC (On Board Courier). Global aircraft charter specialist Chapman Freeborn, part of the Avia Solutions Group, opens Moscow office to support growth and expansion plans in response to fast developing Russian market. Chapman Freeborn have appointed Maxim Tsarev as Director General, Russia to lead the business in this new territory. Eric Erbacher, Chapman Freeborn CEO says: “Russia is a fast-developing market and is economically growing. Traditionally the main industries have been oil and gas, mining and machine manufacturing. We see aircraft building, aerospace production and tech as growing industries, as well as automotive and transport. The move to open an office in Moscow is part of our long-term growth and expansion plans. Having Chapman Freeborn positioned in Moscow will allow us to far better work strategically with freight forwarders and support these growing markets with our product offering.” Maxim Tsarev joins the business following 10 years at DSV Global Transport and Logistics, where he progressed to the position of DSV Air & Sea Russia Deputy, Managing Director. Maxim Tsarev comments: “I have always found the air freight and aviation part of transport and logistics the most exciting and interesting.  It is fast-paced and dynamic, and you can see instant results from air transport. When the opportunity arose for me to join Chapman Freeborn, I jumped at it – to be involved from the start, with the new office opening here in Moscow, and the chance to develop and lead the strategy for the Russian market is an exciting challenge.”

Boeing accepts sole responsibility for 737 MAX crashes, wins agreement that avoids punitive damages.Boeing’s lawyers filed a joint court motion Wednesday with the lawyers for the families of the 157 people who died in the 737 MAX crash in Ethiopia, accepting sole liability for the fatal accident and laying out a process to settle almost all the claims.This civil case agreement waiving discovery makes the FlyersRights.org litigation one of the only ways Accountability and Truth about the MAX crashes can be achieved, as well as future Safety to prevent avoidable deaths due to lax, incompetent or corrupt safety decision making. The other ways are whistleblower revelations, criminal investigations and proceedings, Congressional investigations using subpoena powers, and amendments to the Freedom of Information Act. The FAA was tricked to certify the plane. A 2019 Supreme Court decision known as Argus Leader allows regulated corporations like Boeing and federal safety agencies like the FAA to keep their safety decision-making secret and immune from any independent safety expert or public scrutiny. “The defendant, Boeing, has admitted that it produced an airplane that had an unsafe condition that was a proximate cause of Plaintiff’s compensatory damages caused by the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 accident,” the filing states. Boeing explicitly agreed that the pilots were not at fault. It also exonerated two MAX suppliers: the company that built the jet’s angle of attack sensor and the one that produced, to Boeing’s specification, the aircraft’s faulty flight control software. The motion includes what’s called a stipulation — a binding agreement on the settlement process — that was signed by all but two of the families. The stipulation means compensatory damages for each individual claim will be decided either in mediation or in court in Illinois, where Boeing is headquartered. Boeing agrees not to try to force overseas families, many of them in Africa, to seek damages in their home countries, where damages would be far lower. In a statement Wednesday, Boeing said the agreement “allows the parties to focus their efforts on determining the appropriate compensation for each family.” “Boeing is committed to ensuring that all families who lost loved ones in the accidents are fully and fairly compensated for their loss,” the statement adds. What Boeing gets from the agreement is an explicit exclusion of any claim for punitive damages and an end to legal discovery processes or depositions that would seek further evidence of wrongdoing by Boeing. “The jury shall not hear evidence on issues of liability,” the stipulation states. “The parties further agree that no evidence or argument about punitive damages will properly be the subject of discovery or be admitted.” Ralph Nader, the longtime consumer advocate known for using tort law to hold corporations to account, called it “a strange settlement without Boeing having to guarantee any dollars whatsoever.” Boeing’s acceptance of liability is the closest it has come to a full admission of blame for the two deadly MAX crashes that killed 346 people: Lion Air Flight JT 610 in Indonesia in 2018, followed just over four months later by the crash in Ethiopia. However, it still falls short of telling the world exactly what went wrong in the design and certification of the MAX, how it happened and who was responsible. What caused both MAX crashes was the faulty activation of new flight control software on the jet — the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS — that forced both planes into a nosedive. Yet the company has never publicly accepted that the MCAS design was deeply flawed as certified, except to say that it’s design and testing should have taken more account of typical pilot skills and pilot reaction time — a formulation that pointed some blame at the pilots. Boeing states in the filing that it does “not ascribe fault to the Pilot (Captain), Co-Pilot (First Officer) or seek contributory or comparative negligence against them.” The agreement states that the lawyers for the families will be permitted to use legal discovery to access material such as the data from the flight recorders. That will allow them to create an animation showing what the passengers experienced during the six minutes of the flight to illustrate the terror and suffering of those who died. The final financial cost to Boeing won’t be decided for many months. However, the boundaries that the agreement puts on the claims remove an overhang of uncertainty on the company. With the possibility of further revelations of wrongdoing in court proceedings now remote, Boeing’s leaders can leave it to lawyers to work out the precise compensation amounts while they move on.

Air travelers will have more choice of routes and destinations than ever from the Lombardy gateway this winter.Milan Bergamo Airport welcomes the total to six new air carriers this year.Milan Bergamo’s connection to the world has been significantly enhanced for the 2021-22 winter season. Milan Bergamo is offering numerous new routes this winter season, as well as welcoming further relaunches and frequency increases, to see more choice than ever from the Lombardy gateway. Launching 12 brand new routes – 10 of which are destinations introduced to Milan Bergamo’s route map for the first time – the Italian airport will also welcome another new airline next month as HiSky joins the roll call. Taking the total to six new carriers this year, Milan Bergamo has confirmed Moldovan low-cost carrier (LCC), HiSky will be significantly enhancing the airport’s network late-December. Launching twice-weekly links to Baia Mare, Targu Mures and Chisinau, the LCC will offer nearly 14,000 seats during W21/22 to historic and economic hubs of Romania and Moldova. Joining the list of new destinations, the first day of the winter season saw Eurowings introduce connectivity to the noteworthy areas of Düsseldorf and the industrial belt of the Ruhr, initially launching a four-times weekly service which will increase to six-times weekly by February 2022. Meanwhile Ryanair has added five new destinations from Milan Bergamo – Birmingham, Helsinki, Liverpool, Stockholm Arlanda and Toulouse – while resuming Düsseldorf Weeze and Kharkiv, the Irish carrier now serving 107 destinations from Lombardy. With the addition of London Gatwick (three-times weekly with easyJet), Paris Orly (three-times weekly with Vueling), and Oslo (twice-weekly with Flyr from January 2022), Milan Bergamo’s connection to the world has been significantly enhanced. Commenting on the new airline and destination announcements, Giacomo Cattaneo, Director of Commercial Aviation, SACBO says: “The recovery of traffic and rebuilding our network is ongoing, and as we continue to emerge from the difficulties of the last 18 months, we’re very proud to welcome new airlines and routes. These additions to our network show our commitment to offer more choice while we have also developed our facilities to ensure we are not only ready for full recovery but also expansion. Our new airside terminal is now complete, with the addition of six boarding gates, baggage carousels and added retail offering.” Cattaneo continued: “SACBO’s investment hasn’t stop there. We are already carrying out further development landside. The refurbishment of the check-in area has begun and will shortly be followed by an extension with a brand-new security area. Notwithstanding a train link, larger northern apron and new northern taxiway all in the pipeline, Milan Bergamo’s investment in the future is clear for our passengers and partners alike.”

The program establishes a worldwide milestone towards the air freight decarbonization.Qatar Airways Cargo wants to lead the way in meeting customer expectations for the highest standards of environmental sustainability.The pilot uses an IATA industry best practice for calculating CO2 emissions per freight kg. In partnership with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Qatar Airways Cargo, the freight division of Qatar Airways Group, will become the first cargo carrier to join the IATA CO2NNECT platform and offer a customized environmental solution for its clients. Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world’s leading freight forwarders, will be the launch customer for the platform, in line with their commitment to sustainability. To mark this partnership, on 01 November 2021 Qatar Airways Cargo operated the first carbon-neutral air freight shipments from Doha to Frankfurt, Zaragoza, Liège and Paris. This new chapter of the voluntary carbon offsetting program, built under an IATA umbrella, establishes an industry milestone to accelerate the decarbonization of aviation and enables air cargo shipments to become carbon neutral by offering an integrated carbon calculation and offset solution between Qatar Airways, shippers, and freight forwarders such as Kuehne+Nagel. It will provide its customers assurance that the credits bought to offset these emissions are from projects delivering independently verified carbon reductions, as well as wider environmental and social benefits. The pilot project was launched on four (4) routes, with plans to extend to the rest of its cargo network of over sixty (60) freighter destinations and more than one-hundred forty (140) passenger destinations worldwide. The pilot uses an IATA industry best practice for calculating CO2 emissions per freight kg. With this program, cargo customers can easily offset the emissions associated with the air freight shipments, as a step towards achieving their environmental sustainability commitments. Only verified, high quality and ICAO CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) eligible offsets will be used. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “As Qatar Airways first launched its carbon offset program for passengers in 2020, we are pleased to now offer them the option of transporting the air cargo in a CO2 neutral way in the future. Qatar Airways Cargo has always been at the forefront of industry initiatives. I am proud of our efforts to support aviation industry in achieving the ambitious carbon emission reduction targets.” Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said, “The industry target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 applies to both passengers and cargo. It also needs all stakeholders in the industry to work together and embrace innovative solutions. Congratulations to Qatar Airways Cargo for being the first to implement CO2NNECT, and to Kuehne+Nagel for being a launch customer. As the world gathers for the COP26 meeting to strengthen global carbon-reduction plans, the launch of this offsetting solution shows our industry-wide commitment to sustainable air cargo.”

With demand for domestic trips rising, airlines could benefit extensively from APD cut.The cut in APD will be met positively by domestic airlines, especially those with larger networks.UK airlines pivoted towards serving domestic destinations in response to an uptick in demand, while international travel demand remained suppressed. UK-based domestic airlines will see the reduction in domestic air passenger duty (APD) as a vital boost to the aviation industry. With demand for domestic trips rising, combined with the halving of APD in 2023, airlines could benefit extensively. The cut in APD will be met positively by domestic airlines, especially those with larger networks. A £7 ($9.65) reduction in tax will allow carriers to reduce prices to further stimulate demand. Furthermore, UK airlines pivoted towards serving domestic destinations in response to an uptick in demand, while international travel demand remained suppressed. With a wide network, UK travelers could be more willing to travel on domestic flights in the future once the tax reduction occurs. However, a demand increase would only occur if the cost savings were passed onto the customer in the form of cheaper ticket prices. Airlines with a large presence in the UK domestic market are set to benefit the most from these changes. APD has been criticized as holding airlines back from operating large fleets domestically and this news may loosen the shackles. Logan Air, British Airways, and Eastern Airways have extensive domestic networks and are among the players who will benefit from the UK halving its domestic APD. Loganair will be a large beneficiary, with the airline having filled the void left by Flybe during the pandemic. The industry has long lobbied for APD to be reduced, and the reduction could see some airlines offer additional routes as prices become more competitive relative to other forms of transport. Furthermore, Flybe 2.0 could benefit. The high value of APD in the UK was cited as a major contributing reason as to why Flybe collapsed. A significant cut will offer more favorable operating conditions for the carrier when it relaunches. For many UK travelers, their financial positions have changed in recent times. Recent consumer survey revealed that 73% of UK respondents were ‘extremely’, ‘quite’, or ‘slightly’ concerned about their financial position because of the pandemic, highlighting the benefits of a reduction in APD. Airlines could struggle to stimulate demand during the COVID-19 recovery period. With financial concerns high, a reduction in APD will allow carriers to lower prices and better meet the needs of budget-conscious travelers. Furthermore, affordability was ranked as the top factor by UK respondents when deciding where to go on holiday, with 48% of respondents choosing this factor as the most important. Reducing APD on domestic flights could increase demand when the new rates come in for 2023. In two years’ time, international travel may be much more accessible for UK travelers. A reduction in the cost of domestic flights could help the UK travel market to retain some of the travelers that chose to holiday in the UK during the pandemic.

Fraport’s Group airports worldwide report positive airline passenger traffic performance.Frankfurt Airport achieves ongoing strong cargo growth.Traffic volumes at some airports even rose by over 100 percent year-on-year, albeit compared to strongly reduced traffic levels in October 2020. Achieving the highest monthly traffic volume since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) welcomed some 3.4 million passengers in October 2021. This represents an increase of 218.5 percent year-on-year, albeit compared to a very weak October 2020. The recovery in passenger traffic continued to be driven mainly by holiday travel to European destinations. FRA’s passenger traffic rebounded to more than half of the pre-pandemic level reported in October 2019 (down 47.2 percent). During the January-to-October 2021 period, a total of some 19.2 million passengers traveled via Frankfurt Airport. Compared to the same period last year, this represents an 11.5 percent increase over 2020, and a 68.3 percent decline over 2019. Cargo throughput, comprising airfreight and airmail, continued to grow noticeably by 10.0 percent year-on-year to 200,187 metric tons in the reporting month (up 11.7 percent compared to October 2019). Aircraft movements climbed 75.4 percent year-on-year to 30,004 takeoffs and landings in October 2021. Accumulated maximum takeoff weights (MTOWs) increased by 63.1 percent year-on-year to nearly 1.9 million metric tons. Fraport’s Group airports worldwide also continued their positive passenger trend in October 2021. Most of them achieved significant passenger growth. Traffic volumes at some airports even rose by over 100 percent year-on-year, albeit compared to strongly reduced traffic levels in October 2020. Compared to pre-pandemic October 2019, the majority of the airports in Fraport’s international portfolio still registered lower passenger figures. However, some Group airports serving high-demand tourist destinations – such as the Greek airports or Antalya Airport on the Turkish Riviera – saw traffic rebound to over 90 percent of the pre-crisis level recorded in October 2019. St Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport in Russia even posted a 5.7 percent traffic increase in the reporting month compared to October 2019.  Slovenia’s Ljubljana Airport (LJU) welcomed 57,338 passengers in October 2021. In Brazil, combined traffic at the two airports of Fortaleza (FOR) and Porto Alegre (POA) rose to 908,553 passengers. Lima Airport (LIM) in Peru served some 1.2 million passengers in the reporting month. At the 14 Greek regional airports, total traffic advanced to about 2.4 million passengers. The Twin Star airports of Burgas (BOJ) and Varna (VAR) on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast also reported traffic gains, serving a total of 111,922 passengers in October 2021. Antalya Airport (AYT) in Turkey had about 3.8 million passengers. More than 1.8 million passengers used Pulkovo Airport (LED) in St. Petersburg, while China’s Xi’an Airport (XIY) welcomed around 1.9 million passengers in the reporting month.

Starting from November 19, 2021, the first international routes into AlUla will take off from Dubai and Kuwait.The first flight on November 19 is timed to coincide with the next musical event at Maraya. Faia Younan, the young soprano and her world-class band will perform live at Maraya on the same date. Flynas, the Saudi national air carrier and leading low-cost airline in the Middle East, has announced its latest flights expansion including the first ever direct international flights into AlUla International Airport. Starting from 19th November 2021, the first international routes into AlUla will take off from Dubai and Kuwait. Domestic routes added as part of the expansion include Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. The announcement marks the first time that international travelers will enjoy direct access to one of the most significant archeological and historical sites in the world. The first flight to AlUla will be inaugurated on 19th November 2021, from Dubai International Airport during a special ceremony that will celebrate the history and heritage of AlUla and promote flynas’ award-winning air travel services. Commenting on this milestone, CEO at flynas Mr. Bander Almohanna said, “We are excited to make AlUla more accessible to all travelers in the region, a destination that is truly unique and never fails to impress even the most experienced travelers.” He then added, “We are confident that our partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla will be one of many contributing factors to achieving the ambitious targets of Saudi Vision 2030 advancing the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional and global tourism destination.” Phillip Jones, Chief Destination Management and Marketing Officer for Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) commented, “For millennia, AlUla has been a crossroads of civilizations. Our ancient oasis has welcomed travelers and settlers to share commodities, ideas and build communities. Today is a huge milestone for AlUla as we will once again be on the international travelers route. Visitors can directly access AlUla with flynas direct flights from Dubai and Kuwait we look to introducing more visitors to the monumentality of the destination.” The first flight on 19th November is timed to coincide with the next musical event at Maraya. Faia Younan, the young soprano and her world-class band will perform live at Maraya on the same date. The schedule of international and domestic flights from/to AlUla will be: 4 weekly flights between AlUla & Riyadh 3 weekly flights between AlUla & Dubai 3 weekly flights between AlUla & Jeddah 3 weekly flights between AlUla & Dammam 2 weekly flights between AlUla & Kuwait With this new milestone, flynas reiterates its commitment towards offering attractive and in-demand destination options that meet its passenger’s expectations. Furthermore, flynas seeks to keep pace with the growing demand in the travel and tourism industry that is anticipated to witness a major rebound in the coming phase as countries continue to recover from the unprecedented repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

United Service Organizations (USO) opened a new center in Pittsburgh International Airport.The USO Pittsburgh Airport Center will provide a comforting place for military personnel passing through Pittsburgh to relax and recharge.Dedicated volunteers staff the center to ensure US service members have access to all amenities. On November 10, 2021, the United Service Organizations (USO) opened a new center in Pittsburgh International Airport to support the thousands of service members who travel through western Pennsylvania each year. “The USO Pittsburgh Airport Center will provide a comforting place for military personnel passing through Pittsburgh to relax and recharge,” said Rebecca Parkes, USO northeast regional president. “We are grateful to the Allegheny County Airport Authority for helping us establish a USO center that will serve our heroes in uniform. No matter where service members may be traveling, those who pass through Pittsburgh International Airport can count on the USO to provide a warm welcome.” The new airport center was made possible through the generous support of the American public. The USO is also grateful for donations from Sheetz and other donors, which made the dream of having a USO center at the airport become a reality. The USO will assume the operation of the airport’s Military Lounge in Concourse C, which has been serving service members since 2008. The lounge receives nearly 1,000 visitors annually. The Airport Authority operates Pittsburgh International Airport. “Thank you to all of our service members who sacrifice so much for our nation,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “This is a great partnership between the USO and the airport. We are grateful for their work, which provides a welcoming center for those departing from and arriving to our region.” Dedicated volunteers staff the center to ensure service members have access to amenities, including: Complimentary individually wrapped snacks and beverages$10 food voucher provided by ACAA Charitable FoundationSeating areas with cable TVsRest area with fully reclining chairsComputer lab area with computers, printer, and internet accessGaming systemKids’ area with toys “We are proud to continue our commitment to the Pittsburgh region, especially our community of active duty and reserve military members and their families,” said Allegheny County Airport Authority Senior Vice President of Public Safety, Operations, and Maintenance Travis McNichols, an Air Force veteran. “The center will provide service members with a comfortable place to wait for flights and reconnect with loved ones while in transit.” The new USO Center was celebrated with an opening ceremony Wednesday that included regional dignitaries and veterans from the Airport Authority.

The 54th Annual General Meeting of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization is the first in-person AACO AGM since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Director General of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, the Director General for Mobility and Transport/European Commission, and the Director General of IATA are also participating in this landmark event.As the aviation industry continues to navigate some of the most uncertain market conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a more critical moment to come together as a unified voice on the path to recovery. Qatar Airways welcomes industry leaders, international and regional aviation organizations, airline manufacturers and air transport executives from around the world to Doha as it hosts the 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO).   The landmark event is the first in-person AACO AGM since the COVID-19 pandemic. It is being hosted under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport of the State of Qatar, and at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways.  This important summit will see senior aviation decision-makers – including the CEOs of member airlines – gather for three days, from 10-12 November 2021, to discuss the strategic aviation issues in the region, including the challenges and impact of COVID-19, as the industry works together for a safe, secure, and sustainable restart and recovery of the aviation sector.  The Director General of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, the Director General for Mobility and Transport/European Commission, and the Director General of IATA are also participating in this landmark event. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “As the aviation industry continues to navigate some of the most uncertain market conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a more critical moment to come together as a unified voice on the path to recovery. That is why Qatar Airways is proud to host the 54th AACO AGM – a platform for our regional Arab bloc of air carriers to collectively ensure that our industry emerges from this unprecedented crisis stronger than ever.”   AACO Secretary General, Mr. Abdul Wahab Teffaha said: “After a year and a half of unexpected disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic that impacted all aspects of life, it is very fitting that we meet for AACO’s 54th Annual General Meeting in a state that views aviation as a major contributor to economic growth and job creation. My appreciation and gratitude go to His Excellency Minister Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti for bestowing his patronage on this General Assembly and His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al-Baker for hosting this Assembly with the genuine hospitality that we always enjoy in the State of Qatar and with our host Qatar Airways.”