Hong Kong toughens entry requirements for foreign travelers.Reducing mandatory quarantine time is no longer possible.Hong Kong recognizes Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine.
Frederic Gollob, President of the European Chamber of Commerce (ECC), said new tough rules for entering Hong Kong could undermine the city’s status as an international business and financial center.
EU: New Hong Kong entry rules threaten its international status
“We believe the city should open earlier, otherwise this new quarantine regime could make many in the international community question whether they want to remain locked down in Hong Kong at a time when the rest of the world is relaxing,” ECC head said.
This week, the Hong Kong authorities again tightened the rules for entering the country. In particular, the possibility of reducing the quarantine period in the presence of a serological test for antibodies was canceled.
When boarding a flight for Hong Kong, the travelers must present a vaccination certificate, a negative test result for COVID-19, submitted no earlier than 72 hours before departure, as well as a reservation at one of the government-recommended hotels where quarantine measures are allowed.
The Hong Kong government has also officially placed Russian-made Sputnik V on the list of coronavirus vaccines recognized in this Special Administrative Region of China.
Now, the mandatory quarantine for residents of the city jabbed with the Russian-made vaccine, will be reduced from 21 days to 14 days.
Did you know that each airline has the ability to determine not just if a face mask must be worn but also what kind of face mask must be worn when onboard a flight?Do you know the difference between an N95 and a fabric mask versus say a valve-free FFP2?Most people wear fabric face masks, so what would you wear if masks made out of fabric is banned?
More and more airlines are starting to ban face masks made out of fabric, citing that they are not a quality barrier against the spread of COVID-19, especially in light of the extreme surge of new cases every day around the world due to the Delta variants. They are instead requiring surgical masks, N95 masks, valve-free FFP2 masks, or FFP3 respirator masks.
So far, Lufthansa, Air France, LATAM, and Finnair have banned fabric face masks as well as masks that have exhaust valves. Think about it. A mask with an exhaust is like a car with an exhaust. It’s fine for the driver (or in this case the wearer), but what about everyone outside that exhaust? A mask is not a mask is not a mask.
This week, Finnair became the latest carrier to ban fabric face masks onboard, accepting only surgical masks, valve-free FFP2 or FFP3 respirator masks, and N95 masks, the company tweeted.
Airlines requiring medical masks – at least 3 layers thick – are Air France and Lufthansa. LATAM will also allow KN95 and N95 masks. And as an extra precaution, for passengers connecting in Lima, they must double up and add on another mask. The reason for that is because right now Peru has the highest COVID-19 death rate in the world.
In the United States, most airlines allow cloth face masks but have banned certain other types of face coverings like bandanas, scarves, ski masks, gaiters, balaclavas, masks with holes or slits of any kind, masks with exhaust valves, or even cloth masks if they are only made from one single layer of material. Some people are into wearing plastic face shields, but in the case of United Airlines, they say that’s not enough coverage and still requires a face mask on top of the face shield. On American Airlines, they do not allow masks that are connected to tubing or battery-operated filters.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had issued a mandatory face mask requirement when traveling on all public transportation, including airplanes and in airports, in January 2021. This mandate was due to expire on September 13, 2021, however, with the new surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta Variants, the mandate has been extended to run through January 18, 2022.
France sets up air bridge to evacuate people from Afghanistan.French evacuation flight to fly from Kabul to Paris through Abu Dhabi.French to evacuate ‘thousands’ from Afghanistan.
French Secretary of State for European Affairs Clement Beaune said today that France is establishing an air bridge to evacuate ‘thousands’ of people from Kabul, Afghanistan to Paris.
France sets up evacuation flights from Kabul to Paris via Abu Dhabi
“Currently, in order to provide evacuation, France is creating an air bridge between Kabul and Paris with planes that will fly through Abu Dhabi,” Beaune said.
“At this moment, we don’t have an exact figure of how many people will be evacuated from Afghanistan to France. In any case, it is clear that we are talking about several thousand people in need of protection,” he added.
The secretary of state said that France “had begun evacuating Afghans back in May in order to protect 600 people who worked for it.”
“To date, three French military planes have already evacuated approximately 400 people. These are mostly Afghans who need urgent protection. Generally, most of these Afghans worked for various French agencies,” he said.
According to Beaun,France “treats the reception of the Afghans on its territory with full responsibility.” “In recent years, we have given the green light to 10,000 requests for refuge from Afghans. For several years already, France has been in first place throughout Europe in terms of granting asylum to Afghans on its territory,” the official added.
“We will continue this practice. No quantitative restrictions exist in this sphere. The practice of receiving the Afghans on French soil will also continue after the air bridge with this country ceases to exist,” the secretary of state assured.
On August 15, Taliban entered Kabul and established full control over city.Western countries are evacuating their nationals from Afghanistan.Turkmenistan allows Afghanistan evacuation flights to pass through its airspace.
The press office of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan issued a statement today announcing that Turkmenistan’s government has made a decision to open the country’s airspace to evacuation flights flying foreign nationals out of Afghanistan.
Turkmenistan opens its airspace for Afghanistan evacuation flights
“As is known, some countries have started to evacuate their citizens located in Afghanistan. In this situation, fulfilling its international commitments, including those arising from international humanitarian law, Turkmenistan will provide its airspace for the carriage of these persons by the planes of foreign states,” the Foreign Ministry’s statement said.
On August 15, the Taliban radical militant group entered Kabul without any resistance and established full control over the Afghan capital within several hours. President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani has fled the country, allegedly taking $169 million of state treasury money with him.
Since then, Afghanistan’s Vice President Amrullah Saleh declared himself as the country’s caretaker president, calling for armed resistance to the Taliban.
Western countries are evacuating their nationals and embassy staff.
El Al returns to Budapest Airport.Israeli flag carrier resumes Tel Aviv services from Budapest.Budapest-Tel Aviv flights will operate four-times weekly.
Budapest Airport’s route network resumption continues with the return of the Hungarian gateway’s airline partner, El Al Airlines.
El Al relaunches Budapest to Tel Aviv flight
Relaunching links to Tel Aviv, the Israeli flag carrier will once again significantly expand the airport’s operations to the Middle Eastern country.
Re-opening its connection between Budapest and the city on the Mediterranean coast today, the carrier will operate a four-times weekly service on the 2,165km sector.
Balázs Bogáts, Head of Airline Development, Budapest Airport said: “We’re so pleased to see El Al return – Budapest is one of the top destinations for Israeli travelers, so we know this service will be in high demand. Budapest has a large Jewish community and, indeed, The Great Synagogue of Budapest is the second largest synagogue in the world. We are, therefore, confident that El Al’s resumption of services from Tel Aviv will be popular both with tourists and with travelers who are visiting friends and relatives.”
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. is the flag carrier of Israel. Since its inaugural flight from Geneva to Tel Aviv in September 1948, the airline has grown to serve over 50 destinations, operating scheduled domestic and international services and cargo flights within Israel, and to Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Africa, and the Far East, from its main base in Ben Gurion Airport.
Governments are preventing nearly $1 billion of airline revenues from being repatriated. Airlines will not be able to provide reliable connectivity if they cannot rely on local revenues.It is critical for all governments to prioritize ensuring that funds can be repatriated efficiently.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments to abide by international agreements and treaty obligations to enable airlines to repatriate close to nearly $1 billion in blocked funds from the sale of tickets, cargo space, and other activities.
Blocking airline funds threatens industry recovery
“Governments are preventing nearly $1 billion of airline revenues from being repatriated. This contravenes international conventions and could slow the recovery of travel and tourism in affected markets as the airline industry struggles to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Airlines will not be able to provide reliable connectivity if they cannot rely on local revenues to support operations. That is why it is critical for all governments to prioritize ensuring that funds can be repatriated efficiently. Now is not the time to score an ‘own goal’ by putting vital air connectivity at risk,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Approximately $963 million in airline funds are being blocked from repatriation in nearly 20 countries. Four countries: Bangladesh ($146.1 million), Lebanon ($175.5 million), Nigeria ($143.8 million), and Zimbabwe ($142.7 million), account for over 60% of this total, although there has been positive progress in reducing blocked funds in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe of late.
“We encourage governments to work with industry to resolve the issues that are preventing airlines from repatriating funds. This will enable aviation to provide the connectivity needed to sustain jobs and energize economies as they recover from COVID-19,” said Walsh.
IATA oks EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) and UK NHS COVID Pass. Handling the European and UK certificates through IATA Travel Pass is an important step forward.Harmonization of digital vaccine standards is essential to support the safe and scalable restart of aviation
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) and UK NHS COVID Pass can now be uploaded into IATA Travel Pass as verified proof of vaccination for travel.
IATA Travel Pass recognizes EU and UK digital COVID certificates
Travelers holding an EU DCC or UK NHS COVID Pass can now access accurate COVID-19 travel information for their journey, create an electronic version of their passport and import their vaccination certificate in one place. This information can be shared with airlines and border control authorities who can have the assurance that the certificate presented to them is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it.
“COVID-19 vaccination certificates are becoming a widespread requirement for international travel. Handling the European and UK certificates through IATA Travel Pass is an important step forward, providing convenience for travelers, authenticity for governments and efficiency for airlines,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations Safety and Security.
Harmonization of Digital Vaccine Standards
Harmonization of digital vaccine standards is essential to support the safe and scalable restart of aviation, avoid unnecessary airport queues and ensure a smooth passenger experience. IATA welcomes the work done by the EU Commission in developing, in record time, the EU DCC system and thereby standardizing digital vaccine certificates across Europe.
Building on the EU DCC success, IATA urges the World Health Organization (WHO) to revisit its work to develop a global digital vaccine standard.
“The absence of a global standard makes it much harder for airlines, border authorities and governments to recognize and verify a traveler’s digital vaccination certificate. The industry is working around this by developing solutions that can recognize and verify certificates from individual countries. But this is a slow process that is hampering the restart of international travel.
“As more states roll out their vaccination programs, many are urgently looking to implement technical solutions to provide vaccine certification for their citizens when they travel. In the absence of a WHO standard, IATA urges them to look closely at the EU DCC as a proven solution that meets WHO guidance and can help to reconnect the world,” said Careen.
American Airlines restarts San Jose-Chicago service.American Airlines to use Boeing 737-800 aircraft of San Jose-Chicago route.San Jose airport continues to require the wearing of masks.
Officials at Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) announced that daily nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) resumes on American Airlines today. The expanded service between Silicon Valley and The Windy City operates four times weekly, Tuesday through Friday.
Nonstop San José to Chicago flights return on American Airlines
The flight departs San José at 1:07 PM PST aboard a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, arriving in Chicago approximately 4.5 hours later at 7:40 PM CST.
“It is a pleasure to welcome American Airlines’ service to Chicago,” said John Aitken, Director at Mineta San José International Airport. “While this is another positive indication of recovery, we celebrate with the understanding that travelers must remain diligent about health and safety. We congratulate our partners at American for this forward step and thank them for continued investment in Silicon Valley.”
While the return of nonstop service to major cities represents a positive sign of travel recovery, with COVID levels on the rise in some states, the Airport continues to require the wearing of masks and encourages travelers to continue to practice social distancing.
Chicago-O’Hare returns to American’s air service roster at SJC following the airline’s suspension of service in 2020 due to decreases in travel demand related to COVID-19.
Mineta 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.
Russian flag carrier suspends Bangkok air services.Aeroflot avoids Afghanistan’s airspace, axes Thailand flights.Thailand approves Russian vaccination certificate for tourist entry.
Russian flag carrier Aeroflot canceled flights to the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, due to the danger in the airspace of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
It is no longer possible to purchase a ticket from Moscow to Bangkok for September or October of this year on the Aeroflot website. Bangkok flight reservations are only open until August 21, 2021.
Ironically, the Thai authorities announced today the imminent permission has been granted for Russian tourists for entering Thailand with a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination with Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine.
Previously, travelers without certificate of COVID-19 vaccination by one of globally-recognized Western vaccines, like Moderna, Pfizer or AstraZenica, had to go through a mandatory two-week quarantine.
Currently, the skies over Afghanistan are extremely dangerous due to the Taliban terrorist movement, which has seized power in the republic.
On Sunday, August 15, Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, fell to Taliban attack. Now there is an utter at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport, as crowds of local residents who are trying to fly out of the country, to escape Taliban rule.
The flights out of Kabul are very sporadic and are on and off constantly as Taliban periodically ‘suspends’ all flights out of the city.
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered the biggest market contraction in history.Lockdown rules to curb the spread of the virus, led to thousands of canceled vacations, and closed hotels.The total revenue losses the travel and tourism market is expected to witness this year are colossal.
The countries across the globe have started preparing for summer 2021 early at the beginning of the year to revive travel to their territory and enable tourists to visit safely.
2021 tourism revenues less than half of pre-pandemic levels
Total lockdowns in the first months of 2021, increased testing capacity, and even complete bans on non-essential arrivals, especially from countries with virus mutations, have all been parts of these efforts. However, it still wasn’t enough to stop mounting losses caused by the pandemic’s direct impact on tourism and other sectors closely linked to it.
According to the latest industry data, the global travel and tourism revenues are projected to reach only $385 billion in 2021, less than half pre-COVID-19 levels.
Cruise and Hotel Industry the Worst Hit, Combined Revenues Plunged by $258 billion
The COVID-19 triggered the biggest market contraction in history, as countries across the globe imposed lockdown rules to curb the spread of the virus, leading to thousands of canceled vacations, and closed hotels. Although many of them lifted off travel restrictions and reopened for the 2021 summer season, the total revenue losses this market is expected to witness this year are still colossal.
In 2020, the revenues of the entire sector plummeted by nearly 60% YoY to $298.5 billion, revealed the latest data. Although this figure is expected to grow by almost 30% to $385.8 billion in 2021, that is still $351 billion less than before the pandemic struck.
The cruise industry remains the worst-hit sector of the global travel and tourism market. In 2021, the global cruise revenues are set to reach only $6.6 billion, or 76% less than in 2019. The hotel industry follows with a $132.3 billion in revenue and 64% drop in two years. Although millions of tourists decided to go on a vacation in the 2021 season, statistics show the combined revenues of the two sectors will remain $258 billion below the pre-pandemic levels.
Deal activity in the travel and tourism sector still remains inconsistent.June showed some signs of recovery following a decline during the past few months.The rebound in deal activity could not be sustained for long.
A total of 69 deals (comprising mergers & acquisitions [M&A], private equity, and venture financing) were announced in the global travel and tourism sector during July 2021, which is a decline of 6.8% over 74 deals announced during the previous month.
Travel and tourism deal-making activity down almost 7% in July
Deal activity in the travel and tourism sector still remains inconsistent. While June showed some signs of recovery following a decline during the past few months, the rebound in deal activity could not be sustained for long with July again reversing the trend. This could be attributed to prevailing travel restrictions and unfavorable market conditions for the sector in some countries.
The announcement of private equity and M&A deals decreased by 58.3% and 4.7% during July compared to the previous month, respectively, while the number of venture financing deals registered a growth of 21.1%.
Deal activity remained at the same level in key markets such as the USA, the UK and China, while India and Australia witnessed an improvement in deal activity. Meanwhile, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands experienced a decline in deal activity in July as compared to last month.
Betting on leisure travel could help Air France to recover quicker.Airline must focus on high-volume leisure routes.Travelers looing to escape their lockdown locations.
Air France’s bet on leisure routes could catalyze a quicker recovery for the carrier as outbound leisure travel in France increased to 74.3% in 2020, despite restrictions severely reducing the total number of outbound trips.
Leisure travel is a safe bet for Air France
The industry experts note that, with business travel demand suppressed, the airline must focus on serving high volume leisure routes and upsell premium cabins to high budget travelers to support a strong recovery.
Pre-pandemic, outbound leisure travel from France accounted for 72.1% of international trips in 2019. The increase in 2020 highlights that leisure demand is likely to be one of the most prevalent reasons for travel in the immediate recovery period as travelers look to escape their lockdown locations.
Furthermore, industry experts forecast that outbound leisure trips from France will see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.9% between 2021 and 2025, reaching 34 million international leisure trips by 2025. This shows the potential the leisure market holds and that Air France’s focus on leisure routes will put the carrier in a stronger position. The introduction of Muscat, Zanzibar, and Colombo, as well as more flights to Miami and Papeete (Tahiti), all leisure-focused destinations, reaffirm the carrier’s bet on leisure travel’s strong rebound.
Air France has announced the extension into winter of what are typically summer-only flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Seville, Las Palmas, Palma de Mallorca, Tangier, Faro, Djerba, and Krakow.
By extending these routes to typically warmer destinations in winter (other than Krakow), Air France is reaffirming its expectation that familiar, leisure-focused destinations will be in demand. A live poll showed that 41% of global respondents will likely opt for international trips to the same destinations they used to visit pre-COVID when restrictions ease. Given that these routes were available pre-COVID, they could benefit from the increased desire among travelers to visit familiar destinations. This is a smart move by Air France as it benefits from additional revenue by satisfying the current market sentiment.
According to a live poll, 28% of global respondents have revealed that their travel budget has increased either ‘slightly’ or ‘a lot’ since the start of the pandemic. These consumers should be a prime target for Air France’s long-haul business class.
The carrier’s focus on some luxury-orientated long-haul leisure destinations this winter will present ample opportunity to upsell the business class experience to leisure travelers, especially those with a higher budget. Pre-COVID business travelers were the backbone of premium revenue, but with demand down, leisure travelers must be the prime target. Business class should be promoted by Air France as a luxury start and/or end to a holiday. By upselling to leisure flyers, the carrier could mitigate against the loss of business demand, protecting against the loss of revenue.
US travel mask mandate extended through January 2022.US Travel issues statement on TSA extension of the mask mandate.universal wearing of masks is an effective safeguard against spreading the virus and boosts public confidence in traveling.
U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement on the Transportation Security Administration’s extension of the mask mandate through January 2022:
“Extending the federal mask mandate for travel makes sense for the current health environment and has the travel industry’s full support.
US Travel: Federal mask mandate extension makes sense
“The universal wearing of masks in airports and on airplanes, trains and other forms of public transportation is both an effective safeguard against spreading the virus and boosts public confidence in traveling—both of which are paramount for a sustained economic recovery.”
Air France is looking optimistically in expanding its outreach to Africa when the national carrier of France introduced its 2021/2022 winter scheduleAIr France will be expanding its global network to Zanzibar, Seychelles Maputo and BanjulAfrican Tourism Board Chairman applauds this move
Air France, stylized as AIRFRANCE, is the flag carrier of France headquartered in Tremblay-en-France. It is a subsidiary of the Air France–KLM Group and a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance.
With the COVID-19 travel and tourism to Africa remains a challenge. Showing the confidence Air France is indicating for Africa will create confidence in the industry and hopefully among potential visitors.
Paris-Banjul on Air France
Air France will start service to Banjul, the Capital City of The Gambia in West Africa.Paris- Banjul will be operated on an Airbus A330 with 224 seats. It includes 36 spaces in business class, 21 premium Economy and 167 Economy seats.
The Gambia is a small West African country, bounded by Senegal, with a narrow Atlantic coastline. It’s known for its diverse ecosystems around the central Gambia River. Abundant wildlife in its Kiang West National Park and Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve includes monkeys, leopards, hippos, hyenas, and rare birds. The capital, Banjul, and nearby Serrekunda offer access to beaches. Service is supposed to start on October 31.
Paris- Maputo on Air France
Also starting on October 31is Air France’s new service to Maputo, Mozambique.
This new route to Maputo will be operated on a large Boeing 777-300ER offering First Class, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy.
Mozambique is a southern African nation whose long Indian Ocean coastline is dotted with popular beaches like Tofo, as well as offshore marine parks. In the Quirimbas Archipelago, a 250km stretch of coral islands, mangrove-covered Ibo Island has colonial-era ruins surviving from a period of Portuguese rule. The Bazaruto Archipelago farther south has reefs which protect rare marine life including dugongs.
Paris- Abidjan on Air France
AF704 will be operating between Paris Charles de Gaulle via Banjul to Abidjan in Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast recently hosted African Tourism Board Chairman Cuthbert Ncube and is on an expansion course to develop tourism in this West African nation.
Côte d’Ivoire is a West African country with beach resorts, rainforests, and a French-colonial legacy. Abidjan, on the Atlantic coast, is the country’s major urban center. Its modern landmarks include ziggurat like, concrete La Pyramide and St. Paul’s Cathedral, a swooping structure tethered to a massive cross. North of the central business district, Banco National Park is a rainforest preserve with a hiking trail.
Paris- Zanzibar on Air France
Already on October 18, Air France will connect Paris with the holiday island in Tanzania, Zanzibar.
This service will be operated with a stop in Nairobi, Kenya on a Boeing 787-9
Tourism in Zanzibar includes the tourism industry and its effects on the islands of Unguja and Pemba in Zanzibar a semi-autonomous region in the United Republic of Tanzania
Paris – Seychelles on Air France
Seychelles Tourism already announced and is excited to welcome an A330-2200 service from Paris to this French and English speaking Indian Ocean tourism paradise. Service originally started in 2019 and was interrupted due to COVID-19.
This service will start on October 23.
African Tourism Board Chairman Cuthbert Ncube told eTurboNews, he was excited about this expansion of the Air France network to Africa. Ncube feels this is a very positive development African Tourism has been waiting for.
US government to extend public transportation mask mandate.US travelers are required to wear masks on planes, trains, busses.Current TSA transportation mask mandate expires on September 14, 2021.
According to the latest report, US government is planning to extend the public transport mask mandate for travelers on airplanes, trains and buses and at airports and train stations through January 18, 2022.
US travel mask mandate to be extended through mid-January 2022
The current TSA transportation mask mandate runs through September 13, 2021 and requires the use of face masks on nearly all forms of public transportation.
It requires face masks to be worn by all travelers on airplanes, ships, trains, subways, buses, taxis and ride-shares and at transportation hubs such as airports, bus or ferry terminals, train and subway stations, and seaports.
All major American air carriers were informed of the planned extension on a call with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today, and a separate call with aviation unions is planned for Wednesday, the industry sources say.
US public transportation mask mandate has been the source of numerous problems, primarily aboard the airlines, where some passengers have refused to wear masks. The Federal Aviation Administration said on today that it has received reports from airlines of 2,867 passengers refusing to wear a mask since January 1, 2021.
The CDC in June made a minor tweak to its rules, saying it would no longer require travelers to wear masks in outdoor transit hubs and in outdoor spaces on ferries and buses.
According to CDC officials, the transit mask mandates have been effective in address ingongoing COVID-19 risks.
Plane crashes near Moscow.New Russian military transport plane burns and crashes on first flight.No survivors in Moscow plane crash.
New Russian transport plane has crashed during a test flight as it attempted attempted to land at the Kubinka air base just outside of Moscow, killing all three people on board.
Prototype plane crashes in Russia killing all people on board
The plane missed the landing stripe by 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) and exploded upon its collision with the ground.
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Prototype plane crashes in Russia killing all people on board
According to preliminary data, the crash was caused by a fire in the right-wing engine of the plane.
The plane’s developer, United Aircraft Corporation, has confirmed the accident, saying that before the prototype plane crashed, the aircraft’s right engine went on fire, causing the Il-112V to tilt to the right side. The aircraft began to lose speed before flipping over and falling to the ground near Kubinka air base.
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) reported that the plane was piloted by chief pilot of the Ilyushin Aircraft Company, 1st-class test pilot, Hero of Russia Nikolai Kuimov, 1st-class test pilot Dmitry Komarov and 1st-class test flight engineer Nikolai Khludeyev.
Rostec, the parent company of the United Aircraft Corporation, announced that it would create a commission to investigate the accident, noting that it is still in its experimental stage.
According to a source in the law enforcement, the bodies of all three crew members of Russia’s latest Ilyushin Il-112V plane have been recovered.
An aviation industry source said that the crew of the lyushin Il-112V were trying to save the plane until the very last moment and steered the aircraft away from residential buildings.
Gen Z is the most adventurous generation with more than half (51%) planning international trips and 37% domestic.Gen X is more hesitant with 33% not having traveled to another city in more than a year.Safety remains top of mind across all generations, with a little more than half of respondents from each generation saying it is their top concern surrounding travel plans.
New study reveals American travel is at the top of everyone’s mind, although generations are divided in their approach to travel plans.
There are certain elements of travel and planning Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X agree on – safety concerns, the annoyance of budgeting and a desire for more outdoor adventures.
Travel plans: Where Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X clash and where they align?
However, there are divisions amongst these groups – how far they are looking to go, frequency of travel, budget and what they are willing to spend more money on for their trips.
As Americans Look Forward to Travel, Millennials and Gen X Stay Closer to Home While Gen Z Looks International
Americans have been in quarantine awaiting the day travel restrictions ease and they can begin planning getaways again.
The majority of respondents across generations (70%) have started planning their vacations, but where people are going varies.Gen Z is the most adventurous generation with more than half (51%) planning international trips and 37% domestic.The top international cities for U.S. travelers include San Juan, Dubai, Cyclades and Paris.Gen Z travelers can make the most of their favorite overseas destinations with unforgettable experiences such as a bioluminescent bay boat and hot springs tour in San Juan, desert safari in Dubai, volcanic islands cruise in Cyclades and a French macarons baking class in Paris.Nearly half of Millennials (48%) and more than half of Gen Xers (61%) are planning to stay domestic. 35% of Millennials and 20% of Gen Xers are looking to go international.Gen Z and Millennials have been taking advantage of travel restrictions lifting – 37% of Gen Zers and 34% of Millennials traveled to another city in the last month. On the other hand, Gen X is more hesitant with 33% not having traveled to another city in more than a year. All generations are most looking forward to traveling to the beach – ranking it first, above mountains, cities and countryside. The desired beaches of Miami and San Diego are likely what landed those locations in the top four U.S. cities for Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X.In addition to the beach, Gen Z and Millennials are also excited to explore new cities – the places they plan to visit within the U.S. include New York City, Miami, Los Angeles and San Diego.Gen X is looking to plan a visit to New York City, Miami, San Diego and Washington, D.C.
Taliban cancels all departures from Kabul airport.Kabul International Airport departures “temporarily suspended”.All flights were recommended to not fly over Afghanistan.
Taliban representatives announced today that the departure of all flights from Kabul International Airport was “temporarily suspended” until further notice.
Taliban halts all flights from Kabul International Airport
According to local reports, Taliban units have come in direct proximity to the airport and fired several warning shots to disperse the people that have flocked there.
Earlier, all commercial flights from the Kabul airport were cancelled, while all transiting planes were recommended to reroute and not fly over Afghanistan. On Tuesday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that the situation in the airport was calming down.
On August 15, the Taliban moved into Kabul and imposed full control over the city in a matter of hours. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani stepped down, as he said, to avoid bloodshed and fled the country. Western countries are evacuating their nationals and embassy staffers.
“Airspace over Afghanistan is declared closed, so no aircraft can operate there. Our scheduled flight to Kabul also cannot go,” an Air India spokesperson said.Yesterday, Air India Flight 243 departure from Delhi to Kabul at 8:50 am India time was slightly delayed when it left with 40 Afghan passengers on an Airbus A320.It’s a 2-hour, 5-minute flight to neighboring Afghanistan. After crossing the border on AI 243 on August 15 and the approach was expected to start, the Air India plane was ordered to hold and circle at 16,000 feet altitude for another 90 minutes before it was allowed to land.
Landing can sometimes be delayed due to poor air communication in Afghanistan airspace.
As Indians celebrated Independence Day on Sunday, August 15, the Taliban was creating chaos and horror in taking over Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.
The people of Kabul were left in a state of panic as news broke that the Taliban had surrounded the city that day. The Afghan government was fleeing the country, and the city itself was in turmoil.
Air India 243, a Star Alliance flight operated by Air India, was carrying 6 crew members and 40 passengers from Delhi to Kabul without knowing if they were going to be allowed to land even after they reached Kabul airspace. The plane was ordered to circle the sky for no apparent reason.
For the next 90 minutes, Air India circled the sky at an altitude of 16,000 feet. The Air India flight had departed with extra jet fuel. The experienced pilot knew that there might be a delay in landing due to poor flight communications in Kabul airspace at times.
Like the India plane, 2 more foreign planes were flying without permission to land. In addition to the Taliban taking over the city, operating an aircraft over Kabul is a bit of a challenge.
Kabul airport is often “busy and tedious” pilots say. During this time of the year, flying into the city poses an extra challenge: the winds are strong and gusty.
The 160-seat aircraft was piloted by Captain Aditya Chopra.
Permission was finally granted at 3:30 pm local time for the plane to land.
Little did the passengers and crew know, however, that the political situation in Kabul was deteriorating. Even after the plane landed, none of the crew left the cockpit, which is usually common in Kabul. After a wait of about an hour-and-a-half, the Air India flight boarded 129 passengers and departed for Delhi again.
The plane was carrying India embassy staff, Afghan government officials, at least two Afghan MPs, and a senior adviser to former President Ashraf Ghani.
A passenger said that he could see people at the Kabul airport in despair trying to leave.
On Monday, Air India had a scheduled flight for Kabul from Delhi at 8:50 am. It first was delayed to 12:50 pm and subsequently suspended following the closure of airspace in Afghanistan after a NOTAM – Notice to Airmen, an official notice containing information on flight operations, was issued.
Some passengers on the plane recounted that they could “sense the tension on the ground,” but it was not clear what it was all about.
There were soldiers skirting the runways. There was also a roar of air activity: C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft and Chinook helicopters were flying in and out.
And they saw civilian airplanes belonging to Pakistan (PIA) and Qatar Airways parked on the tarmac.
Alaska Airlines is accelerating its fleet growth.Alaska Airlines exercising options early on 12 Boeing 737-9 aircraft.Option aircraft are now firm commitments for 2023 and 2024.
Alaska Airlines announced today it is accelerating its fleet growth by exercising options early on 12 Boeing 737-9 aircraft. The option aircraft are now firm commitments for 2023 and 2024. This additional commitment brings Alaska’s total firm 737-9 order to 93 aircraft, five of which are currently in service.
Alaska Airlines brings in 12 new Boeing 737-9 jets
Alaska Airlines announced a restructured agreement with Boeing in December 2020 to acquire 68 Boeing 737-9 aircraft between 2021 to 2024, with options for another 52 deliveries between 2023 and 2026. This year, the airline has exercised 25 of the options, including 13 planes in May. As part of this transaction, Alaska will add 25 options to backfill the ones that have been exercised.
“We are excited to accelerate Alaska’s growth, building on our solid financial foundation that enabled us to weather the pandemic,” said Nat Pieper, Alaska Airlines senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances. “These aircraft are a prudent, long-term investment in our business that we can make while simultaneously maintaining our strong balance sheet.”
Deliveries2021202220232024TOTALOriginal Firm Order1231131268May Option Exercise––9413August Option Exercise––10212TOTAL1231321893
“Boeing continues to be a terrific partner for Alaska. We began flying our first 737-9s this past spring, and we’re extremely pleased with the operational, financial and environmental performance of the aircraft,” said Pieper. “The planes are exceeding our expectations – from how quiet the engines run to the greater range they provide – and our guests love them.”
Alaska’s 737-9s are configured to carry 178 guests with 16 First Class seats and 24 Premium Class seats, which provide the most premium legroom of any other U.S. airline.
Simon Newton-Smith named new SAA Interim Executive: Commercial.Simon Newton-Smith joins SAA executive team in Johannesburg.Simon Newton-Smith is a seasoned aviation professional with global track record.
South African Airways (SAA) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of airline industry veteran, Mr. Simon Newton-Smith, in the position of SAA Interim Executive: Commercial.
South African Airways announces new Interim Executive
Simon joins the South African Airways’ executive leadership team in Johannesburg, South Africa with an extensive international airline background having previously joined SAA in 2000 and served as Vice President, Sales in North America, where he led the sales, trade support, group and pricing departments. He also held key leadership position with Virgin Atlantic Airways as Vice President, Sales in North America and Country Manager in South Africa, and with Qatar Airways in Doha as Senior Vice President, Commercial Strategy.
South African Airways’ Interim CEO, Thomas Kgokolo, describes Simon as a seasoned aviation professional with a global track record of driving profitable revenue and adding customer value in a competitive, complex and rapidly evolving sector. Simon also adds significantly to the strength of our diverse and highly experienced executive team – all of whom are now primed and ready to take SAA forward. He brings a wealth of experience that will be a tremendous benefit to SAA and our customers and travel trade partners throughout the world.
“I am thrilled to be joining SAA as it begins a new chapter in South African aviation history. This is a carrier with a rich and envied pedigree the world over and I along with the executive team will work tirelessly in our efforts to welcome back passengers, grow revenue and deliver profits”, says Mr Newton-Smith.
The one millionth passenger to arrive in Jamaica in the midst of COVID-19 was showered with gifts upon her arrival.Among the welcome gifts was a voucher, valid for one year, entitling the entire family to a 4-day 3-night all-inclusive vacation at Royalton.In the last quarter, tourism in Jamaica has increased by 5,000% in arrivals.
Daynel Williams, accompanied by four family members, exuded abundant joy as she was ushered out of the line of arriving passengers on JetBlue from New York yesterday (August 15), to be met by a team of officials, headed by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. She was showered with gifts and heartfelt congratulations on being the millionth visitor since Jamaica reopened its borders to international air travel on June 15, 2020. All borders were closed in March 2020, cutting off all arrivals as the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19, began to take its toll.
Cuddling a baby in her arms while an infant held onto her dress, Mrs. Williams was almost speechless but managed to repeat “Oh God!” as she tried to contain her joy as Minister Bartlett told her that as the millionth stopover visitor, she was now the center of international attention, facing several media representatives jostling to get close up shots of her and her family.
Her mother-in-law, Jennifer Williams, a Jamaican from Oracabessa, St Mary, was overwhelmed with joy as she was moved to tears. “I’ve been travelling back and forth to Jamaica for over 30 years now and this has never happened; I am so excited, I feel like crying.” She did allow a few tears of joy to flow while adding, “I’m so elated, I’m very, very happy. I can’t express how I feel.”
Among the welcome gifts was a voucher, valid for one year, entitling the entire family to a 4-day 3-night all-inclusive vacation at Royalton, presented by Regional Director of Sales for Blue Diamond Resorts International, Kerry-Ann Quallo Casserly.
Speaking to the significance of the occasion, Minister Bartlett said: “This is a milestone in the tourism annals, never before, within a year and one month have we ever had one million stopover visitors coming to our country.” Prior to COVID-19 it took Jamaica close to 20 years to record its first million arrivals in a year. However, up to 2019, just before the pandemic hit, stopover and cruise arrivals combined, exceeded 4 million.
Since the reopening of borders on June 15, last year, tourism has earned US$1.5 billion and just over 50,000 of the 130,000 workers who were laid off, are now back on the job. The Sangster International Airport alone has accounted for 5,000 of its 7,000 jobs being restored.
Mr. Bartlett said in the last quarter, “tourism increased by 5,000 percent in arrivals” and earnings also increased significantly, “so we have no doubt as to the impact of tourism on Jamaica’s economic recovery program.”
Among the welcome party along with Minster Bartlett and Mrs. Casserly, were Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association President, Clifton Reader; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MBJ Airports, Shane Munroe and President and CEO of the Airports Authority of Jamaica, Audley Deidrick.
Total international arrivals to the region declined 67% year-on-year in 2020.Region’s inbound expenditure declined by 74.1%.Forecasts for inbound tourism expenditure suggest it will not surpass pre-pandemic levels until after 2025.
Destinations across North America (USA, Mexico and Canada) are at different stages of tourism development. However, one common factor is that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 have been hard felt for each respective tourism economy.
North American inbound tourism spend declined by 74.1% in 2020
The latest ‘Tourism Destination Market Insight: North America (2021)’ report found that total international arrivals to the region declined 67% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in 2020 and inbound expenditure by 74.1%. North America’s forecast recovery follows the general global travel consensus that domestic tourism will recover first (2022), but international arrivals will not recover until 2024. Forecasts for inbound tourism expenditure, however, suggest this will not surpass pre-pandemic levels until after 2025.
COVID-19 can still be identified as the greatest threat to growth within the travel sector, and in North America this is no different.
The loss of inbound tourist spending in 2020 (-74.1%) to USA, Mexico and Canada was significant. The latest forecast suggest this is not expected to fully recover until after 2025, and this will be one of the greatest factors affecting economic recovery for the region over the next few years.
One of the major benefits of inbound tourism is spending, which can boost economic revenues, stimulate employment and act as a catalyst for infrastructure development. Each destination does hold a strong domestic tourism offering, but this cannot be relied upon alone to offset the collapse of international travel.
Travel to North America from other destinations worldwide can be expensive. Recent survey found that 23% of global respondents have reduced their household budgets in the past year and 27% have ‘somewhat’ reduced them. Reduced budgets mean less expenditure on recreation affecting the ability to travel. Budget constraints are going to be more important in purchasing travel experiences over the next few years, which could jeopardize North America’s tourism recovery in comparison to other regions worldwide.
Due to proximity, connectivity and competing low-cost carrier (LCC) operators, travel between the US, Canada and Mexico can be relatively low-cost, spurring travel across the destinations. Intraregional travel will be vital in North America’s tourism recovery. Each destination already relies heavily on neighboring destinations as important sources for economic income.
From vast natural landscapes including coastal areas, national parks and mountain ranges to bustling cities full of cultural landmarks, North America benefits from a strong tourism offering. Therefore, there is a wide range of pull factors that lures visitors worldwide for leisure and business. In addition to attractive destinations to visit, its sizable VFR (visiting friends and relatives) market is also a strong feature. Collaboration between destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and government bodies will be vital to ensure economic relief for the region going forward.
Russia will end restrictions imposed on scheduled commercial and charter passenger flights from Russian Federation to the Dominican Republic, the Czech Republic and South Korea on August 27, the country’s anti-coronavirus crisis center announced in a statement today.
Russia resumes flights to Czech Republic, Dominican Republic and South Korea
“Following discussions and considering the epidemiological situation in certain countries, the decision was made to lift restrictions on international regular and non-regular (charter) flights from Russian airports to the Dominican Republic, South Korea and the Czech Republic starting from August 27, 2021,” the statement reads.
Additionally, international flights from Surgut International Airport are resuming on August 27.
According to the Russian anti-coronavirus crisis center, the number of regular flights from Russia to Hungary, Cyprus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will be increased starting with August 27.
The number of Moscow-Budapest flights will be boosted from four to seven a week, while one flight a week will be permitted from several other cities. The number of flights from Moscow to Larnaca and Paphos in Cyprus will also reach seven, while other Russian cities will have four flights a week.
Seven flights a week will be operated from Moscow to Bishkek and Dushanbe. Moreover, several Russian cities will be cleared to have one flight a week to the Kyrgyz capital, the Tajik capital, Khujand and Kulob.
The air travel with Hungary and Cyprus was reinstated in June after being severed due to the pandemic. Flights between Russia and Tajikistan resumed in April and with Kyrgyzstan back in 2020.
Flights from the air hub to Bahrain will be operated weekly on Saturdays and Mondays.On Saturdays, arrival in Domodedovo is at 14:05, departure is at 14:50.On Mondays, arrival is at 07:10, departure is at 08:00.
From August 14, 2021, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain resumed regular flights from Moscow Domodedovo Airport.
Gulf Air resumes flights from Bahrain to Moscow Domodedovo Airport
Flights from the air hub to Bahrain will be operated weekly on Saturdays and Mondays. On Saturdays, arrival in Domodedovo is at 14:05, departure is at 14:50*. On Mondays, arrival is at 07:10, departure is at 08:00*.
Gulf Air and Moscow Domodedovo Airport have been cooperating since 2014. In September 2017, the flights were increased to be daily due to the success of the route. In March 2019, flights to Bahrain were discontinued because of the closure of international air traffic due to Covid-19. Since the beginning of its partnership with Domodedovo Airport, Gulf Air has performed 2,732 take-off and landing operations and transported 180,000 passengers on the specified route.
Bahrain route is unique for the Moscow aviation hub, this air line provides a wide range of various destinations of one of the largest route networks in the Middle East.
Gulf Air is a state-owned airline and the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Headquartered in Muharraq, the airline operates scheduled flights to 52 destinations in 28 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Its main hub is Bahrain International Airport.
* departure / arrival time is indicated in Moscow time
Desperate Afghan civilians interrupt military evacuation.Some of the people killed had clung to a US military transport plane as it took off.US troops struggled to hold back the crowds overnight, and reports surfaced of gunfire and stampeding breaking out.
Seven Afghan civilians have been killed at Kabul airport mayhem, including some people who fell from a departing American transport aircraft, and all flights out of the Afghan capital have been interrupted by crowds on the runway, US officials in Kabul report.
Throughout Sunday night, US troops brought in to protect the evacuation of American diplomats and workers struggled to keep hordes of desperate Afghans off the runway at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai Airport, now the only lifeline between Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and the outside world.
Seven killed in Kabul airport chaos as all commercial flights cancelled
Some of the people killed had clung to a US military transport plane as it took off, but fell to their deaths shortly after takeoff plunging to their deaths.
Commercial flights out of Kabul were suspended on Sunday, but droves of desperate Afghans crowded onto the airport’s single runway regardless, in a last-ditch bid to catch a flight out of the Afghan capital.
American troops struggled to hold back the crowds overnight, and reports surfaced of gunfire and stampeding breaking out.
Florida has the fastest spread of COVID-19 infection in a major Tourism State today with 25991 new cases or 1210 cases per million population. 27 people died or 1.25 per million Hawaii is the deadliest US Tourism State with 4 dead or 2.17 per million. Hawaii recorded 845 new cases or 584 per millionHawaii is a Democratic State, Florida a Republican State.
Millions of American say YES to a vacation, …. but now?
It really doesn’t make much of a difference to the COVID virus if a US State is run by a Republican or Democratic Governor.
Do Florida and Hawaii Love Visitors to death?
Opening a State to Tourism may however be a formula that also opens up the State up to record high COVID infections. Florida is wide open for tourism, and so is Hawaii, welcoming visitors with open arms.
92% of LGBTQ travelers in the U.S. are vaccinated. Fortunate both States are LGBTQ friendly.
Both states are taking turns competing with each other for the last few weeks on who has the worst outbreak in new COVID-19 cases, and both States refuse to call for more meaningful restrictions on its money-earning visitor’s industry.
Hawaii opened up to vaccinated visitors this month, and to visitors with a negative test since October 2020.
Hawaii relaxed mask and social distancing requirements in restaurants, hotels, and other indoor settings, and COVID is spiking while tourism is booming.
Florida got away in avoiding most restrictions, kept on advertising as a good travel destination, and COVID is spiking.
Both states Florida, and Hawaii have in common, that the spread of COVID is at an all-time high at this time scaring many locals to hide in their homes.
While Hawaii still has sufficient hospital beds at this time, in Florida emergency rooms are spread out to hallways already.
In the past week, Florida has had more COVID cases than all 30 states with the lowest case rates, combined.
Both states have more than 50% of their population fully vaccinated, and both States know the danger number is in the nonvaccinated camp.
Both States also need the tourism economy to flourish and won’ consider stiff restrictions. Hawaii Governor Ige put some more symbolic restrictions back in place. He requires restaurants now to only sell 50% of their space.
Since the United States is still closed to most international tourism, both States rely on domestic tourists. The European travelers are missing in Florida, while Japanese, and Koreans are no longer seen in Hawaii’s restaurants, shops, and beaches.
Domestic Tourism however is compensating for this loss and has been booming like never before.
Ironically Governor Ige in Hawaii told tourists there is no need to travel at this time, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority had been trying to make travel to Hawaii as uncomfortable as possible. All of this remains on death ears.
The justification by officials that tourists really don’t mingle with locals is laughable, and everyone knows it.
Hawaii and Florida actually became closer to each other after Hawaiian Airlines introduced non-stop flights from Honolulu to Orlando.
The “rest of the story” is not yet known. It’s frightening to even think about the outcome, Unfortunately, some sentences are already written on the wall.
Russian firefighting plane crashed in Turkey today.The plane apparently was unable to gain altitude after dumping water onto wildfire.So far, no information on potential cause of crash has emerged.
Russian Beriev Be-200 firefighting plane crashed into the mountain in Turkey’s southern region of Marash on Saturday.
Russian plane crashes into mountain in Turkey killing everyone on board
Everyone on board amphibious Be-200 aircraft– the Russian pilots and Turkish officials – has been killed.
According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, there were five Russian servicemen and three Turkish officials on board the plane.
The plane crashed shortly after releasing water on one of raging Turkish wildfires. The aircraft was apparently unable to gain sufficient altitude after dumping its load, and crashed into the mountain.
So far, no information on the potential cause of the crash has emerged. The Russian military has already dispatched a team of investigators to Turkey to examine the site of the crash.
A handful of firefighting aircraft have been sent to Turkey by Russia to assist the nation in its struggle with wildfires, which have plagued it in recent weeks. According to local media reports, the crashed Be-200 was attached to the Adana firefighting department.
New measures were adopted by the Prefecture of Martinique on Monday, August 9.Martinique announced reinforced lockdown starting Tuesday, August 10, at 7:00 pm.Martinique Tourism Authority has specified that sanitary conditions are no longer met for stays in optimal conditions.
New measures were adopted by the Prefecture of Martinique on Monday, August 9, establishing reinforced lockdown in Martinique for a period of 3 weeks, starting Tuesday, August 10, at 7:00 p.m.
Martinique goes on lockdown, tells tourists to leave
In view of the situation, the Prefecture of Martinique has recommended that vulnerable and unvaccinated tourists not continue their stay.
The Martinique Tourism Authority has specified that sanitary conditions are no longer met for stays in optimal conditions.
However, accommodation establishments will not be closed administratively during this period of lockdown. Visitors will therefore to have time if they wish to consider what to do, while complying with the new sanitary measures in force. The Martinique Tourism Authority is mobilized to respond to visitors’ requests for information and to provide assistance for their departure from the island.
Hotels and vacation rental platforms are offering flexible, no-cost deferral and cancellation terms tailored to this crisis. In addition, the four main airlines that serve Martinique at this moment (Air France, Air Caraïbes, Corsair and Air Belgium) have revised their flight plans to help French and Belgian holidaymakers organize their departure in the coming days. Air Caraïbes will provide up to three round trips per day between Fort-de-France and Paris.
On the Air France side, three flights per day will be operated on August 11 and 12 from Fort-de-France, then two flights per day from August 13 to 15. As of Wednesday, the aircraft used by the company will have a higher capacity (up to 160 additional passengers). In addition, all passengers whose return was scheduled by August 22 and who wish to return to France before August 15, will be able to reschedule their departure at no additional cost.
Concerning U.S. travel to and from Martinique, American Airlines is due to resume its non-stop flights from Miami to Fort-de-France early November of this year.
Canadian government urged to further adopt recommendations of its COVID-19 advisory panel.Air Canada has advocated and continually adopted science-based measures to keep its customers and employees safe. Air Canada is committed to work with its unions and the Government of Canada to implement this new policy.
Air Canada today issued the following statement in response to the Government of Canada’s announcement that federally regulated employees in the transport sector must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 31, 2021.
Air Canada Ready to Implement New Vaccination Policy
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Air Canada has advocated and continually adopted science-based measures to keep its customers and employees safe. This has included encouraging its employees to get vaccinated, setting up workplace clinics and supporting community vaccination programs to make vaccinations more widely accessible.
Although Air Canada awaits further details about today’s announcement on mandatory vaccinations, it is a welcome step forward in the evolving measures to protect the health and safety of airline employees, customers and all Canadians.
Air Canada is committed to work with its unions and the Government of Canada to implement this new policy in an effective manner with the aim of increasing safety and streamlining the application of science-based health and safety measures in a manner consistent with the Government’s COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel report of May 5, 2021.
In particular, for travelers, the panel recommended: that there should be no pre-departure testing for fully vaccinated travelers; acknowledging that testing at both departure and arrival is excessive for these passengers; and that effective self-administered rapid antigen tests now available can safely replace slower and more expensive PCR testing for pre-departure tests.
Air Canada also remains committed to the continued development and application of new safety measures and processes that are effective and convenient for customers as they become available. Such measures are vital to the safe restart of the air transport industry which, apart from enabling Canadians to travel freely, is also an essential driver of economic activity in Canada.
Airline working to implement government's mandatory vaccination requirement for federally regulated airline employees by the end of October.
- eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News
Air service to Mexico was resumed in May 2021.Flights to the Dominican Republic were resumed in early August. Air service with Jordan and Mauritius was officially opened in July.
Russia’s flag carrier Aeroflot may launch flights to Mexico, Mauritius, Jordan and the Dominican Republic, airline’s CEO Mikhail Poluboyarinov said in an interview with Russian TV channel.
Aeroflot Chief Executive Officer Mikhail Poluboyarinov
“We also plan to open flights to Mexico, which is quite an interesting travel destination. We are planning and considering flights to the Dominical Republic, and we are considering Mauritius and Jordan as well,” Aeroflot‘s Chief Executive Officer said.
Air service to Mexico was resumed in May 2021, with flights there performed only by Azur Air now.
Flights to the Dominican Republic were resumed in early August, Azur Air is also the only carrier flying there now.
Air service with Jordan and Mauritius was officially opened in July, though no Russian company performs flights there so far.
Duct tape has taken off as the go-to for airplane flight security where it is absolutely essential that a passenger be restrained.In just the past month alone, at least a couple of scenarios warranted the use of duct tape to secure out-of-control passengers to their seats.There may be a clue to the mystery of the seemingly recent use of duct tape onboard an passenger aircraft.
American Airlines reported this week Tuesday that about an hour after take-off on a flight from Maui to Los Angeles, the airplane had to be diverted to Honolulu after a 13-year-old boy became disruptive.
Witnesses say the boy tried to kick out a window next to his seat and also became physical with his own mother. Tensions started rising about an hour into the flight, causing the pilot to turn the plane around.
The airline says flex cuffs were used to restrain the boy, but video also showed a flight attendant duct taping him to his seat.
The flight landed safely, and passengers were put on other flights or given hotel rooms.
Duct Tape: The New Flight Safety Norm
Somehow, duct tape has taken off as the go-to for airplane flight security where it is absolutely essential that a passenger be restrained for the safety of every other soul onboard. It doesn’t cost hardly anything, is easily stored onboard without taking up any critical space, and it’s strong. Strong enough to keep someone seated – and if need, be quiet – during the duration of the remainder of the flight.
On a comical side note, in the movie Sister Act 2, one of the students in the choral competition, Frankie, shows Sister Mary Patrick his broken zippered robe and says, “This thing ripped! Now what am I supposed to do, huh?” Sister Mary Patrick calmly answers: “Listen, don’t fret. My mother used to say that nothing is impossible as long as you carry with you a little bit of faith and a big roll of electrical tape.” She then whips out a roll of silver duct tape from her habit and pulls off a big stretch of tape as she says, “Hello!”
Recent Duct Tape Incidents
Let’s look back at a couple of the most recent mid-air incidents that ended safely and securely all due to the magical roll of silver duct tape.
On July 12, a woman on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Charlotte was first duct taped at the wrists and feet and then subsequently to her chair, when that was not enough to subdue her after she tried to open a door on the aircraft because she didn’t want it to go up anymore. Flight attendants one of which was also bitten tackled her to maintain the safety of the 190 passengers on board.
On August 3, it was reported that Maxwell Berry, a 22-year-old Ohio man, allegedly groped the breasts of 2 flight attendants during a Frontier Airlines flight and punched a third. The flight attendants duct-taped him to his seat for the rest of the trip from Philadelphia to Miami. Berry was arrested by police upon landing on 3 counts of battery. FBI agents at the scene said they would not pursue federal felony charges.
According to Frontier, the flight attendants will face their own consequences, although it is not clear for what. All the airline had to say at the time was: “The flight attendants will be, as required in such circumstances, relieved of flying, pending completion of an investigation.”
A Clue to the Origins of the Duct Tape Mystery
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents Frontier’s flight attendants, wholeheartedly supported the actions of the crew. The union president, Sara Nelson, said the crew “was forced to restrain the passenger with the tools available to them onboard.”
According to the union, the airline provides tape to the crew in case they need to restrain a passenger. Frontier did not answer questions about that.
According to a professor of aviation management at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Jeff Price, it is “common to use duct tape to secure a person who represents a threat to the flight or others.” He explained that some flights have other restraints on board, such as flex cuffs, and said he carries both when he flies “for just such an occasion.”
So it seems logical to assume that some airlines have quietly “installed” rolls of duct tape in their flight service arsenal to keep calm and safety under control while 36,000 miles up. I would suspect that there aren’t many, if any, passengers that would object to that.
Duct tape has taken off as the go-to for airplane flight security where it is absolutely essential that a passenger be restrained.In just the past month alone, at least a couple of scenarios warranted the use of duct tape to secure out-of-control passengers to their seats.There may be a clue to the mystery of the seemingly recent use of duct tape onboard an passenger aircraft.
American Airlines reported this week Tuesday that about an hour after take-off on a flight from Maui to Los Angeles, the airplane had to be diverted to Honolulu after a 13-year-old boy became disruptive.
Witnesses say the boy tried to kick out a window next to his seat and also became physical with his own mother. Tensions started rising about an hour into the flight, causing the pilot to turn the plane around.
The airline says flex cuffs were used to restrain the boy, but video also showed a flight attendant duct taping him to his seat.
The flight landed safely, and passengers were put on other flights or given hotel rooms.
Duct Tape: The New Flight Safety Norm
Somehow, duct tape has taken off as the go-to for airplane flight security where it is absolutely essential that a passenger be restrained for the safety of every other soul onboard. It doesn’t cost hardly anything, is easily stored onboard without taking up any critical space, and it’s strong. Strong enough to keep someone seated – and if need, be quiet – during the duration of the remainder of the flight.
On a comical side note, in the movie Sister Act 2, one of the students in the choral competition, Frankie, shows Sister Mary Patrick his broken zippered robe and says, “This thing ripped! Now what am I supposed to do, huh?” Sister Mary Patrick calmly answers: “Listen, don’t fret. My mother used to say that nothing is impossible as long as you carry with you a little bit of faith and a big roll of electrical tape.” She then whips out a roll of silver duct tape from her habit and pulls off a big stretch of tape as she says, “Hello!”
Recent Duct Tape Incidents
Let’s look back at a couple of the most recent mid-air incidents that ended safely and securely all due to the magical roll of silver duct tape.
On July 12, a woman on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Charlotte was first duct taped at the wrists and feet and then subsequently to her chair, when that was not enough to subdue her after she tried to open a door on the aircraft because she didn’t want it to go up anymore. Flight attendants one of which was also bitten tackled her to maintain the safety of the 190 passengers on board.
On August 3, it was reported that Maxwell Berry, a 22-year-old Ohio man, allegedly groped the breasts of 2 flight attendants during a Frontier Airlines flight and punched a third. The flight attendants duct-taped him to his seat for the rest of the trip from Philadelphia to Miami. Berry was arrested by police upon landing on 3 counts of battery. FBI agents at the scene said they would not pursue federal felony charges.
According to Frontier, the flight attendants will face their own consequences, although it is not clear for what. All the airline had to say at the time was: “The flight attendants will be, as required in such circumstances, relieved of flying, pending completion of an investigation.”
A Clue to the Origins of the Duct Tape Mystery
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents Frontier’s flight attendants, wholeheartedly supported the actions of the crew. The union president, Sara Nelson, said the crew “was forced to restrain the passenger with the tools available to them onboard.”
According to the union, the airline provides tape to the crew in case they need to restrain a passenger. Frontier did not answer questions about that.
According to a professor of aviation management at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Jeff Price, it is “common to use duct tape to secure a person who represents a threat to the flight or others.” He explained that some flights have other restraints on board, such as flex cuffs, and said he carries both when he flies “for just such an occasion.”
So it seems logical to assume that some airlines have quietly “installed” rolls of duct tape in their flight service arsenal to keep calm and safety under control while 36,000 miles up. I would suspect that there aren’t many, if any, passengers that would object to that.
Health order requirement for proof of full vaccination for patrons of indoor public settings, including bars, restaurants, clubs and gyms goes into effect on August 20. Health order is made to protect against the continued spread of COVID-19, particularly among the unvaccinated.San Francisco’s order also creates a new proof of vaccination requirement for large events at indoor venues.
The mayor of San Francisco unveiled new health order designed to protect against the continued spread of COVID-19, particularly among the unvaccinated, while keeping businesses open and helping to ensure schools remain open.
Vaccination proof now mandatory for San Francisco indoor businesses
Mayor London Breed announced today that San Francisco will require businesses in certain high-contact indoor sectors to obtain proof of vaccination from their patrons and employees for them to go inside those facilities.
Additionally, new city order creates a new proof of vaccination requirement for large events at indoor venues, requiring attendees who are aged 12 or older at events with 1,000 people or more to provide proof of vaccination.
“We know that for our city to bounce back from the pandemic and thrive, we need to use the best method we have to fight COVID-19 and that’s vaccines,” said Breed.
Previously, state and local rules required proof of vaccination or testing to attend indoor mega-events with 5,000 people or more.
New health order requirement for proof of full vaccination for patrons of indoor public settings, including bars, restaurants, clubs and gyms goes into effect on August 20.
To preserve jobs while giving time for compliance, the proof of vaccination requirement for staff goes into effect on October 13 for employees, according to the announcement.
The vaccination requirements for indoor events, both private and public, that have 1,000 people or more in attendance go into effect on August 20.
Australian Capital Territory recorded its first new COVID-19 case in over a year.The man was infectious in the community with no known source of infection.The territory would go into lockdown for seven days from 5:00 p.m. local time on Thursday.
Andrew Barr, chief minister of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), announced that the territory would go into lockdown after recording its first new COVID-19 case in over a year.
Australian Capital Territory enters full COVID lockdown
The ACT will remain on lockdown for seven days from 5:00 p.m. local time on Thursday after a man in his 20s tested positive to coronavirus.
The Australian Capital Territory Health said the man was infectious in the community with no known source of infection.
This is the first case of COVID-19 detected in the ACT community in more than 12 months.
“This lockdown decision is the result of a positive case in the territory, a case has been infectious in the community,” Barr said. “We do not currently know the source of the infection, but extensive investigation has been under way for many hours.”
“This is the most serious public health risk that we are faced in the territory this year, really, since the beginning of the pandemic,” he added.
Cargo throughput at Frankfurt Airport sees further strong growth, Fraport Group airports worldwide also maintain upward trend
Fraport positive trend continues.FRA welcomed some 2.85 million passengers in July of 2021.Compared to July 2020, passenger numbers rise equals an increase of 115.8 percent.
Passenger numbers at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) continued to rise in July 2021. FRA welcomed some 2.85 million passengers in the reporting month, representing the highest monthly passenger volume since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Compared to July 2020, this equals an increase of 115.8 percent. However, this figure is based on a low benchmark value recorded in July 2020, when traffic was down amid rising coronavirus infection rates.
Passenger Numbers Continue to Rise at Frankfurt Airport
In the reporting month, low COVID-19 incidence levels and the increasing rate of vaccinations had a positive effect on demand – particularly for traditional holiday destinations. On some peak days, passenger numbers in Frankfurt reached about 60 percent of the pre-pandemic level. The busiest day in the reporting month was July 31, when some 126,000 passengers traveled via Frankfurt Airport – the highest number of passengers recorded on a single day since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Compared to July 2019, passenger traffic at FRA still registered a 58.9 percent decline for the reporting month. Over the January-to-July 2021 period, Frankfurt Airport welcomed some 9.3 million passengers. Compared with the same seven-month period in 2020 and 2019, this represents a decrease of 30.8 percent and 77.0 percent respectively.
Cargo traffic in Frankfurt continued its growth momentum, despite the ongoing shortage of belly capacity provided by passenger aircraft. In July 2021, FRA’s cargo throughput (comprising airfreight and airmail) jumped by 30.0 percent year-on-year to 196,223 metric tons. Compared to July 2019, cargo was up 9.8 percent. Aircraft movements climbed by 79.5 percent year-on-year to 27,591 takeoffs and landings. Accumulated maximum takeoff weights (MTOWs) rose by 68.5 percent to just under 1.7 million metric tons in July 2021.
Travel destinations can issue special visas or requirements that will make it easier for families to reunite
Visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel will experience higher growth.VFR was the second most typically taken holiday in 2019.242 million VFR international departures expected to be taken by 2025.
Travel industry experts’ forecasts suggest that visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel will experience higher growth, with a 17% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2021-25, compared to leisure, growing at a 16.4% increase between the same time period.
Visiting Friends and Relatives Will Drive Travel Recovery
While VFR will not surpass the number of international leisure getaways, it will play a vital role in travel’s recovery with 242 million international departures expected to be taken for this purpose by 2025.
VFR was the second most typically taken holiday in 2019 by global respondents (46%) in Q3 2019 consumer survey. It was second only to ‘sun and beach getaways’ (58%).
Even though a year of travel restrictions and more time at home may mean the desire for typical sun, sea and sand holiday will be strong, visiting family and friends is likely to be a greater priority for many people right now.
In certain source markets it is also the most popular reason for travel, with 53% of travelers in the USA prioritizing this type of trip, followed by Australia (52%), Canada (49%), India (64%) and Saudi Arabia (60%).
A more recent survey revealed that 83% of global respondents were ‘extremely’, ‘quite’ or ‘slightly’ concerned about restrictions on socializing with friends and family. Platforms such as Zoom, Facebook and WhatsApp have given consumers an opportunity to meet virtually, but this still isn’t quite the same as embracing a family member or properly sitting down together.
During this pandemic, travel and tourism bodies worldwide have called for the sector to ‘reunite’ in its recovery. The aim for both destinations and tourism businesses right now should be to reunite families after over a year of international travel restrictions.
Destinations can issue special visas or requirements that will make it easier for families to reunite. Airlines can ensure popular VFR routes are some of the first to be restored, hospitality businesses and attraction operators could offer incentives and discounts for families. All industries across the travel sector could be better informed to have a greater understanding of this tourism market.
US Embassy issues a security alert shortly after the Taliban claimed to have captured Kandahar, Afghanistan’s second-largest city
Without US support, Afghanistan’s military has quickly wilted in the face of the Taliban threat.US embassy in Kabul reported that surrendering Afghan troops have been executed by Taliban.US intelligence officials predict that the Taliban will control Kabul sometime within the next several weeks to six months.
US Embassy in Kabul has urged all US citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately, using all available commercial flight options, offering to loan cash to Americans unable to afford plane tickets home if necessary.
All US Citizens Ordered To Leave Afghanistan Immediately
“The US Embassy urges US citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately using available commercial flight options,” read a security alert from the embassy on Thursday.
The embassy offered assistance with immigrant visas for foreign family members.
The security alert went shortly after the Taliban claimed to have captured Kandahar, Afghanistan’s second-largest city. Earlier, they claimed victory in the city of Ghazni, 150km (95 miles) from the capital. Ghazni is the 10th Afghan provincial capital to fall to the Taliban since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan began in May.
The pullout is expected to be complete by the end of August, and US intelligence officials predict that the Taliban will control the capital sometime within the next several weeks to six months.
Several hundred US troops remain stationed in Kabul, at the embassy and at the city’s airport. However, embassy employees who can perform their work remotely were already advised in April to leave, with the State Department citing “increasing violence and threat reports.”
Without US support, Afghanistan’s military has quickly wilted in the face of the Taliban threat. Troops stationed near the country’s frontiers have been driven across Afghanistan’s borders and into neighboring countries, and earlier on Thursday the US embassy in Kabul reported that surrendering Afghan troops have been executed and their military and civilian leaders unlawfully detained by Taliban forces.
The embassy described executions as “deeply disturbing,” adding that they “could constitute war crimes.”
Though US-mediated peace talks are currently underway in Qatar, a spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani said on Monday that the group is only interested in “trying to grab power by force,” while Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Wednesday that the group has “never yielded to any foreign pressure tactics before and we do not plan to capitulate any time soon either.”
Aviation veteran Donald Wright elected vice president of maintenance and engineering of Alaska Airlines
Donald Wright elected vice president of maintenance and engineering of Alaska Airlines.Wright is joining the company after recently retiring from United Airlines.Wright will assume the role formerly held by Constance von Muehlen.
Alaska Airlines‘ board of directors elected aviation veteran Donald Wright vice president of maintenance and engineering, effective Aug. 23, 2021.
Alaska Airlines Names New Vice President
Wright will assume the role formerly held by Constance von Muehlen who was appointed Chief Operating Officer on April 3. In
In his new role, Wright will lead 1,346 employees, including the technical operations team, and oversee the safety, compliance and operational performance of the airline’s mainline Boeing and Airbus fleet.
Wright is joining the company after recently retiring from United Airlines, where he served as vice president of maintenance operations, responsible for more than 6,500 line maintenance employees at 45 stations as well as third-party aircraft maintenance vendors globally.
“Don is a strong strategic leader with a proven track record of operational performance improvement and vast industry experience leading technical operations,” said von Muehlen. “As a forward thinker in process improvement and a fierce advocate for safety and compliance since his early days as a certificated aircraft technician, I am confident Don will support and lead the Maintenance & Engineering team to new heights.”
UK domestic tourism price increases could see British travelers flock to outbound operators in 2022
Domestic tourism prices increase could deter British tourists in 2022.36% of UK residents are ‘extremely’ or ‘somewhat’ concerned about their financial situation. Many UK holiday providers need to rethink their pricing strategy now.
Some UK domestic holiday and accommodation providers have increased prices significantly throughout 2021 amid soaring ‘staycation’ demand and this could deter British tourists in 2022.
UK Domestic Tourism Priced Itself Out of the Market
Increasing prices risks resulting in a lost opportunity for many UK tourism companies that previously had a prime opportunity to increase competitiveness with outbound tour operators. Instead, overinflated prices could effectively price them out of the market for summer 2022 and beyond, when UK travelers are more likely to venture abroad again.
According to Q1 2021 UK consumer survey, 26% of respondents cut out certain products from their budget due to the pandemic. Furthermore, in the same study, 36% of UK respondents said they were ‘extremely’ or ‘somewhat’ concerned about their financial situation, highlighting the travel industry’s need for competitively priced products.
While it has been a relief for the UK tourism industry to see domestic tourism boom this summer, it is disappointing to see companies focus on short-term rewards rather than looking at the long-term stability of the UK domestic tourism industry. Companies had a major opportunity to create a unique British holiday experience and add value in the process. Unfortunately, this opportunity risks being lost for many staycation providers due to an over-exploitative attitude towards traveler demand.
Many potential domestic tourists have compared costs to all-inclusive European package holidays, which typically includes flights, accommodation, transfers, food, and drink, and it has been found that these holidays are often cheaper for the same exact dates as domestic holidays. Moreover, rules are being made more transparent, cancellation and refund policies have been made fairer, and many consumers are fully vaccinated. As a result, the window is closing on domestic tourism’s chance to make a positive lasting impression, and many UK holiday providers need to rethink their pricing strategy now.
With parts of Europe opening to tourists again, travelers are comparing prices more than ever. Ultimately, businesses that are overinflating charges could price themselves out of the travel market, which is self-destructive and not viable in the long term. Domestic holiday companies need to understand the competitive nature of outbound travel operators and the fierce competition they create. Jet2holidays and TUI lead the way in offering package holidays as they have substantial control over their supply chain, passing savings on to the traveler in the form of competitive prices.
On reflection, UK domestic holiday providers’ aggressive approach to cash in on demand appears naive and short-sighted and outbound tour operators are likely to win back old customers quicker than expected as a result.
In June, five main Irish airports handled a total of 309,879 airline passengers
283,883 airline passengers were handled by Dublin Airport.June passenger traffic number was still 92 percent lower than the same month in 2019.The Irish airports did not feel the impact of the pandemic until March 2020.
According to Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO), the number of airline passengers passing through the country’s main airports in June of 2021 was up nearly 23% year on year, but still way below the 2019 level.
Passenger Traffic at Main Airports in Ireland Up 230%
In its bulletin, the CSO said that in June, the five main airports in Ireland, which, according to Irish aviation authorities, account for around 99 percent of the country’s annual airport passenger traffic and handled a total of 309,879 passengers, up 229.3 percent when compared with the same month of last year.
However, the June passenger traffic number of the five airports was still 92 percent lower than the same month in 2019 when more than 3.77 million passengers were handled between them, said the CSO, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic continued to have a major impact on the country’s airports.
Of all the airport passengers handled in June, 283,883 people or nearly 92 percent were handled by Dublin Airport, up 219 percent year on year but still 91 percent lower than June 2019, the CSO figures showed.
Dublin Airport said in a press release Tuesday that it handled almost 658,000 passengers in July, up 72.7 percent compared to July 2020 but still 81 percent lower than the pre-pandemic level in July 2019.
In the first half of this year, the five main airports in Ireland handled slightly over one million passengers, down 83.35 compared with the same period of last year, according to the CSO.
The Irish airports did not feel the impact of the pandemic until March 2020. In the first two months of 2020 alone, the five main airports in the country handled more than 4.7 million passengers.
Embraer has agreed the sale of 16 new E175 jets to SkyWest, Inc and revealed the background.The 76-seat aircraft will be delivered in Delta’s livery and will have a three-class configuration.SkyWest already operates 71 E175 jets for Delta Air Lines.
The E175 has been a lifeline for carriers as they are perfectly suited to rebuild routes, add frequencies, and add incremental capacity to meet rebounding domestic demand
Embraer has agreed the sale of 16 new E175 jets to SkyWest, Inc. for operation in the Delta Air Lines network, adding to the 71 E175 jets SkyWest already operates for Delta Air Lines.
SkyWest Buys 16 New Embraer Jets for Delta Air Network
The E175 aircraft will fly exclusively with Delta under a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA).
The value of the contract, which will be included in Embraer’s third quarter backlog, is USD 798.4 million, based on list price.
The 76-seat aircraft will be delivered in Delta’s livery and will have a three-class configuration. Deliveries start in mid-2022.
President and CEO of SkyWest, Chip Childs, said, “SkyWest operates more E175s than any other carrier in the world. With these aircraft, we will have nearly 240 E175s operating with airlines in North America. This month we are proud to reach two million flight hours in the E175. Our customers love the E175, and we have great confidence in and appreciate our partnership with Embraer.”
Mark Neely, VP Sales and Marketing, The Americas, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “Our superb partnership with SkyWest continues with this new provision for Delta. The E175 is the backbone of the North American regional market, and as the industry begins to emerge from the pandemic we are seeing growing long-term demand for rightsized aircraft to deliver profitable domestic connectivity. The E175 has been a lifeline for carriers as they are perfectly suited to rebuild routes, add frequencies, and add incremental capacity to meet rebounding domestic demand.”
UK domestic tourism price increases could see British travelers flock to outbound operators in 2022
Domestic tourism prices increase could deter British tourists in 2022.36% of UK residents are ‘extremely’ or ‘somewhat’ concerned about their financial situation. Many UK holiday providers need to rethink their pricing strategy now.
Some UK domestic holiday and accommodation providers have increased prices significantly throughout 2021 amid soaring ‘staycation’ demand and this could deter British tourists in 2022.
UK Domestic Tourism Priced Itself Out of the Market
Increasing prices risks resulting in a lost opportunity for many UK tourism companies that previously had a prime opportunity to increase competitiveness with outbound tour operators. Instead, overinflated prices could effectively price them out of the market for summer 2022 and beyond, when UK travelers are more likely to venture abroad again.
According to Q1 2021 UK consumer survey, 26% of respondents cut out certain products from their budget due to the pandemic. Furthermore, in the same study, 36% of UK respondents said they were ‘extremely’ or ‘somewhat’ concerned about their financial situation, highlighting the travel industry’s need for competitively priced products.
While it has been a relief for the UK tourism industry to see domestic tourism boom this summer, it is disappointing to see companies focus on short-term rewards rather than looking at the long-term stability of the UK domestic tourism industry. Companies had a major opportunity to create a unique British holiday experience and add value in the process. Unfortunately, this opportunity risks being lost for many staycation providers due to an over-exploitative attitude towards traveler demand.
Many potential domestic tourists have compared costs to all-inclusive European package holidays, which typically includes flights, accommodation, transfers, food, and drink, and it has been found that these holidays are often cheaper for the same exact dates as domestic holidays. Moreover, rules are being made more transparent, cancellation and refund policies have been made fairer, and many consumers are fully vaccinated. As a result, the window is closing on domestic tourism’s chance to make a positive lasting impression, and many UK holiday providers need to rethink their pricing strategy now.
With parts of Europe opening to tourists again, travelers are comparing prices more than ever. Ultimately, businesses that are overinflating charges could price themselves out of the travel market, which is self-destructive and not viable in the long term. Domestic holiday companies need to understand the competitive nature of outbound travel operators and the fierce competition they create. Jet2holidays and TUI lead the way in offering package holidays as they have substantial control over their supply chain, passing savings on to the traveler in the form of competitive prices.
On reflection, UK domestic holiday providers’ aggressive approach to cash in on demand appears naive and short-sighted and outbound tour operators are likely to win back old customers quicker than expected as a result.
Aviation veteran Donald Wright elected vice president of maintenance and engineering of Alaska Airlines
Donald Wright elected vice president of maintenance and engineering of Alaska Airlines.Wright is joining the company after recently retiring from United Airlines.Wright will assume the role formerly held by Constance von Muehlen.
Alaska Airlines‘ board of directors elected aviation veteran Donald Wright vice president of maintenance and engineering, effective Aug. 23, 2021.
Alaska Airlines Names New Vice President
Wright will assume the role formerly held by Constance von Muehlen who was appointed Chief Operating Officer on April 3. In
In his new role, Wright will lead 1,346 employees, including the technical operations team, and oversee the safety, compliance and operational performance of the airline’s mainline Boeing and Airbus fleet.
Wright is joining the company after recently retiring from United Airlines, where he served as vice president of maintenance operations, responsible for more than 6,500 line maintenance employees at 45 stations as well as third-party aircraft maintenance vendors globally.
“Don is a strong strategic leader with a proven track record of operational performance improvement and vast industry experience leading technical operations,” said von Muehlen. “As a forward thinker in process improvement and a fierce advocate for safety and compliance since his early days as a certificated aircraft technician, I am confident Don will support and lead the Maintenance & Engineering team to new heights.”
Mexico could feel the loss of US travelers as COVID-19 restrictions persist
In 2020, the US spent the most on outbound travel with average spend per resident totaling $3,505.Canada was the second highest spending source market with $1,576. Colombia was the third with $1,286.
Non-essential travel across the land border between the US and Mexico remains restricted 17 months on from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and this could have devastating impacts for Mexico’s tourism industry.
Mexico tourism hurt by US non-essential travel restriction
The latest report reveals that in 2020, the US spent the most on outbound travel with average spend per resident totaling $3,505. Canada was the second highest spending source market with $1,576, followed by Colombia with $1,286.
While the Mexican Government is allowing travel into the country, restrictions on outbound travel are being applied by the US. Since the US is by far the highest spending source market for visitors, significantly ahead of other important source markets such as Argentina, Colombia and the UK, Mexico’s tourism industry will feel the restriction of non-essential travel from the US.
According to a recent survey, travelers are willing to travel long-haul, which Mexico may be able to lean on. The survey found that out of 1,442 respondents globally, 37% said that they are willing to take an international trip to a different continent. In the short-term, the Mexican tourism industry may be able to lean on the long-haul holiday market, targeting pandemic savers looking for a ‘bucket list’, post-COVID-19 trip.
However, the tourism industry may still then struggle to compensate for the loss of the high-spending US traveler. In 2020 83% of all arrivals to Mexico were from the US, showcasing the country’s reliance on the US outbound market.
Despite the current restrictions, Mexico could experience a surge in visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel from the US when it is fully permitted, as this is a top motivator for travel between the two countries. Travelers may, however, experience a hike in air fares due to the sudden increased demand. However, the desire to see loved ones after so long will encourage travelers to pay these high prices, benefitting airlines.
E175 has been a lifeline for carriers as they are perfectly suited to rebuild routes, add frequencies, and add incremental capacity to meet rebounding domestic demand
Embraer has agreed the sale of 16 new E175 jets to SkyWest, Inc.The 76-seat aircraft will be delivered in Delta’s livery and will have a three-class configuration.SkyWest already operates 71 E175 jets for Delta Air Lines.
Embraer has agreed the sale of 16 new E175 jets to SkyWest, Inc. for operation in the Delta Air Lines network, adding to the 71 E175 jets SkyWest already operates for Delta Air Lines.
SkyWest Buys 16 New Embraer Jets for Delta Air Network
The E175 aircraft will fly exclusively with Delta under a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA).
The value of the contract, which will be included in Embraer’s third quarter backlog, is USD 798.4 million, based on list price.
The 76-seat aircraft will be delivered in Delta’s livery and will have a three-class configuration. Deliveries start in mid-2022.
President and CEO of SkyWest, Chip Childs, said, “SkyWest operates more E175s than any other carrier in the world. With these aircraft, we will have nearly 240 E175s operating with airlines in North America. This month we are proud to reach two million flight hours in the E175. Our customers love the E175, and we have great confidence in and appreciate our partnership with Embraer.”
Mark Neely, VP Sales and Marketing, The Americas, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “Our superb partnership with SkyWest continues with this new provision for Delta. The E175 is the backbone of the North American regional market, and as the industry begins to emerge from the pandemic we are seeing growing long-term demand for rightsized aircraft to deliver profitable domestic connectivity. The E175 has been a lifeline for carriers as they are perfectly suited to rebuild routes, add frequencies, and add incremental capacity to meet rebounding domestic demand.”
Transport Canada extends restrictions on direct flights from India.Cargo-only operations, medical transfers or military flights are not included.Passengers departing India for Canada via an indirect route are required to obtain a valid COVID-19 pre-departure test from a third country.
The Government of Canada is prioritizing the health and safety of all people in Canada by continuing to take a risk-based and measured approach to re-opening the border. Canada’s phased approach to easing border measures is informed by the continued monitoring of available data and scientific evidence, including the vaccination rate of Canadians and our improving epidemiological situation.
Flying From India to Canada Remains a Big No
Based on the latest public health advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Transport Canada is extending the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that restricts all direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India until September 21, 2021, at 23:59 EDT. All direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India are subject to the NOTAM. Cargo-only operations, medical transfers or military flights are not included.
Transport Canada is also extending the requirement related to third-country pre-departure COVID-19 molecular tests for travelers to Canada from India via an indirect route. This means that passengers who depart India to Canada via an indirect route will continue to be required to obtain a valid COVID-19 pre-departure test from a third country – other than India – before continuing their journey to Canada.
The Government of Canada continues to closely monitor the epidemiological situation, and will be working closely with the Government of India and aviation operators to ensure appropriate procedures are put in place to enable a safe return of direct flights as soon as conditions permit.
While Canada continues to trend in the right direction, the epidemiological situation and vaccination coverage is not the same around the world. The Government of Canada continues to advise Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada – international travel increases the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and its variants, as well as of spreading it to others. Border measures also remain subject to change as the epidemiological situation evolves.
Three direct flights from Moscow arrived in the two Egyptian resort cities on Monday.Hurghada welcomed two tourist flights from Russia.Sharm el-Sheikh welcomed first flight from Russia in 6 years.
Egypt’s Civil Aviation Ministry announced that three direct flights from Moscow arrived in two Egyptian resort cities yesterday, with Hurghada welcoming two of them and Sharm el-Sheikh hosting another one.
Flights From Russia to Egypt Red Sea Resorts Resume
Russia finally ended its Egypt flight ban that had lasted almost six years, following the explosion of a Russian passenger jet that killed all 224 people on board, and resumed direct flights from Moscow to Egyptian Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday.
“The three flights marked a beginning of a new stage for resuming the Russian tourism to the two Red Sea resort cities of Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh,” Egypt’s Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement.
The Russian planes were welcomed by ceremonial water salute as a tradition of receiving new flights after landing, while the airport staff received the visitors with roses, souvenirs, and folklore music.
The direct flights to the Red Sea resorts are supplements to the ongoing daily flights between Cairo and Moscow, with the aim of attracting the largest possible number of Russian tourists to Egypt, Abul-Enein, CEO of EgyptAir Airlines said.
There are seven direct Egyptian flights to the Red Sea resort cities per week, and each can accommodate 301 passengers to meet the expected demand of Russian tourists, while the Russian airliners organize five flights in the same duration, he said.
Russia ranks among the most important tourist markets to Egypt, as the number of its tourists to Egypt surpassed 3.1 million in 2014, nearly 33 percent of the total inbound tourists that year, said Lamia Kamel, assistant minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Promotion.
She confirmed that all staff in hotels, entertainment areas and museums have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
“The Russian tourists were excited to return to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh to enjoy the sunny beaches, the remarkable weather, as well as sea activities,” Kamel said.
More tourist flow will contribute to creating new jobs in Egypt, especially during the pandemic, with the number of direct flights from Russia to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh eventually rising to 20 per week.
In October 2015, Russia suspended direct flights to Egyptian airports following a Russian plane crash in North Sinai. Since then, Egypt has worked on upgrading its safety and security measures at all airports nationwide.
In April 2018, Russia resumed flights between Moscow and Cairo, but maintained a ban on flights to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.
Airlines join into a holiday love story to allow American Travelers experience a break from COVID and become a Dutchman in Curacao
Brands like Sandals, Wyndham and Hilton all planting a flag in Curaçao.Airlift to Curaçao is back in full swing for North American travelers.Curaçao’s entry requirements and safety protocols have adapted to coincide with the evolving travel environment.
The Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao has recently seen a surge of new and re-branded hotel developments backed by the world’s top hospitality brands, as well as expanded flight routes. From a fully renovated Marriott to upscale all-inclusive options like Dreams and Sandals, as well as newly flagged properties like Trademark by Wyndham and Curio by Hilton Collection, Curaçao is proud to offer differentiated new accommodations that cater to an increased influx of North American travelers.
Curaçao Booms with New Hotels, Expanded Flights for US and Canadian Travelers
This has been a strong year for the island’s expansion with brands like Sandals, Wyndham and Hilton all planting a flag in Curaçao.
In early 2021, Sandals Resorts International announced that it will transform the current Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort into Sandals® Royal Curaçao. Set to begin in late 2021, the transformation will initially include 350-luxurious rooms and suites stretched along the Spanish Water Bay and the Caribbean Sea, with further expansion planned in the coming years. Conceptual plans for the resort include adding key elements for the signature Sandals experience, including new expansive pools, a variety of dining options, lavish accommodations, and newly constructed River Suites. Guests will also have access to the neighboring 18-hole Pete Dye championship golf course, two onsite marinas and a 38,000-square-feet indoor and outdoor event and meeting space – the largest on the island upon completion. The Sandals® Royal Curaçao goes on sale Aug. 4, 2021 and is set to open fully on April 14, 2022.
In May 2021, Kunuku Aqua Resort became a part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham portfolio, a collection of soft-branded upper-midscale and above hotels that maintain their independent spirit and individuality. The resort is currently undergoing exterior and interior upgrades, including all rooms and apartments, set to be completed in 2022.
Finally, in June 2021, Hilton announced the signing of the newly opened Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao Resort as the newest property to join its Curio Collection by Hilton portfolio. Owned by Corendon Group, the all-inclusive resort is expected to convert in September 2021 and will re-establish Hilton’s presence on the island. In its next chapter as a Curio Collection property, Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao Resort will offer curated experiences for adventurous travelers, while also catering for those in search of a tranquil Caribbean retreat.