London Heathrow has faced 15 consecutive months of suppressed demand, with passenger numbers languishing at 90% below pre-pandemic 2019 levels – a loss of over 6 million passengers in the month.One month after the Government hailed the restart of international travel and assured the public that a risk-based traffic light system would unlock low-risk travel, the system has yet to achieve what it was designed to do. Ministers’ refusal to provide transparency on the data behind the decision-making and failure to introduce a green ‘watchlist’ has undermined consumer confidence.
At the next review for the UK Government to evaluate COVID-19 restrictions on June 28th, officials must rely on the science and restart travel to low-risk countries like the US, clear a pathway to restriction-free travel for vaccinated passengers, and replace expensive PCR tests with the lateral flow for low-risk arrivals.
With Ministers now promising to prioritize the domestic unlock and no clear end date to travel restrictions, a bespoke support plan for the beleaguered and neglected travel industry must be forthcoming. The sector employs tens of thousands of people across Britain who will be wondering what will happen to their jobs and livelihoods after another lost summer. The Government should provide targeted compensation to the sector, starting with business rates relief and an extension to the furlough scheme whilst Ministers continue to keep travel locked down.
Reopening transatlantic travel is critical to the UK and US and we welcome the establishment of the joint travel taskforce.
Earlier this week the CEOs of American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic and Heathrow Airport joined forces to stress the need to safely reopen the transatlantic corridor. CEBR research shows that Heathrow’s US passengers accounted for over £3bn pounds of spend across the UK in 2019. Pre-pandemic Britain was the top destination for US tourists, but this leadership position is at risk of being snapped up and our Global Britain ambitions undermined by France and Italy, who are already set to open their doors to vaccinated American travellers in the coming weeks.
G7 leaders must seize the opportunity to join forces and tackle one of the biggest challenges facing our generation, climate change. Major carriers within G7 states have committed to net-zero flying by 2050, however, we can only achieve this goal by rapidly scaling up the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). The technology exists – Heathrow took its first delivery of SAF last week – but we need the right Government policies to build confidence in demand. We are calling on world leaders to collectively commit to escalating mandates of 10% SAF use by 2030, growing to at least 50% by 2050, and price incentive mechanisms that have kick-started other low carbon sectors. The G7 should take a global lead in committing to net-zero aviation, agree to at least 10% SAF in its communique, and build a global coalition for those who back that ambition.
AirAsia grounds 90 percent of its fleet of over 200 aircraft across Asia.AirAsia is a multi-national low-cost airline headquartered near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.There are 105 AirAsia aircraft currently under lockdown.
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UK cabinet ministers announced last week that Portugal will be downgraded to amber from 4 am Tuesday following worries about the Nepal coronavirus variant.There are an estimated 112,000 Brits currently in Portugal and airlines have been putting on extra flights to try to get people home.It is estimated that 100 flights are expected to leave Faro on Sunday and there were long queues forming around the building with passengers trying to get home.
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This jump in travel intent was observed across all generations except for Gen ZThe biggest rise in intent to travel in the next six months is among Boomers, increasing from 54% to 70%More than 2 in 5 travelers intend to take a multigenerational vacation during the next 12 months
The results of the latest American travelers’ survey were released today. The report explains in detail how Americans’ interests in leisure travel have rapidly increased as vaccinations have become widely available and states peel back related COVID-19 restrictions
The intent to take a vacation over the next six months has increased significantly, with 72% of U.S. adults planning to do so – up from 62% recorded during the last survey conducted in February 2021. This jump in travel intent was observed across all generations except for Gen Z, who had already shown a high level of intent in the last survey.
The biggest rise in intent to travel in the next six months is among Boomers, increasing from 54% to 70%. This is not surprising considering Boomers were among the first Americans to have access to vaccines and they have savings to pay for trips. Close to half (44%) of all active leisure travelers surveyed have already received a COVID-19 vaccine, with the highest vaccination rate among Boomers (74%), and Gen Xers following distantly at 37%.
With grandparents vaccinated, and parents and children over 12 now following suit, the survey shows more than 2 in 5 travelers intend to take a multigenerational vacation (i.e., a vacation that includes more than two generations of travelers) during the next 12 months (43%).
Travel Deals Are Hard to Find
With the unprecedented slowdown in travel this past year, consumers have been expecting to find aggressive promotional offers and discounts. However, the surge in leisure travel demand has led to strong weekend demand and a lack of available inventory. This has created a situation in certain markets that MMGY Travel Intelligence is calling “reverse compression,” where weekend leisure demand is forcing travelers to consider weekday travel as an alternative.
Where and How Will They Go?
Domestic road trips will continue to dominate the travel scene in 2021, with June and July being the favored months for travel. Fifty-seven percent of travelers indicated they took a road trip in the past 12 months, while 76% intend to take one in the next 12 months. The incidence of taking a road trip is highest among Millennials (79%) and Gen Xers (79%) and those with children (82%), with the vast majority (84%) of road trippers indicating they will drive their own vehicle.
The reasons for taking road trips vary across generations. Gen Zs and Millennials are motivated by the lower vacation costs, while Gen Xers like the ability to be spontaneous. Boomers appreciate the flexibility to pack everything needed in their cars.
While many domestic travel destinations are opening back up, the likelihood and interest in traveling internationally is down despite an increase in perceived safety. This may be related to the uncertainties of traveling internationally right now. However, as international destinations begin to open to foreign tourists and restrictions are lessened, there is an expectation that international travel intentions will start to see a resurgence in the coming months.
Air connectivity, more hotel infrastructure, and open businesses are the result of a successful tourism recovery.Private sector and government efforts were essential to re-open destinationsThe destinations maintained Key Health Prevention Protocols for a safe return
This week the Mexican Caribbean celebrates one year of reopening to tourism after the health crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that forced a stop to a large part of the activities worldwide, tourism included.
In June 2020, the Cancun International Airport registered only 32 operations, of which 16 were arrivals: 12 national and 4 international (June 2). However, a year later, there is a record of 470 operations, of which 235 are arrivals: 82 national and 153 international (June 5).
Regarding hotel occupancy, there was an average of 2.5% in the Riviera Maya during May 2020, and 5.69% in the Cancun and Puerto Morelos Hotel Zone for the same period. In May 2021, the Riviera Maya reports an average of 53.3% hotel occupancy and Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres reported an average of 58%.
The Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification (CPPSIT), developed by the Quintana Roo Tourism Secretariat, allowed tourist companies to adapt the necessary measures that included a change in hygiene habits such as the application of alcohol gel and the use of face masks and social distancing, to reduce the risk of virus transmission between people, in addition to a State Epidemiological Traffic Light which determines the allowed capacity by activity and segment. These actions, taken by the government of Quintana Roo and carried out by the private sector and the citizens, as well as the declaration of tourism as an essential activity by Governor Carlos Joaquín, allowed for the Mexican Caribbean destinations to start welcoming visitors in June 2020.
“A year has passed, and it is a great satisfaction to witness that the combined effort of businessmen, workers, and the government has resulted in the great tourism recovery that the state of Quintana Roo has experienced,” said Darío Flota Ocampo, general director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Board (QRTB).
With 42 routes from the United States, air connectivity with Europe from Germany, France, Spain, Great Britain, Portugal, Russia, Poland, Turkey, flights from Latin America such as from Belize, Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, in addition to domestic flights to the three airports of Quintana Roo, in Cancun, Cozumel and Chetumal, the Mexican Caribbean is today synonymous with strength and successful tourism recovery.
For its part, the QRTB implemented tourism promotion strategies through the Mexican Caribbean campaign “The Best of Two Worlds”, which developed specific actions for the segments of vacation rentals, golf, wellness and meetings tourism. In addition to virtual seminars with travel agents from May to December 2020 and thus far this year, along with meetings with airline representatives, tour operators, participation in virtual fairs and several efforts focused on promoting the destinations of the Mexican Caribbean worldwide.
According to information from the Strategic Planning Directorate of the QRTB, in the year since the beginning of the tourism reactivation, over 7 million passengers have visited Quintana Roo and, thanks to the strategies, actions and measures carried out during the tourism recovery, it is possible to estimate the arrival of another 6 million passengers in the next six months of 2021.
New flights, which will make travelling to Seychelles easier for residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.With the arrival of FlyNAS, the Ministry of Tourism is looking forward to seeing an increase in the number of visitors from the Saudi Arabian region.Seychelles is accessible as never before, and with no visas required from any nationality.
FlyNAS will commence its nonstop flights operating three times a week from Jeddah, with fast connections to or from Riyadh and Dammam. Operating on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays, the 5 hr40 minute flight will be operated on and brand new A320 Neo aircraft with a capacity of 174 seats.
The new flights, which will make travelling to Seychelles easier for residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was initiated in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, alongside the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority.
Accessible as never before, and with no visas required from any nationality, Seychelles, land of diversity and discovery is a great place to spend quality time and to reconnect with nature.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest outbound market in the Middle East and with many in the Kingdom looking to go overseas after the opening of borders, the Seychelles Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Mr Sylvestre Radegonde said, “The destination has recorded approximately some 300 Saudi Arabian since January 2021. With the arrival of FlyNAS to our shores, the Ministry of Tourism is looking forward to seeing an increase in the number of visitors from the Saudi Arabian region. The three weekly flights to Seychelles from Jeddah represent another great opportunity for our destination, as not only will Seychelles be accessible directly to Saudi Arabian nationals but also the expatriates living in the Kingdom.
Southwest Airlines announces seasonal nonstop service to CancunCancun, Mexico, is the top international destination from Kansas City withKansas City becomes one of Southwest’s 20 international gateway airports
Southwest Airlines announced that the carrier will offer its first international service from Kansas City International Airport (MCI), with seasonal, Saturday nonstop service to Cancun International Airport (CUN) beginning on November 13.
Cancun, Mexico, is the top international destination from Kansas City with more than 200 pre-pandemic passengers per day during the peak season. Kansas City becomes one of Southwest’s 20 international gateway airports.
“Southwest Airlines‘ decision to launch international service from Kansas City International Airport speaks volumes to their long term commitment to Kansas City and providing travelers in the Heart of America the convenient travel options they desire,” said Pat Klein, director of Kansas City’s Aviation Department.
The announcement comes as passenger numbers are increasing as more and more people get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently directs all air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 viral test result no more than 3 days before travel.
The Saturday schedule is:
WN #751 MCI-CUN 6:15a.m. – 10:55 a.m.WN #750 CUN-MCI 4:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
JetBlue returns to Norman Y. Mineta San José International AirportJetBlue resumes Boston service from San JoseNorman Y. Mineta San José International Airport relaunches long-haul service
This evening, officials at Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) welcome the return of JetBlue with daily, nonstop service to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). The flight represents SJC’s first long-haul service resumed since the global pandemic began last year. The red-eye flight recommences tonight, departing SJC at 9:15 PM aboard an Airbus A320 aircraft.
Tonight’s flight constitutes JetBlue’s return to San Jose since temporarily discontinuing service from the Airport in April 2020 due to pandemic-related travel declines.
“We’re pleased to welcome the return of this nonstop service to Boston and thank our partners at JetBlue for this renewed investment,” said John Aitken, Mineta San José International Airport Director. “Resuming daily, long-haul service symbolizes a welcome return to normalcy. Our team has been working throughout the pandemic to keep our airport safe and moving forward, and we look forward seeing more travelers in our terminals as offerings continue to expand.”
The resumed flight is JetBlue’s only nonstop flight from San José and the only nonstop service from the Airport to Boston, arriving in Boston at 5:50 AM (EST).
Airbus is responsible for characterizing and analyzing the impact of 100% SAF on-ground and in-flight emissionSafran will focus on compatibility studies related to the fuel system and engine adaptation for commercial and helicopter aircraftONERA will support Airbus and Safran in analyzing the compatibility of the fuel with aircraft systems
Airbus, Safran, Dassault Aviation, ONERA and Ministry of Transport are jointly launching an in-flight study, at the end of 2021, to analyze the compatibility of unblended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with single-aisle aircraft and commercial aircraft engine and fuel systems, as well as with helicopter engines. This flight will be made with the support of the “Plan de relance aéronautique” (the French government‘s aviation recovery plan) managed by Jean Baptiste Djebbari, French Transport Minister.
Known as VOLCAN (VOL avec Carburants Alternatifs Nouveaux), this project is the first time that in-flight emissions will be measured using 100% SAF in a single-aisle aircraft.
Airbus is responsible for characterizing and analyzing the impact of 100% SAF on-ground and in-flight emissions using an A320neo test aircraft powered by a CFM LEAP-1A engine. Safran will focus on compatibility studies related to the fuel system and engine adaptation for commercial and helicopter aircraft and their optimization for various types of 100% SAF fuels. ONERA will support Airbus and Safran in analyzing the compatibility of the fuel with aircraft systems and will be in charge of preparing, analyzing and interpreting test results for the impact of 100% SAF on emissions and contrail formation. In addition, Dassault Aviation will contribute to the material and equipment compatibility studies and verify 100% SAF biocontamination susceptibility.
The various SAFs used for the VOLCAN project will be provided by TotalEnergies.
Moreover, this study will support efforts currently underway at Airbus and Safran to ensure the aviation sector is ready for the large-scale deployment and use of SAF as part of the wider initiative to decarbonize the industry. It will also contribute to the ultimate goal of achieving 100% SAF certification in single-aisle commercial aircraft and the new generation of business jets.
Air Canada’s COVID-19 refund policy extended by 30 daysEligible customers now have until July 12, 2021 to submit a refund requestThe policy allows eligible customers to submit their request for a refund online or with their travel agent
Air Canada announced today a 30-day extension of its COVID-19 refund policy. The policy allows eligible customers who purchased a non-refundable ticket before April 13, 2021 for travel on or after February 1, 2020, but who did not fly for any reason, to submit their request for a refund online or with their travel agent.
“The number of customers who have requested a refund is lower than anticipated and most have kept their travel credit, Air Canada Travel Voucher or Aeroplan points, which we are pleased to see as it is an indication they plan on travelling in the future. We also take this as a vote of confidence from our customers that they intend to fly with us on their next trip, and we are looking forward to welcoming them back onboard,” said Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada.
“For customers who want a refund, our employees have been working very hard to process requests as quickly as possible and will continue to do so, including in collaboration with our travel agency partners. We have in place an easy online refund process and we have also reached out to customers directly to advise them of their options. Still, given only approximately 40% of eligible customers have requested a refund, we are extending the initial deadline for requests.”
The COVID-19 refund policy covers tickets and Air Canada Vacations packages purchased for flights cancelled either by the airline or by the customer for any reason was initially due to expire June 12, 2021.
As of April 13, 2021 (the day on which the COVID-19 refund policy came into effect), Air Canada had a total of 1.8 million of its customer bookings eligible for a refund. To date, approximately 40% of these eligible customers have requested a refund, and 92% of those who have submitted requests have had their refund processed. Air Canada customers also have the option of accepting a fully transferrable Air Canada Travel Voucher (ACTV) with no expiry date or converting the value of their ticket to Aeroplan points with a 65% bonus. Customers who have already accepted an ACTV or Aeroplan points also have the option to exchange these for a refund to the original form of payment, including for the unused portion of any ACTV issued or in cases where a partial refund was provided.
Customers can request a refund online at until July 12, 2021. The policy also applies to Air Canada Vacations packages. Customers who booked through a travel agency must contact their agent directly. In support of its travel agency partners, Air Canada is not recalling agency sales commissions on refunded tickets that they process.
Air Canada’s new refund policy of offering customers options of refunds, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours, is applicable to all tickets purchased.
A new requirement since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, the PCR test has become part of every traveler’s essentials.The negative test report is not only a prerequisite for entry for many countries but is now also part of airline protocol for boarding to exit the country.Seychelles tourism is keeping up with that demand.
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WestJet announces significant growth to its Hawaii networkStarting this winter, WestJet will add 787 Dreamliner service from Calgary and Vancouver to Kahului, MauiWestJet is adding new weekly non-stop service from Calgary to Kona and Lihue
WestJet today announced significant growth to its Hawaii network, featuring more Dreamliner flight options from Western Canada to Maui and new non-stop service from Calgary to Kona and Lihue this winter. With 57 weekly roundtrip flights on 10 nonstop routes, WestJet offers more service between Canada and Hawaii than any other airline.
“With easing travel restrictions, we know our guests are planning to turn their long-awaited Hawaiian getaway dreams into a well-deserved reality.” said John Weatherill, WestJet, Chief Commercial Officer. “We’ve increased our winter service to Hawaii by more than 25 per cent from 2019 to ensure our guests have increased flexibility and the most affordable, non-stop options from Western Canada.”
New service from Calgary to Kona and Lihue
WestJet is adding new weekly non-stop service from Calgary (YYC) to Kona (KOA) and Lihue (LIH) beginning in December. With the addition of the new service, WestJet will offer service to four Hawaiian destinations non-stop from Calgary and two from Edmonton.
“Our guests will love to say aloha to the additional direct flights to tropical Hawaii,” said Bob Sartor, President & CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority. “We’re ready to welcome guests back safely to the home and hub of WestJet and we look forward to the added sunny winter options for Albertans and connecting passengers from out of province.”
More 787 Dreamliner options
Starting this winter, WestJet will add 787 Dreamliner service from Calgary and Vancouver to Kahului, Maui (OGG) with 13 weekly flights. WestJet’s 787 service to Maui from Western Canada is conveniently scheduled with daytime departures to ensure guests arrive in Maui in the early afternoon, with time to make the most out of their plans. The airline’s signature Dreamliner service features lie-flat seats with on-demand dining and entertainment.
“Like the Kolea bird, many Canadians return each year to the Hawaiian Islands during the winter months,” said David Y. Ige, Governor, Hawaii. “They respect the people, place and culture, and we welcome them back. Increased international passengers can help us better balance the needs of our residents and visitors. Mahalo to WestJet for partnering with the state to keep residents and visitors alike safe and healthy.”
“We are very happy with the launch of WestJet’s additional routes to Hawai’i,” said Lorenzo Campos, Account Director for Hawai’i Tourism Canada. “We would like to thank WestJet for being our trusted partner and for their continuous support of The Hawaiian Island and sharing the aloha spirit and always embracing the Hawaiian value of malama. We are looking forward to welcoming our Canadian family back this winter.”
WestJet route and schedule frequency
Market787 Peak Frequency737 Peak FrequencyEffectiveCalgary-Maui6x weekly1x weeklyNovember 5, 2021Calgary-Honolulu7x weeklyDecember 3, 2021Calgary-Kona*1x weeklyDecember 19, 2021Calgary-Lihue*1x weeklyDecember 19, 2021Vancouver – Maui**7x weekly3x weeklyOctober 31, 2021Vancouver-Honolulu**14x weeklyOctober 31, 2021Vancouver-Kona7x weeklyOctober 31, 2021Vancouver-Lihue7x weeklyOctober 31, 2021Edmonton-Maui2x weeklyDecember 12, 2021Edmonton-Honolulu1x weeklyDecember 18, 2021*New routes added to WestJet’s winter schedule serving Hawaii. **Service currently operating in WestJet’s summer schedule.
US and UK agree to reopen travel between their two countries as soon as possibleThe US and the UK both have among the world’s leading records on vaccinations and declining infectionsThere is a clear economic need to reopen international travel
US Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement on the announcement that President Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have agreed in advance of the G7 summit to reopen travel between their two countries as soon as possible:
“Opening a US-UK travel corridor is a smart, science-based step to take for both countries’ economic recoveries, and now is the critical time to take it.
“The US and the UK both have among the world’s leading records on vaccinations and declining infections, the U.K. is our top overseas travel market, and the two governments enjoy a close relationship. With abundant evidence that travel is safe with layered health measures in place—and a clear economic need to reopen international travel—moving to reduce travel restrictions between the two countries is the perfect place to start.
“The travel industry enthusiastically applauds the Biden administration and UK government for being responsive to the calls to advance a bilateral travel corridor, and hopes to see it implemented by early July. The unemployment rate in the US travel industry is currently more than double the national average, and seizing opportunities to safely reopen all segments of travel will potentially restore millions of jobs and hundreds of billions in economic activity.”
Air services to Sharjah, UAE will resume starting 1 July 2021 with a daily flightSharjah flights will be operated by the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 DreamlinerSharjah flights will have 22 seats in First Class and 232 seats in Economy Class
Qatar Airways is pleased to announce that it will resume services to Sharjah, UAE starting 1 July 2021 with a daily flight. The Sharjah services will be operated by the airline’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring 22 seats in First Class and 232 seats in Economy Class.
The resumption of services will enable passengers flying from and to Sharjah to benefit from the airline’s extensive international network in Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas, which currently stands at over 130 destinations with plans to increase to more than 1,200 weekly flights to over 140 destinations by the end of July. Sharjah will be an alternative gateway for passengers to and from the other cities especially Dubai in the UAE.
Qatar airways flight QR1036, will depart from Hamad International Airport at 14:35, arriving at 16:45 to Sharjah. Qatar Airways daily flight QR1037, will depart from Sharjah at 17:55, and arrive to Doha at 18:05.
As travelers return to the skies with Qatar Airways, they can take comfort knowing that they are travelling with the only airline in the world that has, together with its state-of-the-art global hub Hamad International Airport, achieved four 5-Star Skytrax ratings – including the prestigious 5-Star Airline Rating, 5-Star Airport Rating, 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating and 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating. These achievements highlight Qatar Airways’ commitment to providing its passengers with an industry-leading experience at every point of their journey, including the highest possible level of health and safety standards that safeguard the wellbeing of its passengers both on the ground and in the air.
Flight Schedule
Daily starting 1 July
Doha (DOH) to Sharjah (SHJ) QR 1036 departs 14:35 arrives 16:45
Sharjah (SHJ) to Doha (DOH) QR 1037 departs 17:55 arrives 18:05
There is a clear opportunity to safely open up travel between US and UKUS and UK governments urged to take a data-driven and risk-based approach to re-opening borders to travelUK businesses are losing £23 million each day that transatlantic links remain closed
The CEOs of all airlines that offer UK-US passenger services – American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic – joined today with Heathrow Airport and other industry-leading CEOs in calling for the re-opening of transatlantic travel, a move that will be essential to igniting economic recovery.
Top leaders in aviation and travel came together ahead of the G7 meeting in Cornwall later to push for the reopening of the UK – US travel corridor. With world-leading vaccination programs in both the UK and US, there is a clear opportunity to safely open up travel between these two low-risk countries, enabling consumers on both sides of the Atlantic to reconnect with loved ones, re-establish business relationships and explore new destinations after more than a year of lockdowns and restrictions. The CEOs urged both governments to take a data-driven and risk-based approach to re-opening borders to travel.
A line-up of American Airlines CEO Doug Parker, British Airways CEO and Chairman Sean Doyle, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes, United CEO Scott Kirby, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow and Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss joined forces at the panel event, hosted by Duncan Edwards, Chief Executive of BritishAmerican Business.
The participants spoke up after more than a year of travel restrictions that have deeply impacted the global economy and trade and tourism between the two countries. They discussed the merits of having the US on the UK’s ‘green list’, which means travelers from the US would no longer need to self-isolate on arrival in the UK, as well as the benefits that would arise from the US lifting the 212F order to open up the transatlantic corridor for UK residents to enter the US. The US is the UK’s largest trading partner and UK businesses are losing £23 million each day that transatlantic links remain closed. In 2019, 900,000 tons of cargo also travelled between the two countries.
In the US, 63.5 percent of adults have received at least one dose, while about half of adults – nearly 139 million people – have been fully vaccinated. In the UK, almost 68 million have received shots – more than 75% of the country’s adult population. Studies show that the vaccine programs in both countries are successfully reducing transmission and the severity of infection, plus fighting variants, and case counts in both countries continue to decline rapidly.
Passenger bangs on cockpit door yelling to stop the plane.Both crew and passengers jumped into action to detain the passenger and take him to the back of the plane.The passenger was removed once the emergency landing was made in New Mexico.
After the flight took off, the man ran to the cockpit door and started banging on it, reportedly yelling “Stop the plane!”
Passengers and Delta crew got the man to the floor, secured his feet and hands with zip ties, and he was carried to the back of the plane until the emergency landing could be completed.
The plane made the emergency landing in Albuquerque after which the FBI met the plane and removed the passenger informing there “is no threat to the public at this time.”
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Jessica Robertson, chief content officer for Togethxr, was on the flight and tweeted: “I was on this flight in the 3rd row – witness to everything. Terrifying but our @Delta flight attendant Christopher Williams acted quickly.”
“Thanks to the crew and passengers of Delta Flight 386, LAX to Nashville (BNA), who assisted in detaining an unruly passenger as the flight diverted to Albuquerque (ABQ). The aircraft landed without incident and the passenger was removed by law enforcement,” Delta said in a statement, CBS Los Angeles reported.
About 200 SSJ100 aircraft are already flying2021 plans include the delivery of about 33 Superjet aircraft to Russian airlinesLarge part of the deliveries would go to Aurora airline
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov announced that Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) plans to deliver over 30 SSJ100 (Sukhoi Superjet 100) passenger aircraft by the end of 2021.
“About 200 aircraft of this brand are already flying and this year’s plans include the delivery of about 33 Superjet aircraft to our airlines,” Deputy Prime Minister said.
The official added that large part of the deliveries would go to Aurora, a Russian Far East airline headquartered in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin Region.
The Sukhoi Superjet 100 or SSJ100 is a regional jet designed by Russian aircraft company Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, a division of the United Aircraft Corporation (now: Regional Aircraft – Branch of the Irkut Corporation).
With development starting in 2000, it made its maiden flight on 19 May 2008 and its first commercial flight on 21 April 2011 with Armavia.
The 46–49 ton (101,000–108,000 lb) MTOW plane typically seats 87 to 98 passengers and is powered by two 77–79 kN (17,000–18,000 lbf) PowerJet SaM146 turbofans developed by a joint venture between French Safran and Russian NPO Saturn.
By May 2018, 127 were in service and by September the fleet had logged 300,000 revenue flights and 460,000 hours. The plane has recorded three hull loss accidents and 86 deaths as of May 2019.
Volaris announces new executive appointmentAlejandro de Iturbide has extensive experience in the legal fieldNew CLO will be reporting directly to Enrique Javier Beltranena Mejicano, President and CEO of Volaris
Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (Volaris), an ultra-low-cost airline serving Mexico, the United States of America and Central America, announces the appointment of José Alejandro de Iturbide Gutiérrez as Chief Legal Officer of Volaris, effective as of June 16, 2021, reporting directly to Mr. Enrique Javier Beltranena Mejicano, President and Chief Executive Officer of Volaris.
Alejandro de Iturbide has extensive experience in the legal field, having previously served as General Counsel, Managing Director and Secretary of the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Citibanamex, having also held the positions in Mexico of General Counsel at General Electric and Barclays Capital, among others.
“Volaris adds Alejandro de Iturbide to its management team, as our new Chief Legal Officer, with his appointment the Company reiterates its duty to regulatory and corporate compliance, contributing to our commitment to create value for our shareholders,” said Enrique Beltranena.
The information included in this report has not been audited and it does not provide information on the Company´s future performance. Volaris’ future performance depends on many factors and it cannot be interred that any period´s performance or its comparison year over year will be an indicator of a similar performance in the future.
Currently more than 50 percent of all people residing in Hawaii are fully vaccinated.Starting June 15, interisland travel will be available without restrictions.Hawaii will be moving to restriction-free travel for everyone.
Hawaii Governor David Ige today announced the “Safe Travel” initiative restricting travel to the Aloha State will be eliminated, once 70 percent of every resident in Hawaii is fully vaccinated. At this time, more than 50 percent are vaccinated in Hawaii.
Once 70 percent of all residents are vaccinated, all mask-wearing requirements including the indoors will be lifted.
Starting June 15, inter-island travel will be made available without restrictions.
Once 55 percent of all residents in Hawaii are vaccinated, such vaccinated residents will be able to travel to the other US states and territories and return to Hawaii without any further testing. This is also expected to start on June 15, 2021.
Once 60 percent of all residents in Hawaii are vaccinated, everyone, including tourists, that are fully vaccinated can travel to Hawaii without any additional testing.
Once 70 percent of all residents in Hawaii are vaccinated, all travel restrictions to the state will be lifted, opening the Aloha State up again for travel and tourism as it was prior to the pandemic.
Hawaii’s Governor announced many local restaurants and merchants will be giving special rates to vaccinated guests throughout the month of June.
Governor Ige, however, warned such freedom may be restricted if the pandemic develops in an unexpected way.
Hawaiian Airlines will donate 1 million miles to be awarded to a lucky resident getting vaccinated in the state.
The lifting of restrictions only applies to US domestic travel.
14-day home quarantine restriction announced for all travelers arriving from IndiaTravelers from other countries must submit PCR test with a negative result passed at least three days priorTravelers with negative COVID-19 PCR test are also subject to home isolation
Kazakhstan has imposed a 14-day home quarantine restriction for all travelers arriving from India over COVID-19 variant concerns.
According to an updated order of the Kazakh chief medical officer, travelers who arrived from or visited India in the last 14 days are to home quarantined for 14 days upon return to Kazakhstan. Passengers with a negative COVID-19 PCR test are also subject to home isolation.
Passengers from other countries are obliged to submit a COVID-19 PCR test with a negative result passed at least three days ago. Those without the test are put in quarantine facilities for up to three days to be tested for COVID-19.
Children below the age of five accompanied by those with tests and people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with documents conferring the vaccination are allowed not to have PCR tests when entering Kazakhstan.
European Council announces blanket ban on Belarusian airlinesEU members will be required to deny permission to land in, take off from or overfly their territories to any aircraft operated by Belarusian air carriersEU ban comes in the wake of Ryanair flight hijacking
European Union member states have officially imposed a blanket ban on all Belarusian air carriers from entering EU airspace. The complete ban comes in the wake of exiled opposition activist Roman Protasevich’s arrest by Belarus’ regime henchmen after a Ryanair flights carrying him was hijacked and forced to land in Minsk on May 23.
The European Council announced a blanket ban decision today, following consultations between top EU diplomats.
European Union member countries will “be required to deny permission to land in, take off from or overfly their territories to any aircraft operated by Belarusian air carriers.”
The ban also affects operators which sell seats on planes operated by another airline, and will come into force at midnight (22:00 GMT), the same day.
The all-European ban comes two days after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) upgraded its ‘recommendation’ that carriers from the bloc avoid Belarus into a full-blown ban. The EASA issued a “Safety Directive” saying that no EU airlines should enter Belarusian airspace except in an emergency.
The May 23 Ryanair plane hijacking has sent ongoing shockwaves through the international air travel industry. The aircraft, en route from Greece to Lithuania, was hijacked and forced to land in Minsk over a bogus bomb threat. Needless to say, no bomb was found on board, while the origins and timing of the ‘warning message’ clearly point at the ‘special operation’ conducted by Belarus KGB.
Immediately upon forced landing at Minsk airport, Belarusian security agents boarded the plane and arrested Protasevich wanted by Lukashenko’s regime and his girlfriend, Russian citizen Sofia Sapega.
Ryanair returns more significant links to Budapest AirportRelaunched destinations are Athens, Bristol, Cagliari, Catania, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Lisbon, Madrid, Marseille, Mykonos, Napoli, Palermo, Paphos, Porto, Sevilla, and ValenciaRyanair will be operating 35 weekly frequencies across the 16 routes in June
Budapest Airport marks the return of more significant links with Ryanair this week, as the ultra-low-cost-carrier (ULCC) relaunches flights to 16 destinations: Athens, Bristol, Cagliari, Catania, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Lisbon, Madrid, Marseille, Mykonos, Napoli, Palermo, Paphos, Porto, Sevilla, and Valencia.
Ryanair will be operating 35 weekly frequencies across the 16 routes in June, increasing to 47 weekly operations in both July and August. This means a total of 6,615 weekly seats in June and 8,883 in both July and August.
“It’s fantastic to welcome the return of these important Ryanair services. With these routes, the ULCC is resuming links to another eight countries, five of which are to capital cities, making them ideal destinations for both business and leisure travelers alike,” explains Balázs Bogáts, Head of Airline Development, Budapest Airport.
“The proportion of Hungary’s population that has been vaccinated is among the highest in Europe. We are, therefore, delighted that the many links being resumed across our network, as well as the new routes being launched, are offering enhanced connectivity and convenience to our passengers, while simultaneously boosting trade and tourism.”
Ryanair DAC is an Irish ultra low-cost airline founded in 1984. It is headquartered in Swords, Dublin, with its primary operational bases at Dublin and London Stansted airports. It forms the largest part of the Ryanair Holdings family of airlines, and has Ryanair UK, Buzz, and Malta Air as sister airlines.
Hard Rock Air , will officially take flight on Friday, July 16New 30-seat VIP air charter service will cater to high-end customerHard Rock Air will offer flights from Farmingdale, White Plains, Norfolk, Richmond, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Scranton and Latrobe
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City announced today the launch of Hard Rock Air. The new 30-seat VIP air charter service will cater to high-end customers traveling to the resort from select markets across the region. The exclusive service, operated by Ultimate Jet Charters, will officially take flight on Friday, July 16.
Hard Rock Air will offer flights to Atlantic City from Farmingdale, White Plains, Norfolk, Richmond, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Scranton and Latrobe.
“We are confident that Hard Rock Air is going to take our VIP guest experience to new heights and offer a convenient, seamless getaway that is unmatched in the market,” said Joe Lupo, President of Hard Rock Atlantic City.
Jetsetters will step off the tarmac and into the live casino action, premium entertainment, incredible dining options and amenities at the oceanfront resort. Private charter check-in and complimentary parking will be provided at the airport. The getaway also includes overnight accommodations at Hard Rock Atlantic City and ground transportation to and from Atlantic City International Airport.
On September 8, Alaska Airlines will jump to 11 daily departures to seven destinations as it adds two flights a day to both Boise and Spokane, along with second daily flights to both Las Vegas and PhoenixOn October 7, Alaska Airlines brings back its seasonal flight to Palm SpringsOn November 19, Alaska Airlines will launch its new seasonal service to Tucson, another popular getaway for wintertime warmth in the desert
With increasing confidence that air travel is on a steady climb to return to pre-pandemic levels in the coming year, Alaska Airlines is planning to resume its full schedule of 18 daily nonstop departures at Paine Field-Snohomish County Airport by spring 2022, possibly earlier. The airport in Everett, north of Seattle, remains very popular with Alaska Airlines guests.
As part of the path to recovery, Alaska Airlines will have 13 daily departures at Paine Field later this fall – up from five now – as we bring back more destinations, increase flight frequencies and even add an exciting new route to Tucson, Arizona.
“It has definitely been a difficult stretch, but our commitment to Paine Field never wavered,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of network and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “Our guests love the convenience of the airport. Next year, as we continue to offer additional flights, we’ll be in a position to resume our full allotment of 18 departures every day to the places our guests want to fly to the most.”
On June 17, Alaska will fly to five destinations from Everett: Las Vegas, Orange County, Phoenix, San Diego and San Francisco. Here’s more of what’s ahead at Paine Field:
On September 8, Alaska Airlines will jump to 11 daily departures to seven destinations as it adds two flights a day to both Boise and Spokane, along with second daily flights to both Las Vegas and Phoenix.On October 7, Alaska Airlines brings back its seasonal flight to Palm Springs.On November 19, Alaska Airlines will launch its new seasonal service to Tucson, another popular getaway for wintertime warmth in the desert.
That means, just in time for the holiday travel season, Alaska will have 13 daily departures to nine destinations from the north Puget Sound airport that’s easy to get in and out of.
JetBlue is acquiring long-term Airbus components maintenance services for its 70 A220 aircraft on orderThe A220 started operations with JetBlue in April 2021A220 customers are benefitting from Airbus’ maintenance FHS program
Airbus has signed its first Flight Hour Services (FHS) contract with a North American customer. U.S.-based airline JetBlue is acquiring long-term Airbus components maintenance services for its 70 A220 aircraft on order. The A220 started operations with JetBlue in April 2021.
The maintenance-by-the-hour service contract includes material services with on-site-parts stock management, as well as access to Airbus’ pool of parts, engineering and repair services.
“As for all Airbus aircraft programs, A220 customers are benefitting from Airbus’ renowned maintenance FHS program. We are extremely proud to welcome JetBlue as our first FHS customer in North America and be able to further increase its A220 fleet’s availability in support of traffic resuming”, said Dominik Wacht, Head of Airbus Customer Services, North America.
“With a substantially lower direct operating cost over other aircraft in our fleet from both fuel and non-fuel savings, the A220 also helps further reset JetBlue’s maintenance costs well into the decade,” said Bill Cade, Vice President Technical Operations, JetBlue. “Airbus’ FHS solution helps support our long-term financial goals as they relate to maintenance and supports our ability to offer low fares and award-winning service to more JetBlue customers.”
JetBlue will be the third A220 airline operator to use Airbus’ FHS service. Over 150 A220s have been delivered to nine airlines operating routes in Asia, America, Europe and Africa, proving the great versatility of Airbus’ latest family member.
This first FHS contract for Airbus in North America confirms the growing expansion of Airbus’ maintenance-by-the-hour solution to accompany traffic restart: over the last six months, eleven FHS contracts have been signed with operators worldwide.
Advanced Technology winglets on the 737 MAX family that reduce fuel use and emissioniPad apps that provide real-time weather and other data to pilots, improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.A camera system on the new 777X that will enhance safety by helping pilots avoid obstacles on the ground
Boeing and Alaska Airlines announced today they are partnering on the latest Boeing ecoDemonstrator program and will flight test about 20 technologies on a new 737-9 to enhance the safety and sustainability of air travel.
In flights beginning this summer, Boeing and Alaska Airlines will test a new halon-free fire-extinguishing agent that significantly reduces effects on the ozone layer, evaluate an engine nacelle designed to reduce noise and assess cabin sidewalls made from recycled material, among other projects.
“We have a long history of working with Boeing to advance aviation technology, safety and fuel efficiency,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, Alaska Airlines’ vice president, public affairs and sustainability. “Alaska Airlines flies to some of the most beautiful and geographically diverse regions in the world and we are committed to finding ways to reduce climate impacts across our network. This work with Boeing to accelerate innovation on the ecoDemonstrator program enables us to contribute to a more sustainable future for our global community.”
Since 2012, the ecoDemonstrator program has accelerated innovation by taking nearly 200 promising technologies out of the lab and testing them in the air to address challenges for the aviation industry and improve the passenger experience.
“Boeing is committed to continually improve air safety and the environmental performance of our products,” said Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO. “We’re proud to collaborate with our hometown customer and other partners around the world this year to make flying more sustainable.”
In five months of ecoDemonstrator flight tests, Boeing and Alaska will work with nine other partners to test new technologies. After tests are complete, the airplane will be configured for passenger service and delivered to Alaska.
Volaris capitalized on opportunities to add capacity in May 2021In May 2021, Volaris transported 2.2 million passengersVolaris offers over 425 daily flight segments on routes that connect 43 cities in Mexico and 25 cities in the US
Volaris, the ultra-low-cost airline serving Mexico, the United States and Central America, reported its May 2021 preliminary traffic results.
In May 2021, demand in the domestic Mexican and international markets for Volaris increased 16.3% and 19.3%, compared to May 2019, respectively. Volaris capitalized on opportunities to add capacity, both domestically (+16.2%) and internationally (+19.9%), while maintaining a high load factor (87.8%). In May 2021, Volaris transported 2.2 million passengers, 12% higher than the pre-pandemic levels.
May 2021May 2020 VariationMay 2019 VariationYTD May 2021YTD May 2020 Var.YTD May 2019 Var.RPMs (million, scheduled & charter)Domestic1,522714.1%16.3%6,20050.6%4.2%International6131,992.3%19.3%1,96824.3%(16.8)%Total2,134887.2%17.1%8,16843.3%(1.8)%ASMs (million, scheduled & charter)Domestic1,677664.1%16.2%7,41655.6%8.1%International7542,614.8%19.9%2,61934.8%(12.4)%Total2,431883.2%17.3%10,03449.6%1.9%Load Factor (%, scheduled, RPMs/ASMs)Domestic90.8%5.6 pp0.1 pp83.6%(2.8) pp(3.2) ppInternational81.4%(24.1) pp(0.4) pp75.2%(6.4) pp(4.1) ppTotal87.8%0.4 pp(0.2) pp81.4%(3.6) pp(3.1) ppPassengers (thousand, scheduled & charter)Domestic1,712780.6%9.1%6,91447.1%(2.3)%International4452,233.3%24.6%1,42630.1%(14.2)%Total2,157910.4%12.0%8,34043.9%(4.6)%
Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (Volaris) is an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), with point-to-point operations, serving Mexico, the United States and Central America. Since beginning operations in March 2006, Volaris has increased its routes from five to 181 and its fleet from four to 87 aircraft.
Volaris offers more than 425 daily flight segments on routes that connect 43 cities in Mexico and 25 cities in the United States with one of the youngest fleets in The Americas.
Working with Vitol Aviation and Neste, Heathrow has become the first UK major airport to successfully integrate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its fuel distributionAhead of the G7 Summit, the fuel will be blended into the UK’s hub airport’s main fuel supply from 3 JuneThe supply, equivalent for fuel needed to power between 5-10 short haul flights, aims to serve as proof of concept to enable much greater use of SAF going forward
Heathrow has successfully incorporated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its operation, ahead of the G7 Summit. Working alongside Vitol Aviation and Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™, the fuel will be incorporated into the airport’s main fuel supply today, and blended to use across flights operating at Heathrow over the next few days. Whilst the fuel supply may be comparatively small – equivalent to fueling 5-10 short haul flights – this commercial delivery will establish proof of concept at the UK’s largest airport. Achieving this milestone is a critical first step in demonstrating to Government that the technology will work in reducing carbon from aviation so long as the correct policy framework to incentivise take up at scale is achieved.
Vitol Aviation’s expertise in the specialist handling of jet fuel will be combined with Neste’s market-leading SAF production capabilities. Neste MY SAF is produced 100% from renewable and sustainable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal and fish fat waste. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel in its neat form and over the life cycle, reduces up to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil jet fuel use.
Increasing the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is the key tool in the decarbonization of aviation. Together with other technologies, it offers a pathway to achieving net zero aviation in line with the Paris Agreement. As we approach COP26 in Glasgow now is the moment for the Government, investors and industry to collaborate in scaling-up the use of SAF to ensure real momentum this decade.
Today’s announcement marks the next step in Heathrow and the UK aviation sector’s plan for net zero flying. To achieve rapid scale up of production of SAFs, Heathrow is calling for the UK Government to set escalating mandates that requires a minimum of 10% SAF use by airlines by 2030, increasing to at least 50% by 2050. This should be alongside commercial incentives for airlines to stimulate demand and foster investment, and to help ensure the UK is at the forefront of SAF production.
Heathrow has already been engaging with partners including airlines on committing to SAF so the UK’s hub can achieve its objective to become one of the most sustainable airports in the world. 58% of Heathrow airlines by air traffic movements have committed to 10% SAF usage by 2030. The Committee on Climate Change’s most optimistic projection for SAF usage by 2030 was 7%, demonstrating Heathrow flights are already 84% on the way towards this projection.
Budapest Airport announces further development of its route networkWizz Air adds new link to the Greek island of KosWizz Air will be launching a twice-weekly service to Greek harbor town
Just a few weeks into the revival of air services at Budapest Airport, the Hungarian gateway announces a further development of its route network with the addition of Wizz Air’s new link to the Greek island of Kos. Supporting the re-expansion of its home-base, the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) has confirmed the commencement of its latest connection from 16 July, with seats going on sale today.
The Central Eastern European airport’s largest carrier confirmed today it will be launching a twice-weekly service (Mondays and Fridays) to the harbor town known for its abundance of sandy beaches. A new destination for both the airport and the airline, Wizz Air faces no direct competition on the route, launching Budapest’s 11th link to Greece as Kos joins Athens, Chania, Corfu, Heraklion, Mykonos, Preveza, Rhodes, Santorini, Thessaloniki, and Zakynthos.
“Wizz Air’s announcement will connect us to a white spot on our route map, having not served this stunning island before. We’re very pleased the airline has chosen us to be among the first airports it will connect to Kos,” says Balázs Bogáts, Head of Airline Development, Budapest Airport. “While we are seeing numerous resumptions of services across our network, it is equally pleasing to confirm new and attractive destinations to enhance our connectivity over the coming months. We work hard to enrich what is on offer for our passengers and to be able to include another hugely popular Greek island during the summer season is a considerable boost for our schedule,” adds Bogáts.
United adding supersonic speeds with new agreementUnited is first US airline to sign commercial agreement with Boom SupersonicNew aircraft will cut travel times in half and operate on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel
United Airlines today announced a commercial agreement with Denver-based aerospace company Boom Supersonic to add aircraft to its global fleet as well as a cooperative sustainability initiative – a move that facilitates a leap forward in returning supersonic speeds to aviation.
Under the terms of the agreement, United Airlines will purchase 15 of Boom’s ‘Overture’ airliners, once Overture meets United’s demanding safety, operating and sustainability requirements, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft. The companies will work together on meeting those requirements before delivery. Once operational, Overture is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from day one, optimized to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It is slated to roll out in 2025, fly in 2026 and expected to carry passengers by 2029. United and Boom will also work together to accelerate production of greater supplies of SAF.
“United continues on its trajectory to build a more innovative, sustainable airline and today’s advancements in technology are making it more viable for that to include supersonic planes. Boom’s vision for the future of commercial aviation, combined with the industry’s most robust route network in the world, will give business and leisure travelers access to a stellar flight experience,” United CEO Scott Kirby said. “Our mission has always been about connecting people and now working with Boom, we’ll be able to do that on an even greater scale.”
Capable of flying at speeds of Mach 1.7 – twice the speed of today’s fastest airliners – Overture can connect more than 500 destinations in nearly half the time. Among the many future potential routes for United are Newark to London in just three and a half hours, Newark to Frankfurt in four hours and San Francisco to Tokyo in just six hours. Overture will also be designed with features such as in-seat entertainment screens, ample personal space, and contactless technology. Working with Boom is another component of United’s strategy to invest in innovative technologies that will build a more sustainable future of air travel.
“The world’s first purchase agreement for net-zero carbon supersonic aircraft marks a significant step toward our mission to create a more accessible world,” said Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic founder and CEO. “United and Boom share a common purpose—to unite the world safely and sustainably. At speeds twice as fast, United passengers will experience all the advantages of life lived in person, from deeper, more productive business relationships to longer, more relaxing vacations to far-off destinations.”
Algeria reopens international air travel with FranceAlgeria resumes Turkey air trafficAlgeria relaunches air link with Spain
Algerian government officials announced that after a 14-month shutdown, the country is partially reopens its international air travel, for the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
The first flight from France, with 299 passengers onboard, landed in the Algiers International Airport on Tuesday afternoon.
The reopening plan includes five daily flights to and from four countries, including France, Turkey, Spain and Tunisia, according to the Algerian government.
The inbound passengers need to be quarantined at a designated hotel for five days after landing, as part of the health protocol against COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Algeria reported 305 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 129,318. Eight new fatalities were recorded, bringing the death toll from the virus to 3,480.
Aeroflot receives permits from German aviation authorities to fly to GermanyS7 Airlines also received all the necessary permitsLufthansa announced that it received all the necessary permits for Russia flights
The CEO of Russia’s Aeroflot Group said that Aeroflot has received permits from the German aviation authorities to operate flights between Russian Federation and Federal Republic of Germany.
“Everything is fine, we got the permits,” Aeroflot Chief Executive said, adding that it concerns about 28 flights per week as part of the summer timetable.
Meanwhile the press service of the second largest carrier in Russia, the S7 Airlines, said that the airline also received all the necessary permits.
“S7 Airlines has received a permit from the German authorities to operate flights. Flights to Germany will be operated as planned,” S7 announced.
Earlier Lufthansa announced that it received all the necessary permits for Russia flights from the Russian aviation authorities.
Previously, Russian and German airlines experienced difficulties in obtaining permits to fly between countries. The carriers even had to cancel flights.
According to German officials, the problem is related to the fact that Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency did not timely grant permission for flights of German companies in June. On the basis of reciprocity, the German aviation authorities did not allow flights of Russian companies.
Asia and the Pacific continued to suffer the lowest levels of international tourist activityEurope recorded the second largest decline in international tourism with -83%International travel recovery prospects for the May-August period improving slightly
Between January and March 2021 destinations around the world welcomed 180 million fewer international arrivals compared to the first quarter of last year.
Asia and the Pacific continued to suffer the lowest levels of activity with a 94% drop in international arrivals over the three-month period.
Europe recorded the second largest decline with -83%, followed by Africa (-81%), the Middle East (-78%) and the Americas (-71%).
This all follows on from the 73% fall in worldwide international tourist arrivals recorded in 2020, making it the worst year on record for the sector.
The latest survey shows prospects for the May-August period improving slightly. Alongside this, the pace of the vaccination rollout in some key source markets as well as policies to restart tourism safely, most notably the EU Digital Green Certificate, have boosted hopes for a rebound in some of these markets.
Overall, 60% expect a rebound in international tourism only in 2022, up from 50% in the January 2021 survey. The remaining 40% see a potential rebound in 2021, though this is down slightly from the percentage in January.
Nearly half of the experts do not see a return to 2019 international tourism levels before 2024 or later, while the percentage of respondents indicating a return to pre-pandemic levels in 2023 has somewhat decreased (37%), when compared to the January survey.
Tourism experts point to the continued imposition of travel restrictions and the lack of coordination in travel and health protocols as the main obstacle to the sector’s rebound.
The Impact of COVID-19 on tourism cuts global exports by 4%
The economic toll of the pandemic is also rather dramatic. International tourism receipts in 2020 declined by 64% in real terms (local currencies, constant prices), equivalent to a drop of over US$ 900 billion, cutting the overall worldwide exports value by over 4% in 2020. The total loss in export revenues from international tourism (including passenger transport) amounts to nearly US$ 1.1 trillion. Asia and the Pacific (-70% in real terms) and the Middle East (-69%) saw the largest drops in receipts.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) concluded that vaccinated travelers are no longer significant in the spread of the diseaseThe Canadian Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel recommends that vaccinated travelers do not need to be quarantinedA Public Health England study has concluded that two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against COVID-19 variants of concern
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments to make data-driven decisions to manage the risks of COVID-19 when reopening borders to international travel. Strategies without quarantine measures can enable international travel to restart with a low risk of introduction of COVID-19 to the travel destination.
“Data can and should drive policies on restarting global travel that manage COVID-19 risks to protect populations, revive livelihoods and boost economies. We call on the G7 governments meeting later this month to agree on the use of data to safely plan and coordinate the return of the freedom to travel which is so important to people, livelihoods and businesses,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Vaccinated Travelers
Evidence continues to show that vaccination protects travelers from serious illness and death, and carries a low risk of introducing the virus into destination countries:
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) concluded that vaccinated travelers are no longer significant in the spread of the disease and do not pose a major risk to the German population. The European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) issued interim guidance on the benefits of full vaccination stating that “the likelihood of an infected vaccinated person transmitting the disease is currently assessed to be very low to low.”The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) stated that “with a 90% effective vaccine, pre-travel testing, post-travel testing, and 7-day self-quarantine provide minimal additional benefit.”The Canadian Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel recommends that vaccinated travelers do not need to be quarantined.A Public Health England study has concluded that two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against COVID-19 variants of concern.
Testing for Unvaccinated Travelers
A challenge is the potential of barriers to travel for unvaccinated people which would create an unacceptable exclusion. Data from the UK NHS regarding international travelers arriving in the UK (with no reference to vaccination status) shows that the vast majority of travelers pose no risk for the introduction of COVID-19 cases after arrival.
Between 25 February and 5 May 2021, 365,895 tests were conducted on arriving passengers to the UK. These were PCR negative before travel. Only 2.2% tested positive for COVID-19 infection during universal quarantine measures after their arrival. Of these, over half were from “red list” countries, which were considered very high risk. Removing them from the statistics would result in test positivity of 1.46%.Of the 103,473 arrivals from the EU (excluding Ireland), 1.35% tested positive. Three countries, Bulgaria, Poland and Romania, accounted for 60% of the positive cases.
The vaccination roll-out in Hungary is currently one of the best among EU countriesWizz Air has confirmed an increase to 3,420 weekly seats to the latest destinationsBudapest Airport is prioritizing the return of passenger traffic at safe and steady levels
This week Budapest Airport re-opened four further important routes with home-based carrier Wizz Air. Welcoming the return of links to the cities of Basel, Malmo, Milan and Rome, the ultra-low-cost carrier has confirmed the initial re-introduction of another 1,440 weekly seats in early June. Already set to more than double by July, the carrier has confirmed an increase to 3,420 weekly seats to the latest destinations returning to the airport’s network.
“Wizz Air has brought back ideal destinations for both business and leisure passengers alike – Basel, the cultural capital of Switzerland; Malmo, the stunning coastal city in Southern Sweden; Milan, the global capital of fashion and design; and Rome, the infamous historic and capital city of Italy. All magnificent metropolises which we are very happy to see return to our weekly schedule,” says Balázs Bogáts, Head of Airline Development, Budapest Airport. “Continuing to experience regrowth, Budapest is prioritizing the return of passenger traffic at safe and steady levels. With the help of our airline partners, we are able to realize the airport’s redevelopment as well as welcoming back visitors to enable Hungary’s tourism to return,” adds Bogáts.
While services to Malmo will remain as twice-weekly flights, by July Wizz Air’s frequency to Basel will become five-times weekly. By August, the airline’s operations to Milan Malpensa will be a daily frequency and Rome will gradually increase to five-times weekly.
“The vaccination roll-out in Hungary is currently one of the best among EU countries, in relation to population,” explains Bogáts. “With more than half the country having already received the vaccination, we are confident the road to recovery will continue and our airport will once again be a key contributor to the redevelopment of tourism in Hungary.”
It has been 20 years since the airline’s last flight, which was to the South Africa, before it was originally liquidated in 2001.The South African High Commissioner to Uganda, Her Excellency Ms. Lulu Xingwana, flagged the maiden flight in Entebbe.The aircraft, a Mitsubishi CRJ 900, was welcomed with the traditional water salute.
Speaking at the launch, Xingwana urged Ugandans to explore more investment opportunities in South Africa other than tourism and that South Africans reciprocate now that a direct flight has been established that everyone has been waiting for, for quite some time, she said.
On board the flight were Head of Public Service and Secretary to The Cabinet, Dr. John Mitala; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Waiswa Bageya; The High Commissioner of Uganda to South Africa, Her Excellency Barbara Nekesa; stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry; and the media.
Nekesa echoed the words of her counterpart saying that there are a number of Ugandans who have been doing a lot of business and working in Entebbe and South Africa, and this is a sigh of relief which will go a long way to help them reach each other’s capitals in record time.
Several South African companies have invested in Uganda in the last 20 years including MTN Mobile Telecom Network, Game Stores, Shoprite Supermarket, and Eskom Power.
“We should have done 18 routes by now, but because of the COVID lockdown, we’ve been held back, so launching this route is in tandem with our business plan,” said Jennifer Banaturaki, Acting CEO, Uganda Airlines. She added that the airline is projecting June 30, 2021, for the Airbus Neo 300-800 series to be included on the Air Operators Certificate which shall then start flights to Dubai.
S7 Airlines had to cancel today’s S7 3575 Moscow-Berlin flightS7 Airlines had to cancel today’s S7 3576 Berlin-Moscow flightS7 flights cancelled due to absence of permission from German authorities
The press service for Russia’s S7 Airlines announced today that German aviation officials denied permission for two S7 cargo & passenger flights scheduled for June 1.
“S7 Airlines had to cancel today’s S7 3575 Moscow-Berlin and S7 3576 Berlin-Moscow flights due to the absence of permission from the German authorities,” airline’s statement read.
“The air carrier has been performing cargo-and-passenger flights to Germany since October 2020, in accordance with the permission from Russia’s civil aviation watchdog Rosaviatsiya. No problems emerged up to this day,” S8 press service said.
“S7 Airlines plans to settle the current permission problem in the regular course of business.”
All passengers of the canceled flights will get a full refund, the airline added.
Travelers should avoid all travel to BrazilIf you must travel to Brazil, get fully vaccinated before travelForeigners need to provide negative PCR test for COVID-19, made no later than 72 hours before departure
Brazilian authorities announced that the foreign nationals are allowed to enter the country by plane only.
According to the reports, the restrictions were introduced at the request of Brazil’s National Sanitary Inspection Agency (Anvisa) in connection with the potential epidemiological consequences of the spread of new variants of the coronavirus in the country.
The decree states that foreigners will need to provide a negative PCR test for COVID-19, made no later than 72 hours before departure, to be allowed entry to Brazil.
Earlier, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro appealed to the country’s Federal Supreme Court with a request to declare unconstitutional the restrictions imposed due to the new COVID-19 variants threat.
Last July, Bolsonaro suffered a COVID-19 infection for the first time. After recovering, he stated that there was no need to be afraid of the coronavirus, since almost everyone would someday be infected with it. In May 2021, he said that he may have been re-infected.
According to CDC guidelines, that currently classify Brazil as ‘Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19‘ :
Travelers should avoid all travel to Brazil.Because of the current situation in Brazil even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid all travel to Brazil.Travelers should follow recommendations or requirements in Brazil, including mask wearing and social distancing.If you must travel to Brazil, get fully vaccinated before travel.
The Trevor Project: The world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young peopleThe Human Rights Campaign: An organization that works to create a world where LGBTQ+ people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every communityStartOut: A non-profit with a mission to increase the number, diversity and impact of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and amplify their stories to drive the economic empowerment of the community
In celebration and support of Pride Month, United Airlines, Chase and Visa are collaborating to reward United Visa Cardmembers who donate to non-profit LGBTQ+ organizations. Between June 1 and June 30, 2021, eligible United MileagePlus Visa Cardmembers will receive five total miles for every dollar up to $1,000 in donations per eligible card made to the following organizations:
The Trevor Project: The world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people.The Human Rights Campaign: An organization that works to create a world where LGBTQ+ people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.StartOut: A non-profit with a mission to increase the number, diversity and impact of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and amplify their stories to drive the economic empowerment of the community.
“This Pride Month, United is celebrating our year-round mission of advocating and supporting our LGBTQ+ employees and customers by spotlighting organizations that share our commitment for uplifting the LGBTQ+ community,” said Suzi Cabo, United’s managing director, global community engagement. “We’re proud to partner with Chase and Visa to offer our valued United Visa Cardmembers a special opportunity to give back and earn rewards from us for their contributions.”
Customers will receive five total miles per dollar donated from the following cards: United GatewaySM Visa Card, UnitedSM Explorer Visa Card, United QuestSM Visa Card, United ClubSM Infinite Visa Card, United ClubSM Visa Card, UnitedSM Business Visa Card and United ClubSM Business Visa.
United has an ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ equality which includes a proud history of firsts. United was the first U.S. airline to fully recognize domestic partnerships in 1999 and the first U.S. airline to offer non-binary gender options throughout all its booking channels. United also was the first public company to be inducted into Pride Live’s Stonewall Ambassador program in recognition of the airline’s commitment to LGBTQ+ equality in 2019. Through EQUAL, the airline’s LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group, more than 2,600 members work together to advocate on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, working with members and leaders companywide to develop ways to deliver resources, education and advocacy.
“To celebrate Pride Month, we wanted to reward cardmembers who donate to organizations that serve and advocate for our LBGT+ employees, cardmembers and their families: The Trevor Project, The Human Rights Campaign, and StartOut,” said Brad Baumoel, global head of LGBT+ Affairs for JPMorgan Chase. “We are thrilled to join Visa and United to offer miles for donations that support the LBGT+ community.”
“Visa believes economies that include everyone, everywhere uplift everyone, everywhere,” said Kirk Stuart, senior vice president and head of North America merchant sales and acquiring at Visa. “We are committed to using the power of our network to support the LGBTQ+ community and other diverse populations in their recovery from the global pandemic and beyond. Driving engagement through strategic partnerships is an important part of our strategy to help local communities recover and thrive.”
TAROM relaunches three-times weekly service to Bucharest from BudapestTAROM uses 72-seat ATR72s on Budapest-Bucharest routeBudapest will once again be able to offer flights to the commercial center of Romania
As Budapest Airport continues along the path of re-opening its route network, the latest link to make a welcome return is TAROM’S three-times weekly service to Bucharest.
Using the flag carrier’s fleet of 72-seat ATR72s on the 616-kilometer sector, Budapest will once again be able to offer flights to the commercial center of Romania.
“It’s fantastic that TAROM is back offering flights to Romania’s capital city,” enthuses Balázs Bogáts, Head of Airline Development, Budapest Airport.
“As travel restrictions start to ease, we’re witnessing an increase in demand for the variety of destinations our network is known for. We’re proud to work with our airline partners to reunite with all the destinations we have previously been connected with, in a safe and secure environment.”
TAROM is the flag carrier and oldest currently operating airline of Romania, based in Otopeni near Bucharest. Its headquarters and its main hub are at Henri Coandă International Airport.
Airline will operate four weekly flights starting July 1Route will be operated by the airline’s modern and sustainable Boeing 787 DreamlinerQatar Airways will offer offering 22 seats in Business Class and 232 in Economy Class on Phuket flights
Qatar Airways marks a significant milestone in the rebound of international leisure travel with the resumption of four weekly flights to the famed holiday destination of Phuket, Thailand, starting 1 July. In addition to its 12 weekly Bangkok flights, the airline will operate a total of 16 weekly flights to Thailand, providing seamless connectivity for its passengers travelling from Europe, the Middle East and United States.
As Thailand reopens to holidaymakers from around the world, fully vaccinated travelers will soon be able to visit once again whilst also enjoying the hospitality and service available on Qatar Airways and at its hub, Hamad International Airport, the first and only 5-Star COVID-19 Safety Rated Airport in the Middle East.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker said: “With the resumption of flights to Phuket, Qatar Airways marks a significant milestone in the recovery of international tourism. We are proud to have lead the industry, setting the benchmark for safety, innovation and customer service throughout the pandemic.
“We know many of our customers are eager to get back flying and return to some of their favorite holiday destinations, such as Phuket. Famed for its many exotic beaches, family friendly atmosphere, turquoise waters and delicious local cuisine, Phuket is an ideal destination for a summer getaway. We look forward to working with our partners in Thailand to support the recovery of their tourism sector.”
Launched in 2010, Phuket became Qatar Airways’ 93rd destination at the time. The resort destination is a magnet for holidaymakers, particularly from Europe, the Middle East and United States. The route will be served by the airline’s modern and sustainable Boeing 787 Dreamliner with seating for 22 passengers in Business Class and 232 in Economy Class.
Phuket schedule starting 1 July:
Doha (DOH) to Phuket (HKT) QR 840 departs 02:55 arrives 13:30 (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Phuket (HKT) to Doha (DOH) QR 841 departs 02:30 arrives 05:30 (Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)
Ryanair is back at Belfast City Airport and has today commenced its summer schedule which will connect passengers to Europe following the easing of travel restrictions in Northern Ireland.Flights taking off this week to five destinations will allow passengers to enjoy the sun and fun in both Portugal and Spain, with flights to Italy to follow at the beginning of July.Ryanair will operate up to 14 flights per week to Faro in Portugal, while passengers will be able to travel to Alicante, Malaga, and the popular Balearic island of Mallorca up to 14 times per week, as well as Barcelona up to ten times per week throughout the summer season.
Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, said:
“With travel restrictions easing, we are seeing an increase in demand from passengers keen to return to flying and travelling internationally.
“Welcoming Ryanair’s first flights today is significant as it marks the start of a busy summer schedule from Belfast City Airport.”
The inaugural flights mark the return of Ryanair to Belfast City Airport following an eleven year absence. The airline will commence further flights to Valencia, Ibiza, and Milan taking off on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd July respectively.
Katy continued:
“Ryanair’s low fares and hassle-free service appeal to a wide range of passengers and it’s great to have the airline back flying from Belfast City Airport once again.”
Ryanair’s Director of Marketing, Dara Brady said:
“We’re delighted to be returning to Belfast City Airport this summer, offering the lowest fares to our customers holidaying in popular European hotspots.
“The successful rollout of the UK vaccination programme coupled with the easing of travel restrictions has given a much-needed boost to consumer confidence and we look forward to welcoming our customers on flights to Spain, Portugal & Italy this summer.”
Find flights and fare information for Ryanair’s eight new sunshine routes from Belfast City Airport at ryanair.co.uk
For the latest travel advice, visit nidirect.gov.uk and Belfast City Airport’s dedicated webpage.
Passengers should also consult the latest entry requirements for the country they are travelling to for their dates of travel.
FlyArystan launches new international route to KyrgyzstanFlyArystan to fly from Kazakhstan to Bishkek twice a weekFlyArystan to use Airbus A-320 aircraft on new route
The the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development of Kazakhstan announced that Kazakhstan’s low-cost carrier FlyArystan has inaugurated a new international route with launch of Turkestan to Bishkek flights.
FlyArystan will fly Turkestan, Kazakhstan-Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan flight twice a week using the Airbus A-320 aircraft.
The first flight’s average seat occupancy has been estimated at over 60% on May 31.
The objective of the new route is to link the cultural capital of the Turkic world – the city of Turkestan as a tourism development center on the Great Silk Road with foreign countries, Kazakh aviation officials said.
The flights will be performed in strict accordance with sanitary epidemiological rules and according to the schedule on the airline’s website.
FlyArystan is a low-cost airline based in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It is the wholly owned low cost subsidiary of Air Astana, the country’s leading airline. FlyArystan’s foundation was approved by Air Astana’s joint shareholders, Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund and BAE Systems PLC, and was endorsed by Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev, on 2 November 2018. The company slogan is Eurasia’s Low Fares Airline.
Green color assigned to EU countries and countries with high vaccination rate and favorable epidemiological situationsRed color assigned to the countries with unfavorable epidemiological situationsBlack color assigned to the countries to which the Slovak Foreign Affairs Ministry doesn’t recommend that people should travel
Slovakian officials announced that as of 6am today, quarantine requirements for travelers entering Slovakia have changed in line with a ‘travel traffic lights’ scheme, as stipulated in a Public Health Authority (UVZ) regulation.
Countries have been assigned colors based on their levels of infection risk – green, including European Union countries and countries with high vaccination rate and favorable epidemiological situations; red – i.e. countries with unfavorable epidemiological situations; and black – countries to which the Slovak Foreign Affairs Ministry doesn’t recommend that people should travel.
Upon arriving from a green country, travelers must undergo 14 days of quarantine, which can be eliminated by a negative PCR test taken on arrival. Travelers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, who have overcome the disease within the past 180 days and children up to 18 years are exempted from mandatory self-isolation.
Travelers coming from a red country will have to undergo 14 days of quarantine that can be ended by a negative PCR test, but not earlier than on the eighth day.
Travelers entering from a black country will have to stay in quarantine for 14 days regardless of the result of the test.
In addition to EU countries, the list of green countries includes Australia, China, Greenland, Iceland, Israel, Macao, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.
Red countries include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mongolia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the USA and Uzbekistan.
All other countries found neither on the green, nor the red list, have been defined as black. These countries have been affected by dangerous coronavirus variants or are linked with unavailable, non-credible or poor-quality data.
Russian Federation relaunches UK air connectionRegular flights between Moscow and London will resumed from June 2Russia suspended regular air service with the United Kingdom in December 2020
Russia’s national anti-coronavirus crisis center announced today that the Russian Federation will resume regular scheduled air service with the United Kingdom starting on June 2, 2021.
“In view of the improved epidemiological situation in the United Kingdom, the crisis center has taken a decision not to extend the suspension of air service. Regular flights between Moscow and London will resumed from June 2. Three flights a week will be made on a reciprocal basis,” Russian regulators said.
Russia suspended regular air service with the United Kingdom in December 2020 due to a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases in that country.
Russia also has decided to resume a limited number of regular flights to other countries, including Austria, Hungary, Lebanon and Croatia.
Russian officials also announced that Turkey and Tanzania flight bans will be kept in place until June 21.
This KATA led initiative is part of the association’s strategic role within the African Continental Free Trade AreaKenya and Tanzania are some of the fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan AfricaIn the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, there have been calls for African countries to focus on intra-African travel
On Thursday 27th May 2021, the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) CEO, Agnes Mucuha led a delegation of Kenya’s travel and tourism industry representatives to a meeting with High Commissioner of Tanzania to Kenya Dr. John Simbachawene at the Tanzania High Commission in Nairobi to discuss strategies for mutual collaboration and partnership with Tanzania in promoting outbound tourism to Tanzania.
This strategic meeting comes at a time when KATA has shifted its focus to promotion of outbound tourism to EAC countries in bid to help its members expand their horizon of business as well as well as improving bilateral ties with the countries to get more tourists to Kenya and simultaneously send tourists from Kenya to those destinations.
This KATA led initiative is part of the association’s strategic role within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote outbound travel and tourism operations within the East African Community (EAC) member states with an intent to develop a model or cross-border tourism.
In March 2018, African leaders signed three separate agreements: the African Continental Free Trade Agreement; the Kigali Declaration; and the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. The three agreements work with the aim of reducing bureaucracy, harmonising regulations and avoiding protectionism in several sectors including aviation, travel, tourism and hospitality.
The association invited stakeholders from Kenya Association of Tour Operators, East African Tourism Platform, the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre – East Africa and other stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector to discuss how to strengthen the trade-in travel and tourism services between the two countries.
The meeting brought to the fore issues that need to be tackled such as the current trade barriers between Kenya and Tanzania that affects travel and tourism industry, handover of tourists at boarder points, increased costs of safaris, work permit challenges for tour drivers, extra fees for vehicle crossing to Tanzania, and limitations of access points into Tanzania. The trade barriers in travel and tourism are predicated upon the 1985 agreement that was signed by both states with a view of creating a platform for the flow of tourists between the two states. The agreement was driven by a market protectionism mind-set that is no longer viable today, and there was failure to adopt the EAC common market protocol that promotes mutual collaboration and cooperation.
The resumption will be gradual with two aircraftsNew reservation system is available since May 31New passenger service system will make the company more agile
Cabo Verde Airlines will officially restart its operations on June 18 with a weekly flight on Fridays between Sal Island and Lisbon. The resumption will be gradual, connecting the archipelago through the hub in Sal.
From June 28 2021 until March 28 2022, Cabo Verde Airlines will make four weekly flights between Praia/Sal and Lisbon on Fridays and Mondays; a weekly flight to and from Sal/Praia/Boston on Tuesdays with return on Wednesdays and a weekly flight to and from Sal/São Vicente/Paris on Saturdays with return on Sundays.
Cabo Verde Airlines also informs that, depending on the rate of vaccination and the unblocking of international borders, it expects to launch new frequencies and additional destinations, if pandemic conditions will permit it.
The airline informs that it has a new passenger service system, named HITIT, a modern platform with an integrated sales, operations and accounting solution, a new technology that will increase the efficiency and reliability of customer service.
Erlendur Svavarsson, CEO of Cabo Verde Airlines says, “We are excited that we can finally resuscitate the airline from the ashes of the pandemic. The beaches of Sal, the unique restaurants and the warm and hospitable cape verdean people will welcome guests back to a destination truly different from all others. This is just the beginning, and we are looking forward to creating a better future”, he adds.
Note that Cabo Verde Airlines has been stopped since March 2020, took advantage of this forced stop of the pandemic to reorganize itself, train its teams and implement a new sales system that allows it to automatically notify passengers of all flights in progress, a huge investment in customer experience that is expected to be fruitful to make the company more agile and reliable.
The company will also have a rebate program for unpaid flights vouchers, which allows travel to be scheduled up to three years after the issue, a program that aims to compensate all passengers for canceled flights, as a result of the sudden pandemic that has plagued all airlines.
Lufthansa’s First Class Lounge in Terminal 1 of Frankfurt Airport reopens on June 1At present, food and beverage consumption is only permitted outside of the loungePopular “á la carte” service will also be resumed as soon as official regulations allow
As summer approaches, the desire to travel continues to grow: Declining infection rates and the easing of travel restrictions are making more people want to fly again. In response to the rising booking figures, Lufthansa is using this as an opportunity to reopen the Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Terminal 1 of Frankfurt Airport starting on 1 June.
Relaxing while waiting for departure
The lounge offers an exclusive and comfortable place to relax, while travelers are waiting for their departure. The range of products offered in the lounges have been adjusted to meet current regulations. At present, food and beverage consumption is only permitted outside of the lounge. A take-away offer is available in the First Class Lounge, with a good selection of food and beverages. The popular “á la carte” service will also be resumed as soon as official regulations allow us to do so.
First Class guests can now also enjoy the usual personal service. The First Class Lounge is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Lufthansa lounges open their doors to guests
Lufthansa guests can already access some of the lounges in Germany as well as abroad, such as New York. In the upcoming weeks, additional Lufthansa lounges will gradually be re-opening for customers. Soon, the First Class Terminal and the associated limousine service will also be made available again. A variety of measures, such as maintaining distance and wearing a mouth and nose covering, ensure that the lounge stay meets high safety and hygiene standards.
European Commission is proposing that Member States gradually ease travel measuresThe Commission also proposed an “emergency brake” system to border travelMember states would work together using the vaccine certificate system to make freedom of movement possible again
It is time for EU member countries to start relaxing their border restrictions for the citizens and residents of the block who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the European Commission said on Monday.
“As the epidemiological situation is improving and vaccination campaigns are speeding up all over the EU, the Commission is proposing that Member States gradually ease travel measures, including most importantly for the holders of the EU Digital COVID Certificate,” the European Commission announced today.
The Commission also proposed an “emergency brake” system to border travel should new variants of COVID-19 start to rise, which would quickly reintroduce restrictions “if the epidemiological situation deteriorates rapidly.”
The commission advised that those with a “vaccination certificate” – more commonly known as a “vaccine passport” – should be exempt from “travel-related testing or quarantine 14 days after having received the last dose.”
European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders noted that the past several weeks “have brought a continuous downward trend in infection numbers, showing the success of the vaccination campaigns across the EU,” and expressed his hope that the member states would work together using the vaccine certificate system to make freedom of movement possible again.
European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides also praised freedom of movement between states as one of the EU’s “most cherished rights,” adding, “We need coordinated and predictable approaches for our citizens that would offer clarity and avoid inconsistent requirements across Member States.”
Freedom of movement in the European Union allows residents in one member state to easily travel, work, and live in another state.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, over 234,000,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the European Union and European Economic Area, with Germany, France, Italy, and Spain receiving the most doses from manufacturers.
32,364,274 cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in the European Union and Economic Area since the start of the pandemic, with 720,358 deaths.
Air Astana will launch a direct service from Almaty to the ancient city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan on 9th June 2021, with flights operated using Airbus A321 aircraft on Wednesdays and Sundays.On Wednesdays, the flight will depart from Almaty at 15.40 and arrive in Samarkand at 16.15, with the return flight departing at 17.45 and arriving in Almaty at 20.20. On Sundays, the flight will depart from Almaty at 11.20 and arrive in Samarkand at 11.55, with the return flight departing at 13.25 and arriving in Almaty at 16.00. All times local.Samarkand will become Air Astana’s second destination in Uzbekistan, with direct flights to Tashkent, the country’s capital, having been operated since 2010.
Samarkand is a city in Uzbekistan known for its mosques and mausoleums. It’s on the Silk Road, the ancient trade route linking China to the Mediterranean. Prominent landmarks include the Registan, a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, majolica-covered madrassas dating to the 15th and 17th centuries, and Gur-e-Amir, the towering tomb of Timur (Tamerlane), founder of the Timurid Empire.
Return airfares including fees, start from US$163 in economy class and from US$518 in business class. Tickets are available on the Air Astana website and at sales offices, as well as accredited travel agencies. Passengers are advised to familiarize themselves in advance with entry and transit requirements for travel between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan at www.airastana.com