Aviation Travel News | Page 63 Of 199 | Airline | Airport News

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 6, 2021

United Airlines offers PayPal QR codes as new payment option

Latest touch-free payment offering lets customers buy snacks, drinks, and other inflight purchases while on board by just scanning a QR code.United Airlines passengers can use new PayPal QR code payment option inflight – with or without Wi-Fi.Partnership starts in Chicago next month and will roll out system-wide before the end of the year. United and PayPal today announced a new way to make touch-free inflight purchases, even in areas without Wi-Fi. Starting next month, United customers on select flights can simply show a flight attendant the PayPal QR Code in the PayPal app and use it to buy snacks, drinks and other inflight purchases while onboard. United Becomes First Airline to Introduce PayPal QR Codes as Inflight Payment Option United Airlines is the first airline to offer PayPal QR Codes, and this partnership is part of United’s easy-to-use, industry-leading suite of contactless payment tools. United was the first airline to give customers in economy cabins the option to pre-order snacks and beverages from the airline’s app and website, and also offers customers the ability to easily store payment information in a digital wallet. PayPal QR Codes can be used on select flights departing from Chicago O’ Hare International Airport in November and before the end of the year, will extend to all flights across the entire network where contactless payment is available. “Our contactless payment offering is built on simplicity and choice and it’s another way we’re improving the overall experience of flying United,” said Toby Enqvist, chief customer officer for United Airlines. “PayPal is a terrific partner and this technology gives our customers another easy way to make purchases, even when they’re not online. We expect to introduce even more new and innovative options for our customers in the future through our collaboration with PayPal.” How It Works If you haven’t already, download the PayPal app and set your preferred payment method for QR code payments, prior to leaving the gate.To make an inflight purchase, Click the ‘Pay with QR codes’ button.Then click the ‘In-flight Purchase’ button.Show the QR code to the flight attendant to scan.Look for an emailed confirmation receipt upon landing. “We’re excited to be partnering with United to introduce our new offline QR code functionality, adding more ways for customers to check out with PayPal in more places, especially in offline or low connectivity areas,” said Frank Keller, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Segment Solutions and Digital Commerce at PayPal. “Bringing PayPal QR Codes inflight reinforces our commitment to offering customers choice and provides a new level of touch-free convenience for consumers when making in-flight purchases, within the PayPal app they know and trust.”

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 6, 2021

Ethiopian Airlines accused of illegal weapons deliveries to Eritrea

CNN investigation alleges that Ethiopian Airlines used its planes to transport weapons to and from Eritrea.If true, the scandal could jeopardize Ethiopian Airlines’ membership in the lucrative Star Alliance.Ethiopian Airlines claims it “strictly complies with all National, regional and International aviation related regulations”. Ethiopia’s flag carrier has been accused in new CNN investigative report of illegally transporting weapons from Ethiopia to Eritrea during the bloody civil war in Tigray. The CNN investigation cited “cargo documents and manifests,” and “eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence” that confirmed weapons were transported on Ethiopian Airlines planes between the international airport in Addis Ababa and Eritrean airports in Asmara and Massawa in November 2020. On waybills examined, the news outlet found that “on at least six occasions — from November 9 to November 28 — Ethiopian Airlines billed Ethiopia’s ministry of defense tens of thousands of dollars for military items to be shipped to Eritrea.” Air waybills, which are document that accompanies goods shipped by an international air courier to provide detailed information about the shipment and allow it to be tracked, demonstrated that equipment shipped included guns, ammunition, and even specially-armored vehicles. Terms and abbreviations including “Military refill,” “AM” for ammunition and “RIFFLES” (a misspelling of rifles) appeared on the waybills, according to the CNN investigation, which also cited interviews with airline employees who confirmed the terms. A former Ethiopian Airlines cargo worker told the investigators: “The cars were Toyota pickups which have a stand for snipers. I got a call from the managing director late at night informing me to handle the cargo. Soldiers came at 5 am to start loading two big trucks loaded with weapons and the pickups. I had to stop a flight to Brussels, a Boeing 777 cargo plane, which was loaded with flowers, then we unloaded half of the perishable goods to make space for the armaments.” Ethiopian Airlines has denied the incident, stating it “strictly complies with all national, regional and international aviation related regulations” and that “to the best of its knowledge and its records, it has not transported any war armament in any of its routes by any of its aircraft.” This latest statement marks a noticeable step back from the airline’s earlier statement blatantly denying it transported any weapons during the conflict. If true, the investigation claims are a violation of international aviation law, which prohibits using civilian aircraft to transport military weapons. It could also jeopardize Ethiopian Airlines’ membership in the lucrative Star Alliance, a group of 26 global airlines.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 6, 2021

Canada makes vaccination mandatory for the transportation sector

Canada requires COVID-19 vaccination across the federal public service and federally regulated transportation sectors.The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, today announced details of the government’s plans to require COVID-19 vaccination.Employers in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors will have until October 30, 2021 to comply. From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we made a commitment to protect the health and safety of all Canadians. That is why we worked hard to deliver safe and effective vaccines and set the stage for a recovery that benefits everyone. Thanks to the millions of Canadians who rolled up their sleeves to get vaccinated, and now with 82 per cent of eligible Canadians fully vaccinated, Canada is a world leader on COVID-19 vaccinations. As the country’s largest employer, the Government of Canada will continue to play a leadership role in protecting the safety of our workplaces, our communities, and all Canadians by ensuring that as many of them as possible are fully vaccinated. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, today announced details of the government’s plans to require COVID-19 vaccination across the federal public service and federally regulated transportation sectors. Under the new policy, federal public servants in the Core Public Administration, including members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, will be required to confirm their vaccination status by October 29, 2021. Those who are unwilling to disclose their vaccination status or to be fully vaccinated will be placed on administrative leave without pay as early as November 15, 2021. Employers in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors will have until October 30, 2021, to establish vaccination policies that ensure employees are vaccinated. Effective October 30, 2021, travelers departing from Canadian airports, and travelers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will be required to be fully vaccinated, with very limited exceptions. The government is working with industry and key partners to put a strict vaccine requirement in place for cruise ships before the resumption of the 2022 cruise season. Crown corporations and separate agencies are being asked to implement vaccine policies mirroring the requirements announced today for the rest of the public service. The Acting Chief of the Defense Staff will also issue a directive requiring vaccination for the Canadian Armed Forces. The government will keep working with employers in other federally regulated workplaces to ensure vaccination is prioritized for workers in these sectors. By requiring vaccination from federal public servants, travelers, and employees in federally regulated transportation sectors, the Government of Canada will reduce the risk of COVID-19, prevent future outbreaks, and better protect the health of Canadians. Vaccination continues to be a priority for the government as we work to ensure a strong economic recovery and build a safer and healthier Canada for everyone.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 6, 2021

As US travel restrictions ease, trips from UK will rise by 10 million

Visit friends and relatives (VFR) travelers likely to lead demand in the immediate travel recovery phase.VFR travel set to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.8% between 2021 and 2024.UK-US flights set to underpin travel recovery between two countries as demand for flights increases. The announcement that US travel restrictions for vaccinated UK residents will be relaxed from early November will be met positively by people keen to reunite with family and friends. The number of people travelling out of the UK to visit friends and relatives (VFR) is set to rise from 10.6 million in 2021 to 20.5 million by 2024 – that’s an impressive 24.8% CAGR. This is only good news for US tourism, which will benefit from an influx of UK tourists. VFR travel is likely to lead demand in the immediate future as travel restrictions begin to ease and pent-up demand is unlocked. In fact, VFR is expected to increase at a greater pace than leisure, which is unusual as pre-COVID leisure was significantly higher in demand than VFR. Focusing on VFR travel demand would be a smart move for both UK and US airlines, as UK travelers look to reconnect with their loved ones after months of separation. In a recent poll, 58% of global respondents revealed that quarantine requirements were the largest deterrent for international travel, with a further 55% saying they would be deterred by travel restrictions. Hesitance towards travelling is likely to change with the easing of travel restrictions and quarantine requirements. From early November, fully vaccinated UK travelers will be able to bypass quarantine requirements and face fewer travel restrictions when entering the US. They will, however, still need to provide proof of a negative test result no more than three days prior to travel or evidence of recovery from COVID-19 in the past three months. This relaxation bodes well for those willing to venture abroad. The US has long been a popular destination for UK tourists and industry analysis shows that the US was the fifth most popular international destination in 2019. With restrictions easing it is likely to release pent-up demand and provide much needed revenue for travel companies. Direct flights could also play a role in generating much-needed revenue and an increase in flight frequency. UK-based airlines with strong US flight schedules, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have reported surges in demand for flights to the US. Direct flights will likely be favored by travelers as they allow for a perceivably safer experience than connecting via a hub.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 6, 2021

Jet2 orders 15 new A321neo aircraft

New order takes the total order by the Leeds, United Kingdom, based airline to 51 A321neos.The two aircraft orders reflect Jet2.com’s ambitious fleet expansion and renewal of its plans.New aircraft will be configured for 232 seats with an Airspace cabin featuring innovative lighting. Jet2.com has placed a further order for 15 A321neos following its initial one for 36 placed in August 2021. It takes the total order by the Leeds, United Kingdom, based airline to 51 A321neos. The two orders reflect Jet2.com’s ambitious fleet expansion and renewal plans. Engine selection will be made at a later date. New Jet2.com aircraft will be configured for 232 seats with an Airspace cabin featuring innovative lighting, new seating products and 60 percent larger overhead baggage bins for added personal storage. The A320neo Family incorporates the latest technologies, including new generation engines and Sharklets, delivering a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per seat. With an additional range of up to 500 nautical miles/900 km. or two tons of extra payload, the A321neo will deliver Jet2.com with additional revenue potential. At the end of August 2021, the A320neo Family had won over 7,500 firm orders from over 120 customers worldwide. Jet2.com Limited, also known simply as Jet2, is a British low-cost leisure airline offering scheduled and charter flights from the United Kingdom. As of 2019, it is the third-largest scheduled airline in the UK, behind EasyJet and British Airways. The Airbus A320neo family is a development of the A320 family of narrow-body airliners produced by Airbus. The A320neo family is based on the previous A319, A320 and A321, which was renamed to A320ceo, for “current engine option”.

Mario Masciullo - eTN Italy·

Aviation Feature

·October 5, 2021

Accelerating Recovery in New World at Aviation Event in Milan

This event will bring together decision-makers from airlines, airports, and tourism authorities.More than 125 airlines will be present to develop recovery strategies.High-profile speakers include Wizz Air CEO; Ryanair Director of Commercial; Flair CCO; Discover Puerto Rico CEO; Gibraltar Minister for Business, Tourism, Transport and the Port; ACI World Director General; and ITA CEO. With millions of jobs and national economies dependent on a strong restart of the air transport sector, this event will bring together decision-makers from airlines, airports, and tourism authorities in Milan this week from October 10-22 to rebuild global air connectivity. More than 125 airlines will be present in Milan to develop recovery strategies including Air Canada, Air China, Air France, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, easyJet, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Iberia Airlines, International Airlines Group, Jet2.com, JetBlue, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Wizz Air. High-profile speakers include Jozsef Varadi, Chief Executive Officer of Wizz Air; Jason McGuinness, director of commercial of Ryanair; Garth Lund, CCO of Flair; Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico; Vijay Daryanani, Minister for Business, Tourism, Transport and the Port of the Government of Gibraltar; Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General of ACI World and Fabio Lazzerini, CEO of ITA. Hosted by SEA Milan Airports, in partnership with the Lombardy Region, the Municipality of Milan, ENIT – Italian Tourist Board and Bergamo Airport, the event will deliver long-term growth opportunities for the city and wider region. Air transport’s contribution to the Italian economy is significant, supporting 714,000 jobs and contributing €46 billion to the economy – accounting for roughly 2.7% of Italy’s GDP in 2019. Following the impact of COVID-19, the positive catalytic effects of air connectivity in increasing trade, tourism, investment, labor supply, and market efficiency will be more important than ever in helping Italy to rebuild its economy. Steven Small, director of Routes, said: “Our role has, and will always be, to bring together the world’s airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and route development stakeholders to build air services for the economic and social good of every destination.” “By delivering a platform where these stakeholders can meet, World Routes will define the recovery of an industry profoundly impacted by COVID-19. The route development industry is about building relationships that create effective partnerships and successful networks. And it is those partnerships that this event will support. The innovation, resilience and cooperation demonstrated by the route development community throughout this unprecedented period will continue to be paramount in its road to recovery. By working together, we can accelerate the recovery and build back better.” Armando Brunini, CEO of SEA Milan Airports, said: “World Routes is an important appointment for our Industry, we can’t wait to meet in person once again with delegates from all over the world to share views on the future of the aviation industry and, of course, do business! In the next years, airlines need to select a network where there is a critical mass of passengers, which is important. And Milan offers this critical mass. Our goal is recovery of connectivity and traffic volumes. We need to work hard with all stakeholders involved to create the right preconditions for a proper restart especially of long-haul traffic with our priorities being America and Asia and first results already arriving. The city of Milan is bouncing back to its usual vibrant and dynamic mood, so we believe to be well placed to be at the forefront of recovery. Milan and Lombardy are the venues of major international events, one of Europe’s recognized centers for finance and business, and an extremely enjoyable city. The region surrounding Milan was the first in the western world to be hit by this devastating pandemic and we are glad that the first post-COVID World Routes event happens here to symbolically support the relaunch of aviation.” #rebuildingtravel

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 5, 2021

Outrageous hikes in airports charges will stall air travel recovery

Planned increases in charges by airports and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) will damage international connectivity. Confirmed airport and ANSP charges increases have already reached $2.3 billion.Collectively, ANSPs of the 29 Eurocontrol states are looking to recoup almost $9.3 billion (€8 billion) from airlines to cover revenues not realized in 2020/2021. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that planned increases in charges by airports and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) will stall recovery in air travel and damage international connectivity. Confirmed airport and ANSP charges increases have already reached $2.3 billion. Further increases could be ten fold this number if proposals already tabled by airports and ANSPs are granted. “A $2.3 billion charges increase during this crisis is outrageous. We all want to put COVID-19 behind us. But placing the financial burden of a crisis of apocalyptic proportions on the backs of your customers, just because you can, is a commercial strategy that only a monopoly could dream up. At an absolute minimum, cost reduction—not charges increases—must be top of the agenda for every airport and ANSP. It is for their customer airlines,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. A case in point is found among European air navigation service providers. Collectively, ANSPs of the 29 Eurocontrol states, the majority of which are state owned, are looking to recoup almost $9.3 billion (€8 billion) from airlines to cover revenues not realized in 2020/2021.They want to do this to recover the revenue and profits they missed when airlines were unable to fly during the pandemic. Moreover, they want to do this in addition to a 40% increase planned for 2022 alone. Other examples include: Heathrow Airport pushing to increase charges by over 90% in 2022.Amsterdam Schiphol Airport requesting to increase charges by over 40% over the next three years.Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) asking to increase charges by 38% in 2022.NavCanada increasing charges by 30% over five years .Ethiopian ANSP raising charges by 35% in 2021

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 5, 2021

Kigali to Doha nonstop flights now with Qatar Airways and RwandAir new codeshare deal

Qatar Airways and RwandAir have signed a comprehensive codeshare agreement today.Customers of both airlines will benefit from convenient access to more than 65 global codeshare destinations.Rwandan flag carrier will also launch new non-stop flights between their Kigali hub and Doha from December. Qatar Airways and RwandAir have signed a comprehensive codeshare agreement to offer travelers more choice, enhanced service and greater connectivity to more than 65 destinations across Africa and the rest of the world. As part of the deal, the Rwandan flag carrier will also launch new non-stop flights between their Kigali hub and Doha from December. The agreement benefits travelers from across the globe who fly with both airlines, which expands each carrier’s route network. Passengers can enjoy the simplicity of purchasing connecting flights on both airlines using one seamless reservation system, that simplifies ticketing, check-in, boarding and baggage-check processes for the entire journey. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said “We share a very close and collaborative bond with Rwanda and welcome RwandAir’s new non-stop service between Kigali and our home in Doha. With this comprehensive codeshare agreement, we are committed to deliver greater choice and connectivity to our customers in Africa and around the world. The new partnership will help position Qatar Airways in the region and complement our African expansion strategy. As we brace ourselves to meet significantly increased demand for long-awaited travel, I see dynamic partnerships like this one helping to steer travel, tourism and trade firmly on the path to recovery.” RwandAir Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Yvonne Makolo, said: “This is a major milestone for RwandAir and marks the beginning of an exciting new journey with Qatar Airways. We are also immensely proud to welcome Doha to our route network, connecting customers with Qatar’s hub and further expanding their flight map.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 5, 2021

FAA ignores Congressional seat mandate for a third year

The FAA is thumbing its nose at Congress and passengers each day it refuses to act on these two important aviation safety issues.FlyersRights.org is planning to submit a new rulemaking petition if the FAA refuses to act soon.Out of the 43 emergency evacuations that the FAA oversaw, only one was conducted at 28 inch seat pitch. FAA action on seat standards and emergency evacuations became two years overdue Tuesday, October 5, 2021, and the FAA has shown no evidence of making progress on either issue. Congress passed the FAA Reauthorization Act on October 5, 2018. The law required the FAA to set minimum seat standards and evaluate its emergency evacuation standards by October 5, 2019. While the FAA convened the Emergency Evacuation Advisory Rulemaking Committee, the FAA has not released the Committee’s May 2020 report to Congress or to the public. The report contained 23 recommendations for updating and modernizing the evacuation certification process. “The FAA is thumbing its nose at Congress and passengers each day it refuses to act on these two important aviation safety issues,” explained Paul Hudson, the President of FlyersRights.org. “The FAA needs to catch up to the times. Passengers are older and larger, seats continue to shrink, planes are fuller, more carry-on bags are brought on planes, and the FAA continues to allow the airplane manufacturers to rely on older data, assumptions, and simulations instead of newer data or conducting new tests.” FlyersRights.org is planning to submit a new rulemaking petition if the FAA refuses to act soon. Its 2015 rulemaking petition, named “The Case of the Incredible Shrinking Airline Seat” by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, helped shine a light on FAA’s inaction and outdated standards. In September 2020, the Department of Transportation’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report detailing the many flaws in the FAA’s emergency evacuation certification and testing process. Notably, the OIG revealed that the FAA misled FlyersRights.org in 2018 when, in denying the rulemaking petition for a second time, the FAA claimed that it had overseen multiple evacuation demonstrations at a 28 inch seat pitch. The FAA included three videos and declared they were conducted at 28 inches. But in reality, out of the 43 emergency evacuations that the FAA oversaw, only one was conducted at 28 inch seat pitch. The other demonstrations ranged as high as 38 inches, while 13 of the 43 demonstrations made no reference to any seat pitch, width, or size at all.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 5, 2021

Saint Lucia celebrates reopening of the Canadian tourism market

Air Canada discontinued its winter service to Saint Lucia in January 2021 during the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.In 2019, Saint Lucia welcomed over 40,000 Canadian visitor arrivals to the island.Air Canada will fly nonstop service from Toronto to Saint Lucia once-a-week every Sunday, then increasing frequency to 2 weekly flights Friday & Sunday from October 31. To commemorate the reopening of the Canadian market, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), along with tourism stakeholders were on hand at Hewanorra International Airport to welcome Air Canada Rouge flight (1878) on Sunday, October 3rd. The return of Air Canada signals the reopening of Saint Lucia’s fourth largest international source market. Air Canada discontinued its winter service to Saint Lucia in January 2021 during the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The first flight to Saint Lucia returns after nine months, following the Canadian Governments cancellation of all flights to Mexico and the Caribbean in February 2021. To welcome Air Canada, a delegation led by Tourism Minister Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, comprised the Chairman of the Board of Directors -Thaddeus Antoine and staff of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), and President of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association – Paul Collymore. The flight landed at 2:00 p.m. bringing a combined total of 148 returning nationals and visitors to the island. A commemorative plaque was presented to Captain, Christopher Clarke, and crewmembers who disembarked to greet the delegation. Air Canada’s return service to Toronto (YYZ) departed with 51 passengers and facilitated the exportation of 2,545 pounds of fresh produce to Canada. Air Canada will fly nonstop service from Toronto (YYZ) to Saint Lucia (UVF) once-a-week every Sunday, then increasing frequency to (2) weekly flights Friday & Sunday from October 31st. The winter schedule will include (4) weekly flights as of Christmas, December 25th (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Saint Lucia is also set to welcome back Westjet and Sunwing in the weeks ahead. In 2019, Saint Lucia welcomed over 40,000 Canadian visitor arrivals to the island. Keeping the destination and the diverse Canadian market top of mind, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority will continue to drive its robust, targeted marketing and public relations campaigns in the market, creating more awareness of the destination and access routes.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 5, 2021

Six more global airlines implement IATA Travel Pass

More airlines are joining Emirates Airline as IATA Travel Pass implementation pioneers.The announcement, made on the sidelines of the 77th IATA Annual General Meeting being held in Boston, follows eleven months of extensive testing by 76 airlines. IATA Travel Pass is a mobile app that can receive and verify a range of COVID-19 test results and digital vaccines certificates. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Etihad Airways, Jazeera Airways, Jetstar, Qantas, Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian, will implement IATA Travel Pass in a phased rollout across the airlines’ networks. These five airlines join Emirates Airline as IATA Travel Pass implementation pioneers. The announcement, made on the sidelines of the 77th IATA Annual General Meeting being held in Boston, follows eleven months of extensive testing by 76 airlines. “After months of testing, IATA Travel Pass is now entering the operational phase. The app has proven itself to be an effective tool to manage the complex mess of travel health credentials that governments require. And it’s a great vote of confidence that some of the world’s best known airline brands will be making it available to their customers over the coming months,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. The app offers a safe and secure way for travelers to check the requirements for their journey, receive test results and scan their vaccine certificates, verify that these meet the destination and transit requirements and share these effortlessly with health officials and airlines prior to departure. This will avoid queuing and congestion for document checks—to the benefit of travelers, airlines, airports and governments. IATA Travel Pass is a mobile app that can receive and verify a range of COVID-19 test results and digital vaccines certificates. Currently vaccine certificates from 52 countries (representing the source of 56% of global air travel) can be managed using the app. This will increase to 74 countries, representing 85% of global traffic, by the end of November. IATA Travel Pass is expected to play a key role in the aviation industry’s recovery from the impact of COVID-19. A digitalized solution to manage the paperwork of COVID-19 travel health credentials will support a return to travel when borders reopen. With many governments relying on airlines for COVID-19 document checking this will be critical in avoiding queues and congestion at check-in as travel ramps up.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 5, 2021

Nonstop flights from Toronto to Dublin on WestJet now

The new nonstop seasonal flights are set to operate four-times weekly, beginning on May 15, 2022.WestJet’s inaugural service between Toronto and Dublin will operate on WestJet’s Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The flights will feature the airline’s newly redesigned Premium cabin, that offers new levels of privacy and comfort. Starting this spring, WestJet will provide guests with more options to connect from the airline’s Toronto hub with new flights between Toronto and Dublin. The new non-stop seasonal flights are set to operate four-times weekly, beginning on May 15, 2022 and will increase to daily by June 2, 2022. “As demand increases, we know travelers are looking for convenient and affordable options for travel between Canada and Europe,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “As we continue to focus on expanding our network from our Toronto hub where we offer 33 international destinations, these flights will further strengthen business and leisure ties between Canada and Ireland and will increase connectivity between two key markets.” With flights set to commence this spring, WestJet’s inaugural service between Toronto (YYZ) and Dublin (DUB) will operate on WestJet’s Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The flights will feature the airline’s newly redesigned Premium cabin, that offers new levels of privacy and comfort, including an enhanced inflight dining experience and wider 2X2 seat configuration. Details of WestJet’s new seasonal service between Toronto and Dublin: RouteFrequencyStart DateDepartureArrivalToronto – Dublin4x weeklyMay 15, 20229:10 p.m.8:45 a.m. (+1)DailyJune 2, 20224x weeklyOctober 1- October 28, 2022 Dublin – Toronto4x weeklyMay 16, 202210:05 a.m.12:40 p.m.DailyJune 3, 20224x weeklyOctober 2 – October 29, 2022 WestJet Airlines Ltd. is a Canadian airline founded in 1994 that began operations in 1996. It began as a low-cost alternative to the country’s competing major airlines. WestJet provides scheduled and charter air service to more than 100 destinations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The airline’s headquarters is located adjacent to the Calgary International Airport.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 5, 2021

Airbus to boost the cross-border communication between GCC nations

Airbus is working towards supporting the digital transformation objectives of the GCC. Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding.Airbus is developing a detailed strategy to best address all mission- and business-critical requirements of GCC markets. The Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ongoing Expo 2020 Dubai to boost cross-border security coordination and communication between GCC nations, starting with a first “proof of concept” implementation between 2 of the members. The proof of concept (PoC) agreement, signed on the 3rd October at the GCC’s exhibition stand at the Expo, will allow Airbus to test the interconnection of Public Safety Critical networks on, and between the territories of two Gulf nations. The MoU was signed by Maj. Gen. Hazaa Ben Mbarek El Hajri, Assistant Secretary of Security Affairs, Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Selim Bouri, Head of Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific for Secure Land Communications at Airbus. “We will use the Inter-System Interface to connect the two Critical Communication networks and pave the way for better, faster, and more effective collaboration between border security forces from the GCC nations. We will leverage the modern features of our Tetra systems to strengthen cross-border communication between Public Safety agencies, which is crucial at a time when we are facing numerous border security challenges. Under our POC agreement, our team of experts will test the key technical and operational aspects of this endeavor while deploying the highest levels of availability, privacy, and security that we provide. We welcome our partnership with the Secretariat General of the GCC and we thank them for their trust in our technology.” Selim Bouri, Head of Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific for Secure Land Communications at Airbus explains. “Airbus is working towards supporting the digital transformation objectives of the GCC. We are developing a detailed strategy to best address all mission- and business-critical requirements of GCC markets by building secure and seamless communication and collaboration networks. This latest MoU is a testament to this commitment,” Bouri added.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 5, 2021

Frustration with travel restrictions grows

67% of survey respondents felt that most country borders should be opened now, up 12 percentage-points from the June 2021 survey.64% of survey respondents felt that border closures are unnecessary and have not been effective in containing the virus (up 11 percentage points from June 2021).73% responded that their quality of life is suffering as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions (up 6 percentage points from June 2021). The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that air travelers are increasingly frustrated with the COVID-19 travel restrictions. A survey commissioned by IATA of 4,700 respondents in 11 markets in September demonstrated confidence that the risks of COVID-19 can be effectively managed and that the freedom to travel should be restored. 67% of respondents felt that most country borders should be opened now, up 12 percentage-points from the June 2021 survey. 64% of respondents felt that border closures are unnecessary and have not been effective in containing the virus (up 11 percentage points from June 2021). 73% responded that their quality of life is suffering as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions (up 6 percentage points from June 2021). “People are increasingly frustrated with the COVID-19 travel restrictions and even more have seen their quality of life suffer as a result. They don’t see the necessity of travel restrictions to control the virus. And they have missed too many family moments, personal development opportunities and business priorities. In short, they miss the freedom of flying and want it restored. The message they are sending to governments is: COVID-19 is not going to disappear, so we must establish a way to manage its risks while living and traveling normally,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Support grows for testing or vaccination to replace quarantine The biggest deterrent to air travel continues to be quarantine measures. 84% of respondents indicated that they will not travel if there is a chance of quarantine at their destination. A growing proportion of respondents support the removal of quarantine if: A person has tested negative for COVID-19 (73% in September compared to 67% in June) A person has been vaccinated (71% in September compared to 68% in June).

Linda S. Hohnholz·

Aviation Feature

·October 4, 2021

Jamaica Confirms 50+ New Flights Weekly Between Canada and Jamaica

Jamaica’s Resilient Corridors, where most tourists vacation, are safe with relatively high vaccination rates and near zero infection rates.These meetings are being done to increase arrivals to the destination in the coming weeks and months, as well as, to foster further investment in the local tourism sector.Tourism is critically important to Jamaica’s economic recovery. The flights will be operated by Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, Swoop and Transat with nonstop services from the Canadian cities of Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Edmonton, St. John, Ottawa, Moncton and Halifax. Bartlett noted that the Canadian market currently has, “forward bookings hovering around 65% of 2019 levels and airlift for the winter season at around 82% of 2019 levels with around 260,000 seats locked in. This is positive news as Canada has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 related travel restrictions, which for several months literally shut down international travel. Now with more than 80% of eligible Canadians over the age of 12 fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and a relative easing of international travel restrictions, we are cautiously optimistic. They are also excited by the fact that Jamaica’s Resilient Corridors, where most tourists vacation, are safe with relatively high vaccination rates and near zero infection rates.” Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett (2nd R) is seen here with from L – R: Dan Hamilton, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) District Sales Manager, Canada; Donovan White, Director of Tourism; Angella Bennett, JTB’s Regional Director, Canada and Delano Seiveright, Senior Advisor and Strategist, Ministry of Tourism in Toronto, Canada on Friday, October 1, 2021. Bartlett was joined in the series of engagements with travel industry leaders in Toronto, Canada by the Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), John Lynch; Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Senior Strategist in the Tourism Ministry, Delano Seiveright and JTB’s Regional Director for Canada, Angella Bennett. The high-level engagements follow similar meetings with leaders of major Airlines, Cruise Lines, and Investors, across Jamaica’s largest source market, the United States. This is being done to increase arrivals to the destination in the coming weeks and months, as well as, to foster further investment in the local tourism sector. As is the case for everyone over the age of 12 traveling to Jamaica, Canadians must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. Meanwhile, in noting the critical importance of tourism to Jamaica’s economic recovery, Bartlett underscored that, “the industry plays a pivotal role in Jamaica’s post-pandemic recovery and for good reason. There is no better industry to drive the inclusive, shrewd and sustainable economic growth needed to move the country forward. There is no better industry to increase revenue, restore jobs and generate new opportunities in communities across Jamaica.” Mr. Seiveright went on to summarize some of the challenges faced. He highlighted that: “The engagements across the United States and Canada brought to the fore a range of issues that Minister Bartlett will be troubleshooting with his Ministerial colleagues so as to mitigate obstacles to accelerated and sustained growth in the coming weeks and months. Among the issues on Jamaica’s end are the need to significantly step-up vaccination efforts, sort through public health logistics for cruise lines and other improvements to assure seamlessness for our key partners. Beyond that there are some obstacles and difficulties that are completely outside our control including Canada’s very stringent COVID-19 travel rules, which include the need for a PCR test in order to enter the country and logistics and itinerary challenges for Cruise lines.” #rebuildingtravel

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 4, 2021

Lufthansa adds four new Airbus A350-900 jets to fleet

Lufthansa Group signs easing contracts for four additional Airbus A350-900 long-haul aircraft.Aircraft make major contribution to even greater sustainability through 30 percent fuel and CO2 savings.Lufthansa Group plans deployment of new Airbus A350-900 aircraft from first half of 2022. The Lufthansa Group is accelerating the modernization of its long-haul fleet. The Group signed leases for four state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient Airbus A350-900 aircraft with the lessors Avolon, SMBC Aviation Capital Ltd. and Goshawk. As a result, the Group’s A350 fleet will grow to 21 aircraft at the beginning of 2022. The Airbus’ A350-900 are scheduled to enter service with Lufthansa’s core brand from the first half of 2022, strengthening the five-star airline’s premium offering. Dr. Detlef Kayser, Member of the Executive Board Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said: “The Airbus A350 is one of the most modern aircraft of our time. Extremely fuel-efficient, very quiet and much more economical than its predecessors. Our customers appreciate not only the sustainability but also the premium flight experience with this aircraft. The lease agreements allow us to remain flexible in fleet planning and make the most of exceptional market opportunities.” The twin-engine Airbus A350-900 aircraft consume only around 2.5 liters of kerosene per passenger per 100 kilometers flown. That is around 30 percent less than their predecessors, with a correspondingly positive impact on the carbon footprint. The aircraft will primarily replace four-engine long-haul aircraft from the Airbus A340 family. By the middle of the decade, the proportion of four-engine aircraft in the long-haul fleet as a whole is expected to fall to below 15 percent. Before the crisis, the share was around 50 percent. Furthermore, the new, fuel-efficient aircraft will reduce operating costs by around 15 percent compared with the types they will replace. As part of its comprehensive, long-term fleet modernization program, the Lufthansa Group will take delivery of a total of further 177 short-, medium- and long-haul aircraft this decade.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 4, 2021

China Eastern Airlines to host 2022 IATA AGM in Shanghai

This will be the third time China will host the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders. China Eastern Airlines is excited to host the IATA AGM and to welcome our industry colleagues to its home city of Shanghai.The decision to host the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit was made by the 77th AGM and World Air Transport Summit in Boston.  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that China Eastern Airlines will host the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, on 19-21 June 2022. This will be the third time China will host the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders. The AGM was previously held in Beijing in 2012 and in Shanghai in 2002. “We look forward to gathering the aviation industry in Shanghai for the 78th IATA AGM. China is a dynamic aviation market, with its domestic travel among the fastest to recover from the damage brought by COVID-19. We are delighted to be able to bring the AGM to China again,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “China Eastern Airlines is excited to host the IATA AGM and to welcome our industry colleagues to our home city of Shanghai. In the 20 years since the AGM was last held in Shanghai, the city has completely changed. We look forward to showcasing our vibrant city and warm Chinese hospitality,” said Liu Shaoyong, Chairman, China Eastern Airlines. The decision to host the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit was made by the 77th AGM and World Air Transport Summit in Boston. 

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 4, 2021

Fast deployment of the air travel digital health certificates urged

Commercial aviation has begun the long, slow climb out of the travel trough created by the COVID-19 pandemic.Airline industry needs a secure, globally accepted digital tool that enables travelers to upload and carry with them their vaccine status, recent test results or COVID-19 recovery status.As travel picks up, airlines, security personnel and immigration and border control agents are likely to be faced with a bewildering array of testing and vaccine documents to process. Flight Safety Foundation today called on the aviation industry, regulators and health authorities around the world to accelerate development of standardized and internationally accepted digital health certificates and to have them widely deployed within the next 12 months. “Commercial aviation has begun the long, slow climb out of the travel trough created by the COVID-19 pandemic, but even the most routine international trip is fraught with confusion and frustration about acceptable documentation, testing requirements and the specter of quarantines, never mind the risk of fake COVID test results or vaccine status fraud,” said Foundation President and CEO Dr. Hassan Shahidi. “To maximize passenger health safety we need a secure, globally accepted digital tool that enables travelers to upload and carry with them their vaccine status, recent test results or COVID-19 recovery status, and that will be recognized and accepted wherever they go,” he said. While dozens of airlines and countries have deployed digital health certificates and apps, the pace of adoption of these tools has been slow and uneven. The Foundation is concerned that as travel picks up, airlines, security personnel and immigration and border control agents are likely to be faced with a bewildering array of testing and vaccine documents to process. “The only way the industry is going to be able to move forward safely and in a manner that instills confidence in travelers, aviation industry personnel, regulators and health authorities is if all the stakeholders pull together and prioritize development and adoption of these tools,” said Capt. Conor Nolan, chair of the Foundation’s Board of Governors. “We need solutions that are scalable, interoperable and that ensure sensitive information remains secure.” Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, international organization engaged in research, education and communications to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to connect, influence and lead global aviation safety.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 4, 2021

More Palma de Mallorca, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Malaga and Seville flights on Lufthansa now

Lufthansa adds 130 additional flights from Frankfurt and Munich to popular European holiday destinations.Lufthansa announces Further expansion of domestic flights from Frankfurt to Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and from Munich to Berlin, Hamburg and Düsseldorf.Starting in October there will be up to eleven daily connections from Frankfurt to Berlin instead of nine daily connections. A high demand for flights to leisure destinations continues into the upcoming autumn holidays. After August, October shows the highest increase in bookings to sunny, European destinations. As a result, Lufthansa is expanding its flight program to popular sunny destinations even further. The most important European vacation destinations will now be served with more than 80 additional flights from Frankfurt Rhein-Main Airport and over 50 additional flights from Munich. Lufthansa destinations in Spain are particularly in high demand. Therefore, the airline is now offering additional flights to Palma de Mallorca, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Malaga and Seville. Portugal, Italy and Greece also remain particularly popular. Lufthansa is therefore offering additional flights to Faro and Madeira (both Portugal), as well as to Cagliari in Sardinia, Catania in Sicily, and Rhodes (Greece) during the fall vacation time period. When planning, air travelers should always observe the relevant and current entry and quarantine regulations. In addition, demand for air travel continues to grow strongly for business travel. Lufthansa will therefore continue to expand its domestic flight offer on routes that are particularly important for business travelers. Over the last few weeks, the airline had already expanded its services for October by 45 percent on routes from Frankfurt to Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and from Munich to Berlin, Hamburg and Düsseldorf, compared to July. Now, additional connections are being offered at short notice. This means, among other things, starting in October there will be up to eleven daily connections from Frankfurt to Berlin instead of nine daily connections. Furthermore, there will be ten daily flights from Frankfurt to Hamburg instead of eight daily connections. The situation is similar for Munich: Instead of six daily connections, the flight schedule from “MUC” will include up to nine daily connections to Düsseldorf starting in October. Also, by expanding the flight schedule, more connections are now available throughout the day. Travelers who often want to fly in the morning or in the evening can now benefit from an improved flight schedule.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 4, 2021

Airline industry losses to top $200 billion in 2020-2022

Net industry losses are expected to reduce to $11.6 billion in 2022 after a $51.8 billion loss in 2021 (worsened from the $47.7 billion loss estimated in April).Demand (measured in RPKs) is expected to stand at 40% of 2019 levels for 2021, rising to 61% in 2022.Total airline passenger numbers are expected to reach 2.3 billion in 2021. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced its latest outlook for airline industry financial performance showing improved results amid the continuing COVID-19 crisis: Net industry losses are expected to reduce to $11.6 billion in 2022 after a $51.8 billion loss in 2021 (worsened from the $47.7 billion loss estimated in April). Net 2020 loss estimates have been revised to $137.7 billion (from $126.4 billion). Adding these up, total industry losses in 2020-2022 are expected to reach $201 billion. Demand (measured in RPKs) is expected to stand at 40% of 2019 levels for 2021, rising to 61% in 2022. Total passenger numbers are expected to reach 2.3 billion in 2021. This will grow to 3.4 billion in 2022 which is similar to 2014 levels and significantly below the 4.5 billion travelers of 2019. Robust demand for air cargo is expected to continue with 2021 demand at 7.9% above 2019 levels, growing to 13.2% above 2019 levels for 2022. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General “The magnitude of the COVID-19 crisis for airlines is enormous. Over the 2020-2022 period total losses could top $200 billion. To survive airlines have dramatically cut costs and adapted their business to whatever opportunities were available. That will see the $137.7 billion loss of 2020 reduce to $52 billion this year. And that will further reduce to $12 billion in 2022. We are well past the deepest point of the crisis. While serious issues remain, the path to recovery is coming into view. Aviation is demonstrating its resilience yet again,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. The air cargo business is performing well, and domestic travel will near pre-crisis levels in 2022. The challenge is international markets which remain severely depressed as government-imposed restrictions continue. “People have not lost their desire to travel as we see in solid domestic market resilience. But they are being held back from international travel by restrictions, uncertainty and complexity. More governments are seeing vaccinations as a way out of this crisis. We fully agree that vaccinated people should not have their freedom of movement limited in any way. In fact, the freedom to travel is a good incentive for more people to be vaccinated. Governments must work together and do everything in their power to ensure that vaccines are available to anybody who wants them,” said Walsh.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 4, 2021

Poland prepares to pounce on its tourism sector

Poland is a year-round destination that offers an incredible array of experiences and unbeatable value compared with its European counterparts. With over 62 new hotel projects planned and 35 due to officially open in 2021, Poland is prioritizing on boosting its tourism growth in a post-pandemic era.Poland’s cities perfectly blend urban spaces with natural green spaces, and no city does this better than Warsaw. With the announcement that the international travel traffic light system is being simplified in England with a single red list from October fourth, holidays to Poland, one of Europe’s best destinations for young travelers, are back on. 20170728_FlyDubai_737_MAX_Delivery_Seattle Coming into effect from the 4th October, the announcement means people returning from Poland will no longer have to stay in hotel quarantine, should the country remain off the red list. PCR tests will no longer be required for fully vaccinated travelers returning to England, and under the new testing regime, people who have had both jobs won’t need to take a pre-departure test before leaving any country not on the red list. From the pristine Baltic coastline with its white sandy beaches, enchanting UNESCO-protected forests and the titanic Tatra mountains to a wealth of cities packed with history, green spaces and rich cultural heritage, Poland is a year-round destination that offers an incredible array of experiences and unbeatable value compared with its European counterparts. These factors make Poland the ideal destination for those young travelers that haven’t been able to experience quarantine-free travel for nearly two years. With over 62 new hotel projects planned and 35 due to officially open in 2021, bringing 7,422 new rooms to Poland, the country is prioritizing on boosting its tourism growth in a post-pandemic era. From urban to rural tourism, this July, UNESCO announced that Poland’s Ancient and Primeval beech Forests have been awarded World Heritage Status. The Ancient Forests of the Carparthians span several countries, and Poland’s section is the otherworldly Bieszczady National Park. Europe’s Best City Break Destination for Young Travelers Immerse yourself in Krakow, Poland’s cultural capital Krakow is emerging as one of Europe’s premier city break destinations, and for good reason. The city has a World Heritage pedigree, with the iconic Old Town, Wawel Castle and Kazimierz district all belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Krakow is also a former European Capital of Culture, with more than 100 festivals and world-renowned cultural events taking place here annually. You will also find a quarter of Poland’s entire collection of museum artifacts in the city. As if these prestigious accolades weren’t enough to entice you, the city has also been a European Capital of Gastronomic Culture. You will find a total of 26 restaurants holding a Michelin distinction here, and almost twice as many were honored by Gault & Millau. From high-quality produce to world-renowned chefs, Krakow’s foodie scene is rich and diverse.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 4, 2021

Flights from Sharm el-Sheikh to Moscow Domodedovo Airport on AlMasria Universal Airlines now

First flight of AlMasria Universal Airlines arrives from sunny Sharm el-Sheikh to Moscow Domodedovo Airport.AlMasria Universal Airlines operates two weekly flights to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh on Wednesdays and Sundays, Fridays and Saturdays, respectively. Currently, Egyptian destination is one of the most popular among the passengers of Moscow Domodedovo Airport. Moscow Domodedovo Airport welcomed first flight of AlMasria Universal Airlines, which has arrived from sunny Sharm el-Sheikh. The Carrier operates two weekly flights to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh on Wednesdays and Sundays, Fridays and Saturdays, respectively. Arrival at Domodedovo airport at 09:20, departure at 10:20. Currently, Egyptian destination is one of the most popular among the passengers of the air harbor. During the first month after the resumption of flights to the resorts of Egypt, the passenger traffic exceeded 20 thousand people. AlMasria Universal Airlines is a private Egyptian airline. The Carrier operates regular and charter flights to 14 destinations, has 13 years of experience in the field of passenger service. Domodedovo, formally “Domodedovo Mikhail Lomonosov International Airport” is an international airport located in Domodedovo, Moscow Oblast, Russia, 42 kilometers south-southeast from the center of Moscow. Moscow Domodedovo Mikhail Lomonosov Airport is one of the largest air hubs in Russia. In 2020, the airport served 16.4 million passengers. Members of the world’s leading airline alliances including Star Alliance and oneworld have chosen Moscow Domodedovo Airport for their flights to Moscow. AlMasria Universal Airlines is an Egyptian private airline based in Egypt. The airline operates scheduled and charter services from Egypt. ‘AlMasria’ is derived from the Arabic word for ‘Egyptian’.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 4, 2021

IATA: Too much complexity in the way borders are re-opening

Travel restrictions bought governments time to respond in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.In the last months, several key markets that had previously been closed have taken steps to open to vaccinated travelers.Among markets that were previously closed, Europe was an early mover, followed by Canada, the UK, the US and Singapore. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for an end to wildly inconsistent COVID-19 travel restrictions that are stalling the recovery of air transport. It urged governments to implement simplified regimes to manage the risks of COVID-19 as borders re-open to international travel. “Travel restrictions bought governments time to respond in the early days of the pandemic. Nearly two years later, that rationale no longer exists. COVID-19 is present in all parts of the world. Travel restrictions are a complex and confusing web of rules with very little consistency among them. And there is little evidence to support ongoing border restrictions and the economic havoc they create,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Testing results for UK arriving passengers demonstrate that travelers are not adding risk to the local population. “Of the three million arrivals between February and August only 42,000 tested positive—or fewer than 250 a day. Meanwhile, the daily case count in the UK is 35,000 and the economy—apart from international travel—is wide open. People should be just as free to travel,” said Walsh. In the last months, several key markets that had previously been closed have taken steps to open to vaccinated travelers. Among markets that were previously closed, Europe was an early mover, followed by Canada, the UK, the US and Singapore. Even Australia, which has some of the most draconian restrictions, is taking steps to re-open its borders to vaccinated travelers by November. IATA supports these moves and encourages all governments to consider the following framework for re-opening borders: Vaccines should be made available to all as quickly as possible.Vaccinated travelers should not face any barriers to travel.Testing should enable those without access to vaccines to travel without quarantine.Antigen tests are the key to cost-effective and convenient testing regimes.Governments should pay for testing, so it does not become an economic barrier to travel.

Juergen T Steinmetz·

Aviation Feature

·October 3, 2021

Wizz Air to launch 8 new flight routes to Jordan

Wizz Air to launch Eight new routes into the Kingdom of Jordan.The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, H.E Nayef Hmeidi Al-Fayez, announced during a press conference held on Sunday, October 3rd, 2021, the conclusion of a new agreement between the Kingdom and the international low-cost airline Wizz Air, during which the airline plans to operate eight new routes into and from Jordan.The inauguration of the agreement came in the presence of the Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, Dr. Abed AlRazzaq Arabiyat, the representative of Wizz Air Group in the press conference, Mr. Owain Jones, and H.E. Eng. Nayef Ahmad Bakheet. The Chairman of ADC Board The Chief of Commissioners of ASEZA Board at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and a number of media representatives. The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Nayef Hmeidi Al-Fayez said during the press conference: “We are pleased to launch the agreement with the international low-cost carrier Wizz Air, confident that the airline will have a great impact on increasing the number of tourists coming into the Kingdom in the upcoming period.” Al-Fayez noted that before the pandemic, low-cost flights coming in and out of the country gave new impetus to Jordanian tourism sector, which enabled the country to achieve a great leap, allowing the Kingdom to win its bet on the sector and seize its share of a highly competitive market in the Middle East region. Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, Dr. Abed Alrazzaq Arabiyat, affirmed the importance of launching this agreement with Europe’s fastest-growing airline, Wizz Air. Arabiyat added that this achievement came as a result of the continuous efforts made over the past few years, as it is expected that the Wizz Air operations into the Kingdom will positively affect the tourism sector and also increase the number of tourists, noting that the airline will carry tourists of various European and Middle Eastern nationalities into the Kingdom. Arabiyat gave a detailed explanation during the conference on the importance of this agreement, indicating that the agreement will include the launch of many marketing campaigns through all the airline’s highly established platforms including the website in addition to the different Social Media platforms, Arabiyat also noted that the expected number of tourists entering the Kingdom during the first year of operation will be around 167,000 tourists. Regarding the entry into force of the agreement, Arabiyat said that the first landing of Wizz Air into the Kingdom is scheduled on the 15th of December 2021. Speaking at the press conference Owain Jones Chief Supply Chain and Legal Officer of Wizz Air Group said: “I am delighted to announce the start of our operations in the Kingdom. I am convinced that the today announced connections will support the ramp up of the tourism industry by offering low fare and high quality flights for passengers. Flying the very latest aircraft technology has always been a cornerstone of WIZZ’s business, with the benefits of lower fuel consumption and lower noise delivering benefits for our customers and the environment. Our brand new aircraft as well as our enhanced protective measures will ensure the best possible sanitary conditions for travellers while operating with the lowest environmental footprint. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board with great service and a smile.” Arabiyat indicated that the eight different destinations will be launched by Wizzair airline, including four (year-round) routes coming into Amman through the Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), which are, Budapest – HungaryRome – ItalyMilan – ItalyVienna – Austria In addition to Four seasonal routes to Aqaba, landing at King Hussein International Airport (KHIA) Budapest – HungaryBucharest – RomaniaVienna – AustriaRome – Italy Regarding the booking method of seats onboard Wizz Air’s flights, Arabiyat added that bookings can be made through the company’s website (wizzair.com) or its app. Arabiyat said that The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board’s main goal is to work on the government’s priority program for 2021-2023 that aims to attract tourists through supporting low-cost airlines in addition to Charter flights. Arabiyat also indicated that the sector had previously declined due to the restrictions imposed on air travel due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, which resulted in the loss of Millions of Dollars due to the lack of tourists coming into the country, noting that the Kingdom is going through a new stage during which (JTB) seeks to increase the number of tourists entering the Kingdom, in addition to increasing the rate of tourists overnight stay and tourism receipts, hoping to achieve the desired goals set by restoring the numbers achieved pre-pandemic. Arabiyat also confirmed that the Ministry and the Tourism Board are working on developing, promoting and marketing the Jordanian tourism product in an optimal manner. About Wizz Air Wizz Air, the fastest growing European low-cost airline, operates a fleet of 140 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. A team of dedicated aviation professionals delivers superior service and very low fares, making Wizz Air the preferred choice of 10.2 million passengers in the financial year ending 31 March 2021. Wizz Air is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker WIZZ. The company was recently named one of the world’s top ten safest airlines by airlineratings.com, the world’s only safety and product rating agency, and 2020 Airline of the Year by ATW, the most coveted honour an airline or individual can receive, and a most sustainable company in the airline industry in 2021 by World Finance Magazine.

Linda S. Hohnholz·

Aviation Feature

·October 2, 2021

Condor Airlines Resumes its Flight to Paradise Islands of Seychelles

Condor’s first flight of the season to the Seychelles islands carried 164 passengers onboard.The passengers each received as part of a warm creole welcome a souvenir from the Tourism Department and were entertained with live traditional music.The German market is one of the best performing source markets for Seychelles. Resuming its non-stop flights from Frankfurt, Condor’s first flight of the season to Seychelles carried 164 passengers who received as part of a warm creole welcome a souvenir from the Tourism Department and were entertained with live traditional music. Present for the arrival of the aircraft and to greet the 164 passengers as they disembarked, the Department of Tourism’s Director General for Destination Marketing, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, stated that with the resumption of its services, Condor joins other airlines who are contributing to the recovery of the tourism industry and the economy of the islands. “With the resumption of its services, Condor joins 12 other airlines. It definitely gives us great pleasure to see another airline partner back on our shores. A direct flight from a European city is always an added value for the destination. This is a great step in our recovery especially as the German market is one of the best performing source markets for Seychelles. The resumption of the flights comes at a right time as well as the German government eases travel requirements for German nationals and residents travelling to Seychelles,” Mrs. Willemin said. Mr. Ralf Teckentrup, Chief Executive Officer of Condor, expressing his confidence in the destination, said, “The Seychelles in the Indian Ocean belongs to the Condor flight schedule and is a popular destination with our guests. The archipelago delights with unique beaches, coral reefs and rainforests and we are very much looking forward to flying our guests on holiday after such a long period of wanderlust. We have been working very successfully with the Tourism Seychelles for a long time to enable our guests to enjoy their dream holiday.” Tourism Seychelles will be working with airline, travel industry partners, media and as well as stepping up its consumer campaigns to win back visitors from its key source markets. “Our efforts are now concentrated on getting back our visitors from Germany and neighboring countries. With the arrival of Condor, we are eagerly anticipating a boost in visitor arrival numbers,” said Mrs. Willemin. Germany was the leading source market for Seychelles in 2019, when the destination recorded 72,509 visitor arrivals from Germany, almost a quarter of whom travelled on Condor. 8,080 visitors have visited Seychelles in the first nine months of 2021.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 2, 2021

Aeromexico files its Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization

Aeromexico files the Joint Plan of Reorganization, a disclosure statement to the Plan and a motion to approve solicitation procedures with respect to the Plan.Aeromexico will continue pursuing, in an orderly manner, its voluntary financioal restructuring through Chapter 11.Aeromexico will continue to strengthen its financial position and liquidity and protect and preserve its operations and assets. Grupo Aeroméxico, S.A.B. de C.V. informed that it filed, together with its subsidiaries that are debtors in the Company’s Chapter 11 voluntary financial restructuring process, the Joint Plan of Reorganization, a disclosure statement related to the Plan and a motion to approve solicitation procedures with respect to the Plan. Aeroméxico intends to file one or more supplements to the Plan on the schedule set forth in the Plan or as otherwise ordered by the Court. A hearing to approve the Disclosure Statement is expected to be held on or about October 21, 2021. Upon entry of an order approving the Disclosure Statement, the Company intends to begin the process to solicit votes on the Plan. The filing of the Plan is a key milestone on Aeroméxico’s path to emergence from its Chapter 11 process, and the Company looks forward to continue to engage with its stakeholders to finalize the Plan on a consensual basis. Aeroméxico will continue pursuing, in an orderly manner, its voluntary financial restructuring through Chapter 11, while continuing to operate and offer services to its customers and contracting from its suppliers the goods and services required for operations. Aeroméxico will continue to strengthen its financial position and liquidity, protect and preserve its operations and assets, and implement necessary adjustments to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. Aerovías de México, S.A. de C.V. operating as Aeroméxico, is the flag carrier airline of Mexico, based in Mexico City. It operates scheduled services to more than 90 destinations in Mexico; North, South and Central America; the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 1, 2021

India makes COVID-19 tests, quarantine mandatory for all Brits

India called Britain’s decision not to recognize Indian version of AstraZeneca vaccine, known as Covishield, “discriminatory”.Vaccinated UK nationals arriving in India will be subjected to a 10-day mandatory quarantine.Starting on Monday, all UK arrivals will have to present a negative COVID-19 test taken a maximum of 72 hours prior to departure. In apparent tit-for-tat, India’s Foreign Ministry officials today announced that all UK nationals, including fully vaccinated ones, will be subjected to a 10-day mandatory quarantine upon their arrival in India. The new requirement seems to be introduced in response to similar measures imposed on Indian nationals by the UK. The new policy announcement comes after India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla called Britain’s decision not to recognize the Indian version of the AstraZeneca vaccine, known as Covishield, “discriminatory”. The minister had warned of reciprocal measures should London fail to reconsider. Starting on Monday, all British arrivals – irrespective of their vaccination status – will have to present a negative COVID-19 test taken a maximum of 72 hours prior to departure, undergo a second test on arrival and a third eight days later. A mandatory quarantine period of 10 days will also be enforced, according to a foreign ministry official. The British government announced last month it would allow fully vaccinated travelers to skip quarantine and take fewer tests, but only recognized vaccination under the American, British or European programs or those authorized by an approved health body. More than a dozen countries in Asia, the Caribbean and the Middle East made it to the list, but India’s program was not included. Also, no African program was accepted. The vast majority of Indians have been vaccinated with Indian-made AstraZeneca shots, which has been produced by Serum Institute of India. Others have received COVAXIN, a vaccine produced by an Indian company that is not used in Britain. Britain’s refusal to accept certain vaccine certificates has led to concerns that it could exacerbate vaccine hesitancy. Countries that received hundreds of thousands of doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the British government were left wondering why their vaccination programs were not good enough in the eyes of its provider.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 1, 2021

Helicopter and plane collide midair in Arizona killing 2 people

Midair collision between a helicopter and a fixed wing plane happened near McQueen and Queen Creek in Arizona.The plane was able to land safely but the helicopter crashed and caught fire, killing 2 people on board.The tragic crash came three months after another smaller plane accident at Chandler Municipal Airport. A helicopter and a small plane collided midair near Chandler Municipal Airport in Arizona. The downed chopper near Chandler Municipal Airport in Arizona The airplane managed to land safely, but the helicopter crashed and burst in flames. Both occupants of a helicopter were killed, while plane passengers walked away unhurt. The midair collision took place on Friday morning near Chandler Municipal Airport, located in a suburb of Arizona‘s state capital city of Phoenix. Chandler Fire Battalion Chief Keith Welch confirmed that two people aboard the helicopter were killed, while the passengers of the plane, a light propeller-driven aircraft, did not require medical attention. Nobody on the ground was hurt. The circumstances of the crash are unclear, and Chandler police have put out a call for witnesses and video footage of the incident. Images shared by local reporters in the immediate aftermath show the plane at a standstill just off a runway, apparently fully intact. Separate footage shows the remains of the helicopter on what appears to be a patch of waste ground, partially covered with a tarpaulin by emergency workers. The tragic crash came three months after a smaller plane accident at Chandler Municipal Airport. Back in July, a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza B36 with four people on board crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff, sending one occupant to the hospital and injuring the three others.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 1, 2021

Mauritius ends quarantine for tourists jabbed with approved vaccines

Mauritius completely closed its borders to foreign tourists at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.Mauritius reopened its borders on July 15, 2021, but all new foreign arrivals have to undergo a 14-day quarantine.Russian-made Sputnik V is one of eight vaccines against coronavirus approved on the island. Mauritius’ authorities announced that beginning on October 1, all restrictions on the movement of tourists inoculated with one of eight vaccines against coronavirus approved on the island have been lifted. The borders of Mauritius were completely shut to foreign tourists with the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. They were reopened on July 15, 2021 but, the new arrivals had to undergo a 14-day quarantine. Currently, the conditions of stay for foreign tourists inoculated with vaccines approved by the local authorities have been relaxed. According to the representative of the Russian Embassy in Mauritius, Russian-made Sputnik V is among eight COVID-19 vaccines approved on the island. Russian tourists inoculated with Sputnik V arriving in Mauritius won’t have to observe a quarantine starting today and can move freely about the territory of this island nation, said the diplomat. “Earlier, they had to spend a two-week quarantine on the premises of hotels,” said, adding that it is expected that direct flights between Mauritius and Russian cities will resume in the near future. Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine is widely used in Mauritius. Its first batch arrived in the country on June 30. Beginning on July 12, Sputnik V has been used in Mauritius’ national vaccination drive along with other shots. Mauritius is one of the leaders in Africa in terms of the number of those inoculated against coronavirus. Some 1.63 million doses of shots against COVID-19 have been used on the island, 788,000 people or 62.2% of the population have completed the full vaccination course. The pandemic wreaked major havoc on the nation’s economy. During the last financial year, its GDP sank 15%. Every fourth job in Mauritius is related to tourism, with its share of the GDP reaching 24%. The country’s government is aiming to attract about 650,000 tourists to Mauritius in the next 12 months.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 1, 2021

Flights from Budapest to Dubai on flydubai now

Budapest Airport marks flydubai’s inaugural connection to Dubai from Hungary’s capital city.The four-times weekly service to the metropolis of the Middle East will operate year-round.The arrival of flydubai significantly expands the Hungarian gateway’s connectivity to Dubai’s hub. Celebrating the arrival of its latest new airline partner, Budapest Airport has marked flydubai’s inaugural connection to Dubai from Hungary’s capital city. The four-times weekly service to the metropolis of the Middle East will operate year-round and significantly expand the Hungarian gateway’s connectivity to Dubai’s hub. At the launch, Balázs Bogáts, Head of Airline Development, Budapest Airport commented: “Serving both business travelers and tourists alike, the arrival of flydubai on our carrier rollcall will boost our capacity to a hugely important international hub. Code-sharing with Emirates on this route opens up more than 190 destinations to our passengers including Asia, Africa, Australia, and the US.” Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai, said: “We have seen growing demand for travel this summer and with the start of flights to Budapest, we are expanding our network over the winter schedule to offer our passengers more choice for travel. Our newly launched operations to Hungary will also strengthen links with the UAE.” Flydubai, legally Dubai Aviation Corporation, is a government-owned budget airline in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with its head office and flight operations in Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport. The airline operates a total of 95 destinations, serving the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe from Dubai. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, formerly known as Budapest Ferihegy International Airport and still commonly called just Ferihegy, is the international airport serving the Hungarian capital city of Budapest, and by far the largest of the country’s four commercial airports. Dubai International Airport (IATA: DXB, ICAO: OMDB) is the primary international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is the world’s busiest airport by international passenger traffic. It is also the nineteenth-busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic, the one of the busiest cargo airports in the world, the busiest airport for Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 movements, and the airport with the highest average number of passengers per flight

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 1, 2021

Australia will reopen its border to fully vaccinated travelers

The relaxation of the restrictions will allow citizens to travel abroad when their state’s vaccination rate hits 80% Currently, people are only able to travel out of Australia for exceptional reasons, including necessary work or to visit a family member who is terminally ill.Return to Australia is currently restricted by strict arrival quotas and those returning to the country have to undergo a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine. Australia initially closed its border back in March of 2020, banning its citizens and residents from traveling abroad without official permission and leaving thousands of Australians stuck abroad. Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison “It’s time to give Australians their lives back,” the country’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said today, announcing that Australia would begin to ease the severe border restrictions it had enacted early in the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing vaccinated citizens to travel internationally. The easing of the COVID-19 border restrictions will allow Australian citizens to travel abroad when their state’s vaccination rate hits 80% – a goal set nationwide to ensure that an outbreak of the virus would not overwhelm medical facilities. Currently, New South Wales is the closest state to that threshold, being set to reach it in a matter of weeks, while Victoria is expected to be the second to meet the requirement. At this time, people are only able to travel out of Australia for exceptional reasons, including necessary work or to visit a family member who is terminally ill. Return to Australia is restricted by strict arrival quotas and those returning to the country have to undergo a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine. Morrison also said that, as well as making it easier for vaccinated people to travel, the hotel quarantine measure – which costs AUS $3,000 ($2,100) – will be wound down and replaced with a seven-day at-home isolation. The relaxation will not immediately apply to foreign inbound individuals, although the government stated that it was working to ensure the country could soon be “welcoming tourists back to our shores.” Australia’s partial relaxation of its travel restrictions comes despite its two biggest cities, Melbourne and Sydney, and its capital, Canberra, remaining in lockdown due to a surge in cases that occurred in those urban hubs earlier in the year.

Linda S. Hohnholz·

Aviation Feature

·September 30, 2021

Tourism Seychelles and Qatar Airways Share New Developments with Swiss Media

Two events aimed to keep partners abreast of developments in Seychelles.Topics included safety measures, new attractions, as well as the latest news from Qatar Airways and flight schedules to Seychelles.The meetings reinforced the nation’s presence on the market and reassured partners that connectivity to its small islands is available. The in-person event, held at the Savoy Baur en Ville in Zurich, featured a press conference held over breakfast, and a lunch meeting attracting 12 media partners and 15 product managers. Led by Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director General of Marketing for Tourism Seychelles, and Mr. Antonio Panariello, Commercial Manager Switzerland at Qatar Airways, the two events aimed to keep their partners abreast of developments in Seychelles, safety measures, new attractions, as well as the latest news from Qatar Airways and flight schedules to Seychelles. Speaking from Zurich, Mrs Willemin confirmed that Tourism Seychelles is gearing up for the next phase of recovery for the destination, which last weekend recorded its 100,000th visitor for the year. “As life slowly returns to normal, vaccination is peaking in Europe, and around the world restrictions on movement and travel are being eased. Airlines are resuming their services and with Seychelles’ own population enjoying one of the highest rates of vaccination in the world, Tourism Seychelles is also now able to resume the promotional activities on its calendar. Numerous activities are happening in all our markets. Today’s event in Switzerland, which we held in collaboration with Qatar Airways, is to reinforce our presence on the market and reassure our partners that connectivity to our small islands is available,” Mrs. Willemin said. Antonio Panariello, Commercial Manager Switzerland at Qatar Airways said: “It was a great pleasure to be here today and host this event together with the Tourism Seychelles. The links between Qatar Airways and the Seychelles are strong and important. This destination is of great interest to the Swiss market, and we are proud we can promote this destination together with Tourism Seychelles.” On a positive note, the media and partners in attendance at both events commended the Seychelles government and the industry at large for their consistency and excellent communication skills during the pandemic. The event follows a recent press trip in Seychelles sponsored by the Qatar Airways Switzerland office and which was supported by hotel partners Constance Lemuria Resort, STORY Seychelles, Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa and Kempinski Seychelles Resort. Seychelles completed the reopening of its borders to foreign visitors on March 25, 2021. Switzerland has to date this year contributed a 3% market share of total visitor arrivals. #rebuildingtravel

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 30, 2021

Hawaii Tourism: Visitor spending is down in Aloha State

Hawaii visitor arrivals for August 2021 increased from year ago but continued to lag August 2019.Total spending by the State of Hawaii visitors arriving in August 2021 was $1.37 billion. Through the first eight months of 2021, total visitor spending was $7.98 billion, that represented a decrease of 33.8% from the $12.06 billion spent through the first eight months of 2019. According to preliminary visitor statistics released by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) total spending by visitors arriving in August 2021 was $1.37 billion. Prior to the global COVID-19 pandemic and Hawaii’s quarantine requirement for travelers, the State of Hawaii experienced record-level visitor expenditures and arrivals in 2019 and in the first two months of 2020. Comparative August 2020 Hawaii visitor spending statistics were not available as the Departure Survey could not be fielded last August due to COVID-19 restrictions. August 2021 visitor spending was lower than the $1.50 billion (-8.9%) reported for August 2019. A total of 722,393 visitors arrived by air service to the Hawaiian Islands in August 2021, mainly from the U.S. West and U.S. East as compared with only 23,356 visitors (+2,992.9%) who arrived by air in August 2020 and 926,417 visitors(-22.0%) in August 2019. In August 2021, passengers arriving from out-of-state could bypass the State’s mandatory 10-day self-quarantine if they were fully vaccinated in the United States or with a valid negative COVID-19 NAAT test result from a Trusted Testing Partner prior to their departure through the Safe Travels program. On August 23, 2021, Hawaii Governor David Ige urged travelers to curtail non-essential travel until the end of October 2021 due to a surge in Delta variant cases that has overburdened the state’s health care facilities and resources. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continued to enforce restrictions on cruise ships through a “Conditional Sail Order”, a phased approach for the resumption of passenger cruises to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19 onboard. The average daily census was 211,269 visitors in August 2021, compared to 22,625 in August 2020, versus 252,916 in August 2019. In August 2021, 469,181 visitors arrived from the U.S. West, well above the 13,190 visitors (+3,457.1%) in August 2020 and exceeding the August 2019 count of 420,750 visitors (+11.5%). U.S. West visitors spent $810.0 million in August 2021, which surpassed the $579.3 million (+39.8%) spent in August 2019. Higher average daily visitor spending ($202 per person, +20.7%) and a longer average length of stay (8.54 days, +3.9%) contributed to the increase in U.S. West visitor expenditures compared to 2019.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 30, 2021

Sharm El-Sheikh, Luxor and Cairo flights on Qatar Airways now

Four times weekly service to Luxor starts 23 November 2021, and twice weekly service to Sharm El-Sheikh begins 3 December 2021.The new routes will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A320 and offer seamless connectivity to many destinations in Asia, Europe, Middle East and North America.Qatar Airways will also increase its Cairo service starting from 1 October 2021, increasing flights to the capital to triple daily. Qatar Airways is pleased to announce that it will launch a new service to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt on 3 December with twice weekly flights, this new route will follow the resumption of operations to Luxor on 23 November with four weekly flights. In a further expansion of services to Egypt, Qatar Airways will also increase its Cairo service starting from 1 October 2021, increasing flights to the capital to triple daily. The resumption of operations to Luxor and launching of flights to Sharm El-Sheikh sees Qatar Airways now operate a total of 34 weekly flights to Egypt via Hamad International Airport (HIA). The new services will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring 12 seats in First Class and 132 seats in Economy Class. The resumption of operations to Luxor and the launch of flights to Sharm El-Sheikh will enable passengers flying to and from these destinations to enjoy seamless connectivity to over 140 destinations in Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Americas. Qatar Airways also features flexible booking policies that offer unlimited changes in travel dates and destinations, and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued for travel completed by 31 May 2022. The upcoming expansion of services in Egypt will further provide Egyptian football fans more travel options to attend the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 in Qatar, enjoy the finest Qatari hospitality and follow their national team in person. The region’s showpiece tournament will take place from 30 November to 18 December 2021. Flight Schedule – Luxor: Starting 23 November Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (all times local) Doha (DOH) to Luxor (LXR) QR1321 departs: 08:25 arrives: 11:00 Luxor (LXR) to Doha (DOH) QR1322 departs: 12:10 arrives: 16:05 Flight Schedule – Sharm El-Sheikh: Starting 3 December Tuesday and Friday (all times local) Doha (DOH) to Sharm El-Sheikh (SSH) QR1311 departs: 09:00 arrives: 10:45 Sharm El-Sheikh (SSH) to Doha (DOH) QR1312 departs: 13:15 arrives: 17:30

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 30, 2021

Official response to COVID-19 Delta hurts air travel recovery

Total demand for air travel in August 2021 was down 56.0% compared to August 2019. This was entirely driven by domestic markets, which were down 32.2% compared to August 2019, a major deterioration from July 2021.International passenger demand in August was 68.8% below August 2019, which was an improvement compared to the 73.1% decline recorded in July. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel decelerated in August compared to July, as government actions in response to concerns over the COVID-19 Delta variant cut deeply into domestic travel demand. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to July 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern. Total demand for air travel in August 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 56.0% compared to August 2019. This marked a slowdown from July, when demand was 53.0% below July 2019 levels. This was entirely driven by domestic markets, which were down 32.2% compared to August 2019, a major deterioration from July 2021, when traffic was down 16.1% versus two years ago. The worst impact was in China, while India and Russia were the only large markets to show a month-to-month improvement compared to July 2021. International passenger demand in August was 68.8% below August 2019, which was an improvement compared to the 73.1% decline recorded in July. All regions showed improvement, which was attributable to growing vaccination rates and less stringent international travel restrictions in some regions. “August results reflect the impact of concerns over the Delta variant on domestic travel, even as international travel continued on a snail’s pace toward a full recovery that cannot happen until governments restore the freedom to travel. In that regard, the recent US announcement to lift travel restrictions from early November on fully vaccinated travelers is very good news and will bring certainty to a key market. But challenges remain, September bookings indicate a deterioration in international recovery. That’s bad news heading into the traditionally slower fourth quarter,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. August 2021(% chg vs the same month in 2019)World share1RPKASKPLF (%-pt)2PLF (level)3Total Market 100.0%-56.0%-46.2%-15.6%70.0%Africa1.9%-58.0%-50.4%-11.5%64.0%Asia Pacific38.6%-78.3%-66.5%-29.6%54.5%Europe23.7%-48.7%-38.7%-14.4%74.6%Latin America5.7%-42.0%-37.7%-5.8%77.4%Middle East7.4%-68.0%-53.1%-26.0%56.0%North America22.7%-30.3%-22.7%-8.6%78.6%

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 30, 2021

Flights from Doha to Medina, Saudi Arabia on Qatar Airways now

Qatar Airways flights will be operated by Airbus A320 offering 12 seats in First Class and 132 Seats in Economy Class.Passengers flying from Medina will benefit from the airline’s extensive international network across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to rebuild its network, which currently stands at over 140 destinations. Qatar Airways is pleased to announce that it will resume services to Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Medina starting 1 October 2021 with four weekly flights. The Medina services will be operated by the airline’s state-of-the-art Airbus A320 featuring 12 seats in First Class and 132 seats in Economy Class. The resumption of services will enable passengers flying from and to Medina to enjoy seamless connectivity to over 140 destinations of the airline’s extensive global network in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas via Doha Hamad International Airport. Qatar Airways flight QR 1174, will depart from Hamad International Airport at 01:00, arriving at 03:15 to Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Qatar Airways flight QR1175, will depart from Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport at 04:15, and arrive to Hamad International Airport at 06:25. The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to rebuild its network, which currently stands at over 140 destinations. Qatar Airways also features flexible booking policies that offer unlimited changes in travel dates and destinations, and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued for travel completed by 31 May 2022. Flight Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (all times local) Doha (DOH) to Medina (MED) QR1174 departs: 01:00 arrives: 03:15 Medina (MED) to Doha (DOH) QR1175 departs: 04:15 arrives: 06:25

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 29, 2021

Alaska Airlines rolls out San Francisco Giants-themed Airbus A321

Alaska Airlines is the official airline partner of the San Francisco Giants baseball team.This is the second Alaska Airlines aircraft with livery dedicated to the San Francisco Giants.The aircraft with tail number N855VA will fly throughout Alaska Airlines’ network now through 2022. Alaska Airlines, the official airline partner of the San Francisco Giants, is taking postseason celebrations to new heights with the debut of its new Giants-themed livery. Just in time for the Giants’ upcoming playoff run, the Airbus 321 aircraft was introduced today to fans departing San Francisco (SFO) for Seattle (SEA). Alaska Airlines unveils new San Francisco Giants livery with celebration at San Francisco International Airport featuring Giants mascot “Lou Seal” “Few things are as exciting as seeing this big, colorful giant fly across our beautiful state as we go into our playoff run. My hope is that this aircraft gives Giants fans a way to feel part of the team, every time they travel,” said San Francisco Giants CEO and President Larry Baer. “Partnerships like we have with Alaska Airlines offer critical support of local community, youth and education programs like the Willie Mays Scholarship Fund and the Giants Community Fund, which in turn is helping change the lives of our youths.” This is the second livery dedicated to the San Francisco Giants. The plane, tail number N855VA, will fly throughout Alaska’s network now through 2022. The new Giants-themed livery is one of many ways guests can celebrate the team’s playoff run. Alaska Airlines just announced that fans who wear Giants’ apparel can board early for all San Francisco departing flights for the duration of the team’s postseason play. Alaska employees dedicated the plane along with a $100,000 check to the Willie Mays Scholarship Fund, in honor of the ‘Say Hey Kid’s’ 90th birthday. The fund assists in making college aspirations come true for San Francisco’s Black youth and empowers them to pursue their goals to achieve success in high school, college and beyond. Terminal 2 flyers were also treated to a surprise celebration complete with DJ entertainment on-site, prizes, giveaways and a visit from the Giants’ mascot “Lou Seal” joining in on the festivities. “Alaska has been a proud partner of the Giants since 2017,” said Natalie Bowman, Alaska Airlines managing director of brand and marketing communications. “We’re thrilled to display our Giants pride from 35,000 feet with this unique looking plane, and we wish the team the best of luck as they hopefully make a deep run in the postseason.” The Giants-inspired wrapped aircraft and early boarding are among many ways Alaska is deepening its presence in the Bay, its third largest hub.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 29, 2021

More flights to Bonaire from USA on Delta, American and United now

Both Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are seeing a positive trend and booking demand for the island.United Airlines will resume flights to Bonaire from Houston and Newark in November.The Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire welcomes the return of commercial passenger flights from the US. Following the successful relaunching of flights from the US in June to the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire, Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) is announcing the flight schedules from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines for the upcoming months. As part of our Tourism Recovery Plan, Tourism Corporation Bonaire will continue with these efforts to keep seeing a boost in visitors to the island, and of the local economy. Both Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines are seeing a positive trend, and booking demand for the island. So, this is a great opportunity to increase the number of flights to Bonaire. Currently through November 20, 2021; Delta has a weekly Saturday flight scheduled to Bonaire from Atlanta, Georgia, and this weekly flight will increase to two weekly flights on Wednesday and Saturday between November 24, 2021 -December 15, 2021. Then starting on December 18, 2021 to January 4, 2022 there will be daily flights except Tuesdays. From January 5, 2022 to April 9, 2022 there is a Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday flight scheduled. American Airlines current flight schedule through November 6, 2021 is two weekly flights on Wednesday and Saturday from Miami, Florida. Starting November, 2021 through January 3, 2022 a Monday flight will be added to the itinerary. Also, there will be daily flights to Bonaire during the holiday season, from December 16, 2021 to January 3, 2022. On November 6, 2021 United Airlines is resuming its flights from both Houston, Texas with a weekly flight to Bonaire on Saturday with return flight on Sunday, and the weekly Saturday flight from Newark, New Jersey.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 29, 2021

Airbus delivers first new A220 jet to Air France

The A220 is the most efficient and flexible aircraft in the 100 to 150 seat market segment today. The first Air France A220-300 will be operated on its medium-haul network from the 2021 winter season.With a range of up to 3,450 nm (6,390 km), the A220 gives airlines added operational flexibility. Air France has received its first A220-300 from an order for 60 aircraft of the type, the largest A220 order from a European carrier. The aircraft was delivered from Airbus’ final assembly line in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada and officially unveiled to the public during a ceremony held at Paris Charles-De-Gaulle Airport. Airbus A220 is the most efficient and flexible aircraft in the 100 to 150 seat market segment today. The renewal of the Air France single-aisle fleet with this latest generation aircraft will increase efficiency along with customer comfort and support Air France to meet its environmental goals and sustainability objectives. The first Air France A220-300 will be operated on its medium-haul network from the 2021 winter season. Currently, Air France operates a fleet of 136 Airbus aircraft. Air France is also renewing its long-haul fleet, and has already taken delivery of 11 A350s out of an order of 38. The Air France A220-300 cabin is configured in a single-class layout to comfortably welcome 148 passengers. Offering superior single-aisle comfort, with the widest leather seats, largest windows and up to 20% more overhead stowage space per passenger, the Air France A220 also features full WiFi connectivity throughout the cabin and two USB sockets at each passenger seat. The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market and brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation geared turbofan engines. With a range of up to 3,450 nm (6,390 km), the A220 gives airlines added operational flexibility. The A220 delivers up to 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, and 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards. In addition, the aircraft noise footprint is reduced by 50% compared to previous generation aircraft – making the A220 a good neighbor around airports. As of the end of August, over 170 A220s have been delivered to 11 operators worldwide.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 29, 2021

IATA: Global air cargo demand growth outpaces capacity

Global demand, measured in cargo ton-kilometers (CTKs), was up 7.7% compared to August 2019 (8.6% for international operations).The pace of growth slowed slightly compared to July, which saw demand increase 8.8% (against pre-COVID-19 levels).Cargo capacity recovery paused in August, down 12.2% compared to August 2019 ( 13.2% for international operations). In month-on-month terms, capacity fell by 1.6% – the largest drop since January 2021. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released August 2021 data for global air cargo markets showing that demand continued its strong growth trend but pressure on capacity is rising. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General As comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted, all comparisons below are to August 2019 which followed a normal demand pattern. Global demand, measured in cargo ton-kilometers (CTKs), was up 7.7% compared to August 2019 (8.6% for international operations). Overall growth remains strong compared to the long-term average growth trend of around 4.7%. The pace of growth slowed slightly compared to July, which saw demand increase 8.8% (against pre-COVID-19 levels). Cargo capacity recovery paused in August, down 12.2% compared to August 2019 ( 13.2% for international operations). In month-on-month terms, capacity fell by 1.6% – the largest drop since January 2021. Economic conditions continue to support air cargo growth but are slightly weaker than in the previous months indicating that global manufacturing growth has peaked: The August manufacturing output component of the Purchasing Managers Indices (PMIs) was 51.9, indicating a short-term boost to demand if those orders are shipped by air. This was a decline from 54.4 in July. The August new export orders component of the PMIs was favorable for air cargo, despite being less supportive than in the previous months. Expansion continued at the global level, however, there was contraction in emerging economies. The inventory-to-sales ratio remains low ahead of the peak year-end retail season. This is positive for air cargo, however further capacity constraints put this at risk. “Air cargo demand had another strong month in August, up 7.7% compared to pre-COVID levels. Many of the economic indicators point to a strong year-end peak season. With international travel still severely depressed, there are fewer passenger planes offering belly capacity for cargo. And supply chain bottlenecks could intensify as businesses continue to ramp up production,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 29, 2021

United Airlines to fire 593 employees for refusing vaccination

United Airlines’ 67,000 US employees were ordered to provide proof of vaccination by last Monday.United Airlines however, will allow employees to keep their jobs if they have been vaccinated but failed to submit proof by the deadline.Unvaccinated workers have several weeks under the union’s current dismissal rules to undergo inoculation if they wish to stay. United Airlines ordered its 67,000 US employees to provide proof of vaccination by last Monday. Now 593 company workers are facing discharge after failing to comply with the airlines’ COVID-19 vaccination policy. “This was an incredibly difficult decision but keeping our team safe has always been our first priority,” the Chicago-based airline’s chief executive Scott Kirby and president Brett Hart said in a memo to employees. While the majority of United Airlines‘ employees complied with company’s policy, 593 workers refused to be jabbed and failed to apply for the exemption on religious or medical grounds which the firm set as mandatory in the event of failing to vaccinate. “Our rationale for requiring the vaccine for all United’s US-based employees was simple – to keep our people safe – and the truth is this: everyone is safer when everyone is vaccinated, and vaccine requirements work,” United said in the memo. United Airlines however, will allow the staff to keep their jobs if they have been vaccinated but failed to submit proof by the deadline, or if they will be jabbed before the formal decision on the dismissals comes through. This means unvaccinated workers have several weeks or even months under the union’s current dismissal rules to undergo inoculation if they wish to stay. United Airlines announced earlier this month it would put employees who are exempt from the vaccine mandate on unpaid or medical leave from October 2. The plan was later scrapped after a lawsuit filed by six employees appealed the decision. Some 2,000 employees have so far requested the exemption. United Airlines was the first US carrier to impose a COVID-19 vaccine mandate on its staff in early August. Other US airlines have been uneager to follow suit, but moved to end pay protections for unvaccinated employees who test positive for the virus. Georgia-based Delta Air Lines slapped a $200 monthly health insurance surcharge on staff who haven’t been vaccinated. Like many other airlines, United was hit hard by pandemic-induced travel restrictions, having to furlough some 36,000 employees at the height of the crisis last year.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 29, 2021

South African Airways and Emirates partner on South Africa-Dubai flights

Emirates and South African Airways have been working towards increasing alignment across products and services.The agreement includes SAA coded and Emirates-operated routes between South Africa and Dubai on a single ticket.Emirates will also place the SAA code on major trunk routes between South Africa and Dubai. With South African Airways (SAA) resuming operations, Emirates has been working closely with SAA to reactivate its long-standing partnership which aims to improve the customer experience and provide more value to travelers when flying on both carriers. The move also helps cement SAA’s standing and position and will build growth momentum as the carrier initially restarts flights to six African destinations. Emirates and SAA have been working towards increasing alignment across products, services and reactivation of synergies between loyalty programs, and will be initially kicking off with a reciprocal commercial arrangement. The agreement includes SAA coded and Emirates-operated routes between South Africa and Dubai on a single ticket, enabling travelers to seamlessly check-in their bags to their final destinations from October 1. Emirates will also place the SAA code on major trunk routes between South Africa and Dubai. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline, remarked on the revival of the partnership: “The partnership between Emirates and South African Airways builds on our shared commitment to providing customers more schedule choices and increased connectivity across Africa and through our growing network. We value our nearly 25 years of successful partnership with SAA and we are working hard to take more positive steps forward to continue to grow our relationship and provide our customers with even more connectivity in the future.” SAA’s Interim CEO Thomas Kgokolo says, “As SAA starts to rebuild, the long-standing partnership with Emirates is both valued and critical to our future growth plans. We share the same vision of seamless, efficient, and excellent customer service with connectivity to multiple destinations. We are confident this partnership will lead to the addition of more route and destination options, particularly across Africa as we both recognize the economic, trade and tourism potential the continent has and our key role as enablers.” In the coming months, plans are underway to expand cooperation and solidify the partnership even further on more domestic and regional points in Africa as South African Airways expands its operations, while Emirates will also reciprocally add more options for SAA customers to connect to select destinations within its network on one itinerary. The Emirates SAA partnership started in 1997, and over the last ten years more than a million passengers have flown across the joint network of both airlines, which grew to 110 destinations prior to the pandemic. With the restoration of the SAA partnership, Emirates’ footprint across South and southern Africa offers customers more options across the continent.

Mario Masciullo - eTN Italy·

Aviation Feature

·September 28, 2021

Alitalia Workers are Working for Free

The tender could last several weeks, because the first binding offers must be submitted by October 4 at 2 pm, at the minimum price of 290 million euros (plus VAT).But no carrier seems interested in buying the brand at this stage.“The valuation is unrealistic,” said Alfredo Altavilla, President of ITA, the new airline, which is probably the company most interested in the brand of the old company. Base Price 290 Million To make an offer at this stage, it requires a down payment of 40 million euro. Only persons with an air transport license or AOC (Air Operator Certificate) and a net worth of at least 200 million can join the binding. If there are no offers equal to at least the base price, the commissioners will open a second round of binding offers. The call for tenders, named “invitation,” provides for a second phase if there are no suitable offers in the first phase. In this case, the commissioners “will carry out the second phase of the award with the request to all the admitted subjects to present binding offers also in reduction with respect to the offered price.” It was not said what the base price for the second round would be. The brand has a book value of 150 million in Alitalia’s financial statements. Therefore it is unlikely that it will fall below this figure. Third Round: Discretionary Choice of Commissioners If in the first as in the second phase there were more offers, it would next go to the raises, starting from the best offer, for an amount “not less than 10 million euros.” If the second round is also unsatisfactory, the procedure will be changed. “The extraordinary commissioners will then proceed with the sale of the brand without procedural constraints towards the economic operator they have identified,” said the announcement. For the third round, there would, therefore, be discretion of the commissioners. In this phase, ITA could enter, which aims to buy the brand but without fainting. “The brand will be made available to the successful bidder by December 31, 2021,” says the invitation published by the commissioners. Communication of the Commissioners For the 10,500 workers of Alitalia, there is, therefore, a long wait to get the balance of their salary for September. And it is not assured that in the end there is money. In an internal communication, the commissioners Gabriele Fava, Giuseppe Leogrande, and Daniele Santosuosso wrote to the employees: “As you know, our activities included in the aviation branch are expected to end on October 14, and, therefore, we are forced to manage the company’s finance consistently with this target, taking into account that the closure of sales on August 24 generated a substantial stop in revenues. “We are very sorry to have to inform you that the salaries of the current month will be adjusted at 50% with value on Monday, September 27, while the remaining 50% will be credited to you as soon as we have evidence of the outcome of the brand announcement, as required by the European Commission.” In fact, the law provides that the sums deriving from the sale of assets are used as a priority to support current costs, primarily salaries.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 28, 2021

American Airlines to codeshare with IndiGo on India flights

India’s largest airline announces a codeshare agreement with American Airlines on domestic routes.Code-sharing allows an airline to sell seats on a flight operated by its partner, so that it can fly passengers to destinations it does not serve.American Airlines is launching a new service between New York and India’s capital Delhi next month. As American Airlines is preparing to launch new service between the USA and India, it announced a code sharing deal with India’s largest carrier IndiGo. The codeshare agreement, announced today, is expected to commence in October, and will see American Airlines‘ code on 29 of IndiGo’s domestic routes in India. Code-sharing agreement allows air carriers to sell seats on flights operated by their partner airlines, so that they can fly their passengers to destinations they do not serve. The code-sharing deal with IndiGo, which is India’s largest airline by number of passengers carried, and which is owned by InterGlobe Aviation, requires approval of U.S. and Indian government authorities, American Airlines said. American Airlines is launching a new service between New York City and India’s capital Delhi next month, and between Seattle, WA and the city of Bengaluru early next year. American Airlines, Inc. is a major American airline headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. It is the world’s largest airline when measured by fleet size, scheduled passengers carried, and revenue passenger mile. IndiGo is an Indian low-cost airline headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. It is the largest airline in India by passengers carried and fleet size, with a 59.24% domestic market share as of August 2020.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 28, 2021

Southern Africa flights now with United Airlines and Airlink

United Airlines and Airlink announce commercial agreement to help customers explore Southern Africa.New partnership provides customers with easy travel to more than 40 destinations in Southern Africa.United Airlines customers can now earn or redeem miles on United and Airlink flights. Today, United Airlines and Airlink, a South African airline, announced a new codeshare agreement that will offer customers more connections between the U.S. and Southern Africa than any other airline alliance. The new agreement, which is subject to government approval, will offer one stop connections from the U.S. to more than 40 destinations in Southern Africa. Additionally, United will be the first airline to connect its loyalty program with Airlink, allowing MileagePlus members to earn and redeem miles when they travel on Airlink flights. This new cooperation will be in addition to United’s existing partnership with Star Alliance member South African Airways. “United continues to demonstrate our commitment to Africa, starting three brand new flights to the continent this year alone including new service to Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria and Johannesburg, South Africa,” said Patrick Quayle, vice president of international network and alliances at United Airlines. “And now through our codeshare agreement with Airlink – which is the most expansive partnership in Southern Africa – customers will be able to easily explore more bucket list destinations across the continent including easy connections to Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.” United Airlines has continued to expand its footprint into Africa, with direct service to four African destinations. Earlier this month, United announced flights between Washington, D.C. and Lagos Nigeria will begin November 29, subject to government approval. Earlier this year, United launched new service between New York/Newark and Johannesburg, South Africa and between Washington, D.C. and Accra, Ghana, which is expected to operate daily this December and January. United’s popular service between New York/Newark and Cape Town, South Africa will also resume on December 1. “North America is an important source market for our destinations. This codeshare will make it easy for our North American customers to reach the Okavango Delta, Chobe, the Kruger National Park and adjacent private game lodges, Cape Town, the Garden Route, Swakopmund and the Copperbelt, among others,” said Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster. “Similarly, the codeshare means that our customers in the 12 African countries we currently serve, will have fast and seamless access to all of United’s network.” This new codeshare will be implemented upon final government approvals.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 28, 2021

New travel patterns: Soaring travel expenses and unvaccinated travelers

Travel expenditure increased by a whopping $330 per trip due to COVID-19-related entry requirements.58 percent of Americans that traveled abroad this summer were not vaccinated, according to the research.47% of millennials refused to travel because of high costs, while 25% were scared to travel with unvaccinated children. Eighteen months after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, countries have reopened borders to travelers. A recent survey found new and emerging travel trends, with travel becoming more expensive and uncertain than ever. The survey analyzed data from more than 3,500 travelers who traveled abroad to understand these new travel patterns amongst Americans. Travel expenditure increased by a whopping $330 per trip due to COVID-19-related entry requirements, and so has the uncertainty, with 41% of travelers actively involved in travel communities related to their journeys. Additionally, 58% of American travelers were unvaccinated, with the most common destinations being Mexico (37%), Greece (19%), Dominican Republic (12%), Bahamas (11%), and Aruba (13%), and Costa Rica (8%). Major Survey Results 58% of Americans that traveled abroad this summer were not vaccinated. As countries reopened their borders, non-vaccinated travelers returned to the same travel patterns as before COVID-19. Old travelers are on the rise with a quarter being 50+. Amongst other demographic shifts, 47% of millennials refused to travel because of high costs, while 25% were scared to travel with unvaccinated children. Florida is the hub for unvaccinated travelers: 20% of unvaccinated American travelers live in Florida. The top 4 U.S. states by active COVID-19 cases also led the pack for most outbound travel amongst unvaccinated Americans. Florida accounted for most outbound unvaccinated tourists, followed by Texas, New York, and California. Traveling is inefficient: Each traveler spends more than 5 hours determining entry requirements and filling out paperwork. In addition, 23% of travelers saying they contacted either their airline, hotel,” or travel platform to understand the entry requirements with airlines call waiting times running into hours. The New Normal This survey highlights the inefficient processes set in place by governments. While it’s understandable that requirements exist to keep COVID-19 at bay, countries must streamline the process. As countries look to revamp tourism, they underestimate the impact of fast, efficient systems and clear, easy-to-understand processes have. Countries have introduced a range of requirements to enter, making it more expensive to travel than ever. On average, the extra cost adds up to $330 per traveler and constitutes COVID-19 visas, travel insurance, and COVID-19 tests. In addition, 79% of travelers expressed frustration at the lack of disclosure by hotels & airlines on the added costs of traveling, only to discover them much later when the cancellation was not an option. A COVID-19 visa, also known as a health visa, is a new visa that travelers need to get. While they’re electronic, the approval is not instant. Authorities review each application; they can only be submitted a few days before the trip and are not free.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 28, 2021

SAUDIA crowned the World’s Most Improved Airline in 2021

The airline wins the Skytrax award for the second time in four years and continues its upward trajectory.SAUDIA moves up 26 spots; a 55% improvement in its overall Skytrax ranking of global airlines.The award cements the airline’s status as a full scale global carrier, constantly innovating its onboard service and culinary offering. Skytrax announced today that SAUDIA is the World’s Most Improved Airline of 2021. This is the second time that SAUDIA has won this award since 2017. That year, the Saudi flag carrier impressively jumped from the 82nd to 51st position, a 40% improvement. This year, however, SAUDIA improved by a stunning 55% and is now 26th in the Skytrax ranking of global airlines. The award cements the airline’s status as a full scale global carrier, constantly innovating its onboard service and culinary offering. Being awarded this accolade award reflects the dedication to quality and performance improvements in different award categories including cabin crew, food & beverage, in-flight entertainment and more. The Skytrax award comes as yet another milestone in SAUDIA’s on-going transformation which has led to several other awards and recognitions. The airline’s stellar health safety initiatives to ensure passenger safety during the COVID-19 pandemic have attracted global accolades. With a route network of more than 95 destinations and a fleet of 145 aircraft – operating one of the youngest fleets in the world – SAUDIA is on an upwards trajectory of continued growth in international markets. Saudi Arabian Airlines Director General, His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim Alomar said, “It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of the entire SAUDIA team who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the pursuit of the highest standards globally – from health and safety to the product and experience. I would also like to express SAUDIA’s deep appreciation and gratitude to The Custodian Of The Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman for their continuous support to SAUDIA, the Kingdom’s flag carrier. My congratulations also to SAUDIA’s Chairman His Excellency Eng. Saleh Al Jasser and the rest of the Board of Directors on this achievement.”

Juergen T Steinmetz·

Aviation Feature

·September 28, 2021

Wow! Better book your Lufthansa flight from Europe to the United States now

About a week after the planned end of U.S. travel restrictions, Lufthansa Groupairlines are experiencing a further boom for flights to the United States. On certaindays in the last week, flights across the Atlantic increased three-fold over theweek before. Demand in the last week on certain routes almost reached pre-crisislevels. Flights with SWISS from Zurich and Lufthansa from Frankfurt to New Yorkand from Frankfurt and Zurich to Miami had the highest bookings from both leisureand business travellers.In Premium Economy, Business and First Class more tickets to the USA were bought than in the same period in 2019. Lufthansa Group is meeting this boom in pent-up demand by launching additionalflights to the USA on short notice. Lufthansa and SWISS, for example, will be offering a combined total of three daily flights to Miami on short notice starting inNovember. There is very strong demand for flights to the USA for the coming December. Newbookings in the past week for this month were as high as they were for 2019 forthe same time period. Flights to New York – traditionally in high demand duringthe Christmas season – have already been bolstered with additional connections.The airlines of the Lufthansa Group are offering up to 55 weekly connections toNew York from their various European hubs in Austria, Belgium, Germany andSwitzerland in December. A further short-term expansion of services is currentlyunder consideration. Alone to New York and Chicago, Lufthansa Group airlines offer more daily connections from Europe in November than flights to the entire Asia-Pacific region.Lufthansa Group expects that the opening of the U.S. to vaccinated EU travelerswill be a signal for other countries and regions to make international air travel easier again and roll back travel restrictions. Additional flights also within GermanyLufthansa Group is also increasing German domestic flights to its European hubsas demand for U.S. flights continues to soar. For example, compared with July,Lufthansa is increasing its domestic German flights by 45 percent from starting inOctober. This means, among other things that as of October there will be nine instead of six daily flights from Frankfurt to Berlin. Flights from Frankfurt to Hamburg will increase from six to eight flights daily. The situation is similar for Munich:The current five daily connections to Berlin will be increased to seven starting inOctober; instead of six daily flights from Munich to Hamburg, there will be up to11 daily flights in the future. And also starting in October, Lufthansa will again operate hourly flights from Hamburg and Berlin to its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich in the morning and in the evening. With the flight schedule expansion, more connections are available throughout theday. This means business travelers who often want to fly in the morning or theevening will benefit from an improved flight schedule as will other travellers.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 27, 2021

Canadians want to travel abroad

About four in five (78 percent) of Canadians said as things get back to normal, international travel is one of the things they’re looking forward to most.More than half of Canadians – 55 percent – said they have more of a desire to travel internationally than ever before.Less than a quarter of Canadians – 24 percent – said they are currently planning an international trip within the next six months. The results of the latest industry survey that sheds light on the views of Canadian international travelers were released today. The findings uncovered that while the majority of Canadians who travel internationally (58 percent) remain wary about trips abroad due to the rise of the Delta COVID-19 variant, and less than one quarter plan to travel internationally in the next six months, more than two-thirds (78 percent) say international travel is one of the things they’re most looking forward to as the pandemic stabilizes. The survey also revealed that the residents of Canada are more hesitant towards international travel than their southern neighbors, with 42 percent of Americans planning trips abroad in the next six months, compared to only 24 percent of Canadians. Given the resulting limitations on travel, more than half (55 percent) of Canadians are now reporting a stronger desire to see the world than ever before. Top responses for what’s been missed most about international travel include seeing new sights (56 percent), experiencing new environments (53 per cent), disconnecting and relaxing (53 percent), and learning about different cultures (52 percent). Key Survey Findings: 87 percent of Canadians agree that international travel has provided them with some of their most cherished life memories. About four in five (78 percent) of Canadians said as things get back to normal, international travel is one of the things they’re looking forward to most.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·September 27, 2021

Airlines about to get rich off your expiring flight credits

Airlines are sitting on $10 Billion of unused ticket value and now time is running out for them.When COVID-19 interrupted everyone’s travel plans. airlines expanded their cancellation and rebook policies.Many travelers who changed or cancelled flights have travel credits issued from airlines that may be rapidly expiring. Though airlines took a hard hit in 2020, many are about to make a lot of money from travelers’ expiring flight credits. According to the reports, air carriers are sitting on $10 Billion of unused ticket value and now time is running out. When COVID-19 interrupted everyone’s travel plans, airlines expanded their cancellation and rebook policies. A lot of people who changed or cancelled flights have travel credits issued from airlines that may be rapidly expiring. Here’s how to check for and use your travel credits before it’s too late. Find Your Old Emails If you cancelled a flight, you were likely sent a confirmation email with details regarding your travel credit. A good way to narrow the search is to type the name of the airline in your inbox search bar, and sift through there. Emails will often include “travel credit” or “reservation” in the subject line. Create a Profile with the Airline Once you’ve located your email, there should be instructions for how to log onto the airline’s website and rebook with your travel credit. From there you will also be able to check how much credit you have and when it will expire. Call the Airline’s Customer Service Team This option may require an hour or two on the phone. If you are unsure of whether or not you have credit to use it may be best to talk to an airline customer service representative. With your name and original confirmation number, you will be able use the credit that you have left. Remember Once your travel credit expires, there’s no getting it back. If you cancelled or changed any flight in the past two years, be sure to claim your unused ticket value before it is too late. So far, United Airlines was the only major US airline to have extended the value of unused tickets to Dec 31, 2022.

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