Aviation Travel News | Page 63 Of 199 | Airline

·October 9, 2021

CDC: Any vaccine approved by WHO is OK for US entry

Six vaccines that are FDA authorized/approved or listed for emergency use by WHO will meet the criteria for travel to the US.The CDC’s comments come weeks after the White House said it would lift air-travel restrictions from 33 nations.The CDC also confirmed it had informed various airlines of the approved list of COVID-19 jabs. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spokesperson said that any COVID-19 vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) will be permitted for foreign visitors traveling to the United States. “Six vaccines that are FDA authorized/approved or listed for emergency use by WHO will meet the criteria for travel to the US,” a CDC spokesperson said, according to news sources. Immunizations developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are currently approved in the US – the latter two on emergency-use basis only – while the WHO has backed jabs from AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm and Sinovac in addition to the three already named. The CDC’s comments come weeks after the White House said it would lift air-travel restrictions from 33 nations, initially imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19, sometime in November. However, at the time, it did not specify which immunizations would qualify. Later on Friday, the CDC also confirmed it had informed various airlines of the approved list of jabs, adding that the health agency would “release additional guidance and information as the travel requirements are finalized.” A body representing a number of air carriers, Airlines for America, confirmed that claim, saying it was “pleased by the CDC’s decision to approve a list of authorized vaccinations for travelers entering the US.”

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 8, 2021

US jobs report: Uneven recovery for Leisure and Hospitality

Disappointing September jobs report has been released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.US Leisure and Hospitality sector saw relatively few jobs added in September.Uneven gains are largely attributed to the virus variant that affected travel at summer’s end. U.S. Travel issued the following statement today on the September jobs report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Today’s employment analysis points to an uneven recovery for the critically important Leisure and Hospitality sector, which saw relatively few jobs added in September (just 74,000) compared to earlier months where hundreds of thousands of jobs were recovered. These uneven gains are largely attributed to the virus variant that affected travel at summer’s end. “There remains a great need for Congress to provide additional federal relief and incentives to sustain travel-dependent businesses until a complete recovery can take hold – which will require the return of business travel as well as international inbound travel.” According to the September jobs report, U.S. economy created jobs at a much slower-than-expected pace in September, a pessimistic sign about the state of the economy though the total was held back substantially by a sharp drop in government employment. Nonfarm payrolls rose by just 194,000 in the month, compared with the Dow Jones estimate of 500,000, the Labor Department reported. Despite the weak jobs total, wages increased sharply. The monthly gain of 0.6% pushed the year-over-year rise to 4.6% as companies use wage increases to combat the persistent labor shortage. The available workforce declined by 183,000 in September and is 3.1 million shy of where it was in February 2020, just before the pandemic was declared. The report comes at a critical time for the economy, with recent data showing solid consumer spending despite rising prices, growth in the manufacturing and services sector, and surging housing costs.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 8, 2021

Delta’ partnership with TSA streamlines check-in, security in Atlanta hub

New technology is offering customers a more efficient way to navigate the airport – without showing a paper boarding pass or a physical government ID.A customer’s digital identity is made up of their passport number and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Known Traveler Number and verified by facial recognition technology.Facial recognition equipment will first be visible in Atlanta’s South Security Checkpoint in the coming weeks. Airline passengers with TSA PreCheck membership and a Delta SkyMiles number, may soon have the option to experience an expedited airport journey at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. First unveiled in Detroit security checkpoints in early 2021, Delta Air Lines‘ digital identity experience is an industry first in exclusive partnership with TSA PreCheck. The experience is expanding to Atlanta, offering customers a more efficient way to navigate the airport – without showing a paper boarding pass or a physical government ID. With just one look at a camera, customers who qualify and opt in can easily and efficiently check a bag, pass through the TSA PreCheck security line and board their plane. A customer’s digital identity is made up of their passport number and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Known Traveler Number and verified by facial recognition technology, which confirms a traveler’s identity at airport touchpoints. Facial recognition equipment will first be visible in Atlanta’s South Security Checkpoint in the coming weeks and will expand to select bag drop and boarding areas before the end of the year. Delta Air Lines aims to expand to additional hubs next year to ensure a seamless, touchless travel experience across our network. “The exclusive expansion of digital identity moves Delta one step closer to achieving our vision of creating a more personalized and fully connected travel journey,” said Byron Merritt, Delta Air Lines‘ Vice President of Brand Experience Design. “Our goal in turning pivotal moments like security and check-in into seamless experiences is to give time and focus back to the moments customers enjoy. Innovations like digital identity are implemented with the intention to transform the cohesive travel experience into a journey that our customers can truly look forward to.” In both Atlanta and Detroit, domestic digital identity builds on Delta’s existing facial recognition option for international travel, which Delta began trialing more than five years ago and culminated with the launch of the first fully biometric terminal in Atlanta in 2018.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 8, 2021

Chile is reopening to fully vaccinated tourists

Entry into Chile can be via the three airports of Iquique, Antofagasta, and Arturo Merino Benítez.Before entering the country, the vaccines received by one’s government must be confirmed so that a mobility passport can be issued from Chile. People who are not vaccinated (and therefore cannot apply for a mobility pass) are not yet allowed to enter the country. Chile’s government officials announced that starting November 1, 2021, the quarantine for fully vaccinated international travelers will be lifted if the results of their PCR test performed upon arrival in Chile are negative. Travelers must be fully vaccinated, and vaccines must be recognized in Chile. The following entry requirements correspond to the current, official information: Entry into Chile can be via the three airports of Iquique, Antofagasta, and Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL, Santiago). Before entering the country, the vaccines received by one’s government must be confirmed so that a mobility passport (pase de movilidad) can be issued from Chile. The application for recognition of vaccines is available online. Complete the electronic form “Affidavit of the Traveler” up to 48 hours before boarding, in which you must provide your contact information, health, and location history. This form will include a QR code as a means of verification. It can be completed online (English version available). People who are not vaccinated (and therefore cannot apply for a mobility pass) are not yet allowed to enter the country. Tourists entering Chile must have travel health insurance covering an amount of $30,000. Proof of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before boarding is still required. A PCR test is carried out again at the destination airport in Chile. A PCR test is carried out at the destination airport in Chile. People entering the country must travel by private transport and directly to the specified place of stay from the moment of entry and wait there for the result of the PCR test (duration up to 24 hours). If the test is negative, the 5-day quarantine does not apply.

Harry Johnson·

Aviation Feature

·October 8, 2021

Air Belgium receives its first Airbus A330neo jet

Air Belgium will deploy the aircraft on routes connecting Brussels to long-haul destinations.The aircraft is configured with 286 seats in a three-class layout – 30 comfortable lie-flat business class, 21 premium-class, and 235 economy-class seats.All seats are equipped with the latest-generation, in-flight entertainment system, on-board Wi-Fi and mood lighting. Air Belgium, the full-service international destination carrier headquartered in Mont-Saint-Guibert in Belgium, has taken delivery of the first of two A330-900. The aircraft is configured with 286 seats in a three-class layout (30 comfortable lie-flat business class, 21 premium-class, and 235 economy-class seats). The aircraft is furnished with the Airbus Airspace cabin. All seats are equipped with the latest-generation, in-flight entertainment system, on-board Wi-Fi and mood lighting. Thanks to the A330neo’s latest technologies, Air Belgium will benefit from cost-effective and eco-efficient aircraft solutions, while providing passengers with the best comfort standards in the quietest cabins in its class. In addition, lower noise and emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft make the A330neo a friendlier airport neighbor. Air Belgium will deploy the aircraft on routes connecting Brussels to long-haul destinations. The Belgian carrier currently operates an all-Airbus widebody fleet comprising A330-200F and A340-300; the A340s will be gradually replaced by the A330neos. The A330neo Family is the new-generation A330; it builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions by about 25 percent-per-seat compared to previous-generation, competitor aircraft, and offers an unrivalled range capability. The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and composite winglets for better, fuel-beating aerodynamics. With an order book of more than 1,800 aircraft from 126 customers at the end of September 2021, the A330 remains the most popular widebody family aircraft of all time.

It’s important to remember that many airports charge travelers for phone charging points.Make sure to pack your own snacks ahead of the flight to save money for use when you reach your destination.Get your currency exchanged in plenty of time before you arrive at the airport for your trip. With many of us heading off on our first international trip in a very long time, the travel experts have revealed the 10 common airport mistakes that are costing you money on your trip. 1. Getting a taxi While getting a taxi to the airport might seem convenient, taxi trips to the airport are always expensive, especially at peak times. To keep costs down, make sure to pre-book an airport transfer, that way you’re not just sitting watching the meter go up! Alternatively, check to see if there are buses which run to the airport, as these are cheaper and better for the environment. 2. Forgetting your refillable water bottle While it may seem a small thing to remember to pack, forgetting to take an empty, refillable water bottle through security could cost you in the long run. In general, airport shops are much more expensive to operate, therefore the prices are usually higher. Most airports have free water stations where you can fill your bottle once you pass security. By taking your reusable bottle, you’re not only saving money but you’re also doing your bit for the environment. 3. Parking at the airport A lot of people opt for parking at the airport because they think it’s close and convenient. However, airport parking is expensive, and in some cases, airport parking can even cost more than your plane ticket. Not only is it expensive, but your car may not be very secure, as it’s left outside to face the elements, and there have been many documented cases of cars coming back damaged. You can save time and money by looking into the different park, sleep and fly options. These allow you to safely park your car at the hotel for the duration of your trip, stay at the hotel the night before and also shuttle you back and forth from the airport. Opting for a park, sleep fly option gives you a much more competitive rate for your parking. 4. Not planning ahead We all know airports can get busy, with slow-moving security lines and other delays, so it is important to plan your journey to the airport and give yourself plenty of time before your flight. By not leaving yourself enough time to get to the airport, check-in and get past security, you run the risk of missing your flight. This is especially costly if you’ve booked with an airline that doesn’t offer refunds.

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”.

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