PIA resumes flights to Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia reopens travel New strain of COVID-19 virus in Saudi Arabia The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday announced the resumption of two-way flights to the kingdom after Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on international travel.  Continue reading Pakistan and Saudi Arabia resume passenger flights at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

New flights from Dubai to London Premium Economy Class only available as an Upgrade on Emirates Emirates introduced A380 Emirates has announced that it will deploy its latest flagship A380 aircraft featuring new premium economy seats and luxurious enhancements across all cabins to London Heathrow. Continue reading This Premium Economy Class is only available for upgrades at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Qatar Airways Cargo took delivery of three brand new Boeing 777 freighters today, bringing its total freighter fleet count to 30 freighters, consisting of two Boeing 747 freighters, 24 Boeing 777 Freighters and four Airbus A330 freighters.   Qatar Airways Cargo will introduce these freighters on its long haul scheduled routes and will also operate them as cargo charters, supporting global trade and the movement of time and temperature sensitive goods. Continue reading Qatar Airways Cargo takes delivery of three new Boeing 777 Freighters at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Aeromexico airline and pilots union, Asociación Sindical de Pilotos Aviadores de Mexico (ASPA) which represents Mexican pilots, are still at odds over current negotiations. Agreement is necessary in order for the airline to meet the commitments and objectives required by bankruptcy lenders allowing the company to access subsequent disbursements under the Senior Debtor in Possession Credit Facility (DIP Financing). Continue reading Aeromexico Airline and Pilots Union Still At Odds at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Airbus SE urged EU government in Brussels to issue an ‘appropriate’ response to the newly announced US trade tariffs. European multinational aerospace giant also warned that new tariffs on aircraft parts could and most likely will backfire on US workers. The bitter EU-US trade row over aerospace subsidies to plane makers Airbus and Boeing is set to further escalate in 2021, as the US Trade Representative’s office (USTR) unveiled plans to raise duties on French and German wines as well as “aircraft-related parts.” It is not clear when the new tariffs will be introduced, while the rate of the levies has not been revealed so far.  Continue reading Airbus urges ‘appropriate’ EU response to new US tariffs at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Indian authorities have informally requested all domestic and international air carriers not to fly any Chinese passengers into India. India’s strong retaliatory move comes after China’s not-so-subtle push to stop Indian nationals from flying into China, something that has only tightened since November. While flights between India and China are currently suspended, Chinese nationals eligible to travel as per current norms for foreigners have been doing so by first flying to a third country with which India has a travel bubble. Continue reading India asks airlines not to fly Chinese passengers into the country at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

JetBlue today announced it has formally taken delivery of its first Airbus A220-300 aircraft, marking the start of a new era for the airline’s fleet. The aircraft – tail N3008J – is scheduled to arrive at JetBlue’s home at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) this evening from Airbus’s U.S. Continue reading JetBlue rings in the New Year with new Airbus A220-300 jet at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Qatar Airways is pleased to announce it will bring forward the launch of its four weekly flights to Seattle from 15 March to 29 January 2021. The airline will operate a four-times weekly service operated by its state-of-the-art Boeing 777 featuring 42 seats in Business Class and 312 seats in Economy Class. Continue reading Qatar Airways announces launch of four weekly flights to Seattle at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Responsibility Creates Opportunities Tourism is going through a tough new reality that needs a new response For those of us in the sector, we do not need short-term fixes, we don’t need open borders yet, and we cannot promote international travel at this time. Politically and also economically this is a hard pill to swallow. Continue reading World Tourism Network urges Kuleana for 2021 at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Air India has been in the news recently regarding being sold by the government. Air India, headquartered in New Delhi, India, is the flag carrier airline of the country. It is owned by Air India Limited, a government-owned enterprise, and operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serving 102 domestic and international destinations. Continue reading AirAsia India Stakes Sold for $38 Million at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

According to the regional news sources, at least 27 people were killed and dozens were injured in the attack on Aden International Airport in Yemen. An explosion and automatic gunfire erupted as Yemeni new government’s plane landed at Aden International Airport. Local footage shows the chaotic scenes that resulted. Continue reading Dozens killed and wounded in Aden International Airport attack in Yemen at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Grupo Aeroméxico, S.A.B. de C.V. reports that significant progress has been made in Collective Bargaining Agreement (Contratos Colectivos de Trabajo) negotiations with its unions, progress that was necessary to face the adverse effects caused to the airline industry by the global COVID-19. As of today, the Company has satisfactorily concluded negotiations with the Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Industria Aeronáutica, Comunicaciones Similares y Conexos de la República Mexicana (STIA) and with the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores al Servicio de las Líneas Aéreas, Transportes, Servicios, Similares y Conexos Independencia (Independencia). Continue reading Aeromexico: Significant progress with union agreements at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

The OTT Airlines, a newly-founded subsidiary business run by China Eastern Airlines (CEA), made its maiden Shanghai-Beijing flight. The flight was completed by an ARJ21, the first turbofan regional passenger jetliner produced by China, which is able to carry as many as 90 passengers. The ARJ21 airliner features comfort of trunkliners. Continue reading New OTT Airlines makes maiden flight from Shanghai to Beijing at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Following recent changes to U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) rules, Alaska Airlines will no longer accept emotional support animals on its flights. Effective Jan. 11, 2021, Alaska will only transport service dogs, which are specially trained to perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability.  Earlier this month the DOT said it will no longer require airlines to make the same accommodations for emotional support animals as is required for trained service dogs. Changes to the DOT rules came after feedback from the airline industry and disability community regarding numerous instances of emotional support animal misbehavior which caused injuries, health hazards and damage to aircraft cabins.  “This regulatory change is welcome news, as it will help us reduce disturbances onboard, while continuing to accommodate our guests traveling with qualified service animals,” said Ray Prentice, director of customer advocacy at Alaska Airlines. Continue reading Alaska Airlines says no to emotional support animals at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Press secretary of the Warsaw Chopin Airport announced that Russia’s flag carrier Aeroflot has resumed commercial flights to Poland’s capital city of Warsaw. The first direct flight of Aeroflot from Moscow since spring has arrived at the capital of Poland on Saturday. “Aeroflot flights will be made every Saturday from December 26 to March 27, 2021,” the press secretary said. Continue reading Russian Aeroflot resumes Warsaw passenger flights at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

At the close of an extraordinary year and one of the most challenging in the history of aviation, Qatar Airways reflects on its achievements in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “This year has been unlike any other, with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting people and businesses all around the world. Continue reading Qatar Airways: One of most challenging years in aviation history at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) airspace restrictions over additional national security sensitive locations, effective December 30. In cooperation with its federal partners, the FAA will restrict UAS operations in the airspace over two locations. The first facility is Rock Island Arsenal located between Davenport, Iowa and Rocks Island, Illinois. Continue reading FAA restricts drone operations over national security sensitive locations at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

The 2020 Gay Travel Awards announced the winners today.  In its fifth year, the Gay Travel Awards mission is to recognize and reward select accommodations, destinations, and transportation companies worldwide. These distinguished organizations lead by example and help inspire other companies and brands to follow their spirit of diversity and inclusiveness. Continue reading 2020 Gay Travel Awards winners revealed! at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Bermuda has been looking for alternative tourism markets and found one. Azores Airlines will start flying from the Azores to Bermuda as of the summer of 2021, and tickets are now on sale. Between June 6 and September 19, Azores Airlines will fly once weekly between Ponta Delgada and Bermuda. Continue reading Bermuda link to the Azores opens Tourist Opportunities at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Russia’s official COVID-19 response center announced that the country has extended suspension of all flights between Russian Federation and the United Kingdom trough January 12, 2021. “The Response Center for Prevention of Import and Spread of the Novel Coronavirus Infection made the decision to extend the term for the suspension of air traffic with the United Kingdom. Continue reading Russia extends UK flight ban through January 12 at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Some European travel insurers warned that while COVID-19 vaccination is not currently needed to purchase a travel insurance policy for visiting European Union, it will become mandatory if the EU chooses to require the coronavirus shots for all incoming visitors. According to EU insurer Europ Assistance, the firm would be far from the only travel insurer to require customers to get an experimental vaccine, which only received its emergency use authorization last week for the EU – a vow that has unsettled those who haven’t made up their mind about taking a jab. Continue reading Travel insurers: COVID-19 jab may become mandatory for Europe trip at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) today reported the following consolidated airline ticketing volume variances, compared to the same period in 2019. These totals represent sales generated by U.S. travel agencies* and processed through the ARC settlement system. Data figures are for the seven days ending December 27, 2020.   Tickets Issued for All Itineraries:   7-Day Period EndingTicket Variance vs. Continue reading ARC: Air ticket sales by US travel agencies still in the red at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Qatar Airways continues to expand its portfolio of strong, globally strategic partnerships by signing an expanded codeshare agreement with Oman Air that will boost connectivity and provide more flexible travel options for both airline’s customers. The expanded code-share agreement is the first step in further strengthening strategic cooperation between the two airlines that first began in 2000. Continue reading Qatar Airways expands codeshare agreement with Oman Air at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has expanded its business with the launch of charter and special flight services. Fully customisable, business and leisure guests can choose from a variety of flight options including a dedicated passenger service, cargo only flight or a combined passenger and cargo package. Continue reading Etihad Airways launches charter flight services at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

United Airlines with the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced a program to collect customer contact information for all international and domestic flights. During the check-in process, United customers will be prompted to voluntarily opt-in and provide contact information such as an email address, phone numbers and an address of where they will be once they reach their destination, details that were previously difficult for the CDC to obtain in real-time. Continue reading United and CDC work on contact tracing initiative for all international and domestic flights at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Air Canada said today that with the flight of AC 7227 from Toronto to Lima it has now operated 4,000 all-cargo flights since launching into the cargo-only-flight business in March of 2020. By successfully establishing a dedicated, cargo-only operation, Air Canada Cargo is well-positioned to play a key role in carrying COVID-19 vaccine shipments for Canadians and to capture future growth opportunities in the global air cargo market. Continue reading Air Canada operates 4,000th all-cargo flight at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Qatar Airways is delighted to welcome this festive season by creating special moments that will surprise and delight our passengers both on board and on the ground. Passengers departing to and from Qatar Airways’ destinations in the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and select destinations in Asia and Africa, will enjoy the airline’s festivities from 19 December until 26 December. Continue reading Qatar Airways surprises and delights passengers this Holiday Season at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) today released data showing net sales from ARC-accredited travel agencies totaling nearly $1.2 billion in November 2020, down from just over $1.4 billion in October 2020. Year-over-year November sales were down 83% compared to November 2019, when sales totaled $6.9 billion. Month over month, November 2020 results showed:  A 15% decrease in the total number of passenger trips; U.S. Continue reading ARC: US travel agency air ticket sales slow down in November at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Tourism before the pandemic Over the past several decades, tourism has experienced continuous growth and diversification to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world (UNWTO, 2019).  International tourist arrivals increased from 25.3 million in 1950 to 1138 million in 2014 to 1500 million in 2019.  Continue reading Vaccine politics and tourism at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

International arrivals fell by 72% over the first ten months of 2020, with restrictions on travel, low consumer confidence and a global struggle to contain the COVID-19 virus, all contributing to the worst year on record in the history of tourism. According to the latest tourism data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), destinations welcomed 900 million fewer international tourists between January and October when compared with the same period of 2019. Continue reading Global tourism back to 1990 levels as arrivals fall 72% at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways fully committed today to one of its New Year’s resolutions: launch first-ever flights at Miami International Airport. JetBlue has set February 11, 2021 – the airline’s 21st birthday – as the start date for its Miami route expansion, which will include service to four U.S. Continue reading JetBlue adds Miami flights to its New Year’s resolutions at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Air Greenland, the flag-carrier for Greenland, is the latest airline to order Airbus’ next generation A330neo widebody aircraft. The new A330-800 will replace the airline’s ageing Airbus A330-200ceo to secure operations linking the Arctic island with Denmark from end of 2022 onwards and beyond. Air Greenland’s CEO’s Jacob Nitter Sørensen said: “The A330neo is a fundamental part of Air Greenland’s fleet strategy. Continue reading Air Greenland places Christmas order for Airbus A330neo at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Latest travel analytics research reveals that despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent collapse in aviation, there has been a last-minute surge in flight bookings for the Christmas period. In a normal year, tickets issued for travel in the week before Christmas tend to grow progressively throughout the year.  However, in 2020, the pattern has been different, with a late rush taking place during November. Continue reading Last-minute surge in flight bookings for Christmas period at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Beginning February 11, JetBlue Airways is to add seasonal nonstop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport  (JFK)  and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Key West International Airport (EYW). Service from JFK to EYW is scheduled Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays, with flights arriving in Key West at 1:22 p.m. Continue reading JetBlue announces Key West flights from New York City and Boston at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Airbus Helicopters and its historical partner Héli-Union have signed a contract for the purchase of two multi-mission H160s to address a wide range of operations.  “We are excited to be one of the first customers to onboard the H160 which will expand our fleet of 40 helicopters. Continue reading Héli-Union to purchase two Airbus H160 helicopters at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has reviewed COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) following the increase in passenger traffic accessing the Entebbe International Airport since its October 1 reopening after the lockdown from late March 2020. The notice issued by Management contains the following directives: Effective December 2020, departing and arriving passengers will only be dropped and picked from the airport by at most two people including the driver of the vehicle in order to avoid unnecessary crowding at the airport. Continue reading Uganda Civil Aviation Authority updates COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

German authorities on Sunday issued an emergency order to ban all fights between the Federal Republic of Germany and the United Kingdom as of immediately. This was also expanded for flights from Germany to South Africa. German based aircrafts currently in the UK are allowed to fly back. Continue reading All Flights stopped from Germany to UK and South Africa at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Earlier today, the UK Prime Minister convened a meeting of the Incident Response Group to discuss the new variant of COVID-19 identified in the United Kingdom. Minister of Health Patty Hajdu, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair, Minister of Transport Marc Garneau, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc, and Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne participated in the meeting Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is guided by the latest science and research. Continue reading Canada suspends all flights from the UK at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Russia suspended all flights with the UK amid news of the discovery of a new, more contagious strain of COVID-19 in the country, according to the latest reports by Russian TASS news agency. The restrictions will go into effect from midnight Tuesday, December 22, and will initially last for one week. Continue reading Russia suspends all flights with Great Britain at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Neste has signed an agreement to supply SAF to DHL Express, the express service arm of Deutsche Post DHL Group, world’s leading mail and logistics company. The Group is renowned as a pioneer of green logistics, utilizing its expertise to make the logistics of its customers greener and more sustainable. Continue reading Neste supplies DHL Express with sustainable aviation fuel at San Francisco Airport at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

The Philippines’ largest carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB), commercially launches its Test Before Boarding (TBB) process for passengers flying from Manila, after its successful pilot run with the local government of General Santos. This process makes use of an antigen test taken just hours before the scheduled time of departure, with results released within 30 minutes.   Continue reading Cebu Pacific now offers antigen tests to passengers at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Uganda Airlines, the country’s  flag-carrier, has taken delivery of its first A330neo, the latest version of the most popular widebody airliner. It is the first Airbus aircraft delivered to Uganda Airlines, which was established in 2019.  In line with the Company’s strategy to keep offering its customers unbeatable economics, increased operational efficiency and superior passenger comfort, the A330-800 is the latest addition to Airbus’ commercial aircraft product line. Continue reading Airbus delivers first A330neo jet to Uganda Airlines at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) today reported the following consolidated airline ticketing volume variances, compared to the same period in 2019. These totals represent sales generated by U.S. travel agencies* and processed through the ARC settlement system. Data figures are for the seven days ending December 20, 2020.   Tickets Issued for All Itineraries:   7-Day Period EndingTicket Variance vs. Continue reading US travel agencies’ air ticket sales still down nearly 70% at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Following the discovery of a new, more contagious variant of the coronavirus in the UK and South Africa, the Federal Council today decided to take steps to prevent the further spread of this new virus strain. All persons who have entered Switzerland from these two countries since 14 December must go into quarantine for 10 days. Continue reading Switzerland announces entry ban, retroactive quarantine for travelers from UK and South Africa at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Why is the United States Government putting its citizens and visitors in harm’s way? Coronavirus is out of control, 120 countries require COVID-19 tests before an airline passenger may board a flight to such countries. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo wants to make it 120 counties and the State of New York. Continue reading 120 countries plus New York while the US remains silent at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia has been ranked a Five-Star Global Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ is the first airline rating program based solely on certified passenger feedback.  The industry’s most anticipated honor is based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights. Continue reading Saudi Arabian Airlines ranked a Five-Star Global Airline at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Qatar Airways has announced that it will offer passengers unlimited date changes and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued before 30 April 2021 for travel completed by 31 December 2021. The airline’s latest enhancement to its industry-leading flexible booking policy has been designed to continue providing customers with peace of mind that they can change their plans with ease. Continue reading Qatar Airways: Full year of flexibility in 2021 at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Boeing and Alaska Airlines announced that the carrier is buying 23 more 737-9 airplanes, building on its original order and an agreement last month to acquire new 737-9s through lease. The new deal brings Alaska Airlines’ total 737 MAX orders and options to 120 airplanes, which will give the fifth largest U.S. Continue reading Alaska Airlines ups Boeing 737 MAX orders and options to 120 jets at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

In a decision dated December 21, 2020, federal Administrative Law Judge Scott R. Morris found Delta Air Lines, Inc. guilty of having used a compulsory psychiatric examination as a “weapon” against Dr. Karlene Petitt after she raised safety issues related to the airline’s flight operations.   Dr. Continue reading Judge finds Delta Air Lines liable for retaliation against female pilot whistleblower at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Jamaica is being hailed as “the next big thing” for Nigerian tourists by that country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Geoffrey Onyeama, following the arrival of the first non-stop flight from Nigeria to Jamaica, which touched down at the Sangster International Airport last night (December 21). “We really expect to see it (tourism) take off in a big way,” said Minister Onyeama, who was among some 140 passengers on the inaugural flight, which landed just after 10:00 p.m. Continue reading Jamaica ‘Next Big Thing’ for Nigerian tourists at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.