Airbus A321P2F is the first aircraft in its size category to offer containerized loading in both the main and lower deck Continue reading World’s first Airbus A321P2F delivered at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Emirates resumes flights to Seattle, Dallas, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Toronto and Washington DC Continue reading Emirates expands its operations in the Americas at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

ARC reports that airline ticket sales by US travel agencies are still in the red Continue reading US travel agency air ticket volume still down nearly 70% at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

European aviation is in dire straits, and the current discussion on airport slots is doing little to address aviation workers’ main concerns Continue reading ETF: Discussion on slots ignores aviation workers’ main concerns at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Traveling on a private jet is out of reach for most people, but it's a safe way to travel. The British Islands will help to make it more affordable and to help the hurting idsland travel and tourism industry Continue reading British Virgin Islands helps pay for your private jet at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

At least 65 people - 53 passengers, including 10 children, and 12 crewmembers were on board of crashed Indonesian Boeing 737-500 passenger plane Continue reading Indonesian authorities confirm that Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737 with 65 on board crashed into Jakarta Bay at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

62 passengers and crew are assumed dead after Sriwijaya Air flight #SJ182 a 737-500 (classic narrow-body airline jet) disappeared on a domestic flight on Saturday afternoon. The aircraft lost more than 10,000 feet in less than 60 seconds and debris has been found in the area. Continue reading Passenger Plane Crash in Indonesia at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Aeromexico and unions negotiate necessary adjustments to face the adverse effects caused to the airline industry by the global pandemic of COVID-19 Continue reading Aeromexico continues negotiations with Unions at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

WestJet Group to stand down equivalent of 1,000 employees and reduce capacity by a third Continue reading WestJet slashes capacity over ‘rushed government testing regime’ at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Aeromexico's December passenger numbers up 20.5% versus November 2020, driven by increases in both domestic and international passenger demand Continue reading Aeromexico: 1.116 million passengers in December 2020 at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

In 2020, Alaska added 12 new routes from LAX Continue reading Alaska Airlines launches Austin-Los Angeles and New York-San Diego flights at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

WestJet announced that it is “safely” returning its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX jets to passenger service as of January 21. Continue reading WestJet announces Boeing 737 MAX return-to service plan at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Lufthansa raises 500 million euros to refinance existing liabilities which are maturing in 2021 Continue reading Lufthansa raised €500 million in aircraft financing since July 2020 at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Severe travel restrictions and quarantine measures cause air travel demand to slow down and come to a complete stop in November Continue reading IATA: Passenger demand recovery grinds to a halt at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Cathay Pacific flights to London’s Heathrow airport will resume on January 12, followed by a total of seven more up until January 24. But a flight to Manchester on January 15 was axed. Continue reading Cathay Pacific suspends all flights from UK to Hong Kong until January 25 at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty program of Etihad Airways,  concluded 2020 with a positive outlook following a series of corporate social responsibility activations and member initiatives. During 2020, the program and its members donated 48 million miles to support relief campaigns for COVID-19, Australia’s bushfires and the explosion in Beirut. Continue reading Etihad Guest offers more flexibility during COVID-19 pandemic at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

What makes COVID-19 different from previous diseases in the speed and reach of the virus and the extent of the contagion beyond the traveler to the destination? Tourism is about movement. Pandemics are about stopping a spread. Continue reading Tourism and Pandemics: Do They Coexist? at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Qatar Airways teams up with LATAM on flights from Doha to South America| Qatar Airways accept bookings on Brazil based LATAM Airlines | Qatar Airways carbon policy | Qatar Airways is pleased to announce it has increased São Paulo services to 10 weekly flights and expanded codeshare cooperation with LATAM Airlines Brasil optimizing connectivity for both airline’s passengers to and from destinations in Asia, the Middle East and South America. Continue reading Qatar Airways and LATAM expand South America networks at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) domestic traffic numbers in the United States | Number of tickets issued in the United States down up to 82.9% | Number of tickets sold by segment released | Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) today reported the following consolidated airline ticketing volume variances, compared to the same period in 2019. Continue reading No sign of recovery for airline ticket sales by US travel agencies at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Today former UNWTO Executive Director for many years, Mr. Carlos Vogeler gave 21 Important Reasons which make it necessary to have a different UNWTO Secretariat Carlos Vogeler, former UNWTO Executive Director is joining two previous Secretary-Generals Francesco Frangialli and Dr.Taleb Rifai, and Professor Geoffrey Lipman in the World Tourism Network Campaign for Decency to ensure decency at the upcoming UNWTO Election. Continue reading 21 Incredible Reasons to Replace UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

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.