Air Canada restarts passenger flights between London Heathrow and Calgary......

Air Canada has resumed passenger flights between London Heathrow and Calgary International Airport this week, with a three-times-weekly nonstop service. The outbound service from London Heathrow to Calgary will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and the return service from Calgary to London Heathrow on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

Flights are operated with state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 30 Air Canada Signature Class, 21 Premium Economy and 247 Economy seats.  

In addition to the resumed service between London Heathrow and Calgary, Air Canada offers daily nonstop services from London Heathrow to Toronto and Vancouver, as well as a 4-times weekly nonstop service between London Heathrow and Montréal.

“The restart of our service between London Heathrow and Calgary provides our UK customers with even greater travel choice,” said Stephen Gerrard, Air Canada General Manager Sales, U.K. and Ireland. “The gradual return of our services from London Heathrow, connecting the U.K. and Canada, is an important step forward as we rebuild our international network."

More details and ways to book can be found here.... 

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10 day trial at London Heathrow shows UK Government can rapidly expand its Amber policy and remove self-isolation for fully vaccinated US and EU citizens arriving into the UK

 The results of a joint UK proving trial established by Heathrow, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have demonstrated the UK Government can rapidly expand its Amber policy and remove self-isolation for fully vaccinated US and EU citizens arriving into the UK.

The group’s encouraging trial results come ahead of the UK Government’s next checkpoint to review traffic light measures, due by this Saturday, 31 July. Using a selection of US, Caribbean and European routes, the trial successfully proves that airlines and airports can very effectively check a wider range of recognised vaccination statuses for different nationalities – in both paper and digital format – at the point of departure and away from the UK Border, ensuring no further pressure in immigration halls. Verification checks ensured 99% of credentials were authentic with the remaining 1% successfully denied where documentation requirements were not met.

Findings from a 10-day proving trial jointly organised by Heathrow, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic demonstrate that internationally recognised vaccination statuses can be checked quickly and easily away from the border to allow safe entry to the UK 

Around 250 fully vaccinated voluntary participants on flights from the USA, the Caribbean and Europe to London Heathrow presented their Covid-19 vaccination status in digital or paper format, with 99% of credentials correctly verified for a smooth and convenient customer experience 

Anonymised data from the trial has been shared with the UK Government ahead of the next traffic light restrictions checkpoint, due by 31 July 

The trial shows industry readiness for Amber rules for fully vaccinated travellers, with no reason to delay an expansion to US and EU citizens 

The exemption from self-isolation for fully jabbed arrivals from Amber countries is currently limited to vaccines administered by UK authorities, meaning the UK is falling behind the EU and hindering its own economic recovery, with citizens of our largest trading partners unable to avoid self-isolation even if they’re fully vaccinated

New British Airways, Virgin and London Heathrow trial

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Heathrow have joined forces to prove it’s possible to quickly and easily verify those arriving into the UK who are fully vaccinated – an identification process already in place for outbound travel to several countries. Earlier this week, Germany became the latest country to confirm it would accept fully vaccinated UK travellers without the need to quarantine. The new UK proving trial, enabling inbound travellers to present their fully vaccinated status, will support the Government to move forward with its plans to remove quarantine for double jabbed passengers entering the UK from ‘amber list’ countries.

Later this week customers travelling on selected flights from the US, Caribbean and Europe to London Heathrow will be invited to take part in a proving trial to support the Government in lifting some of the most onerous restrictions for travellers arriving from ‘amber list’ countries

Fully vaccinated travellers of all nationalities will be able to present their Covid-19 credentials in digital or paper format to help prove vaccination status can be quickly and easily checked away from the border and allow safe entry to the UK

Anonymised data will be shared with the UK Government at the earliest opportunity, providing real-world insights to support the introduction of a scheme to exempt fully vaccinated passengers from self-isolation

Participants will continue to adhere to current restrictions for travellers entering from ‘amber list’ countries during the trial period

The proof-of-concept aims to support the Government to introduce exemptions for fully vaccinated travellers no later than 19 July, allowing the UK to catch-up with the EU and US, which have already introduced similar schemes

Routes including Los Angeles-LAX and New York-JFK have been chosen given Transatlantic air links between the US and UK are vital to re-start business, reunite families and allow people to go on holiday

UK's CAA issues safety warning after pitot blockage events at London Heathrow

A new safety warning notice has been issued after the UK's Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Accident Investigation Branch have been told about three separate events of blocked pitot tubes occurring at London Heathrow Airport which could have caused a disaster. 

These most recent events all took place between 9 June 2021 – 11 June 2021, where aircraft have been subject to pitot blockages which resulted in airspeed discrepancies and associated crew actions. All of the events are being investigated by the UK AAIB under normal ICAO Annex 13 investigation procedures. However, initial feedback seems to suggest a form of insect infestation may have 

contributed to these events.

According to the CAA, all the aircraft involved were of different types and hadn't been used very much. The aircraft had been subject to parking for periods of 3 -7 days at various locations within the airport..

Because of the risks,  the CAA advises all operators and maintenance crews to be aware of the issues and said that whilst the investigation is ongoing, such events may not be isolated to just London Heathrow and could affect many other aircraft at other airports.

The CAA also says that flight deck crews should be made aware of  "this potential issue, reminded of the importance of the speed checks during the take-off roll and the actions to be taken in the case of a discrepancy, as well as the appropriate unreliable speed indications for their aircraft type should they discover the issue once airborne."

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All the transatlantic airline CEO's call for the reopening of transatlantic travel..........

All the transatlantic airline CEO's call for the reopening of transatlantic travel

The CEOs of all airlines that offer UK-US passenger services – American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic joined today with Heathrow Airport and other industry-leading CEOs in calling for the re-opening of transatlantic travel, a move that will be essential to igniting economic recovery.

Top leaders in aviation and travel came together ahead of the G7 meeting in Cornwall later to push for the reopening of the UK – US travel corridor. With world-leading vaccination programmes in both the UK and US, there is a clear opportunity to safely open up travel between these two low-risk countries, enabling consumers on both sides of the Atlantic to reconnect with loved ones, re-establish business relationships and explore new destinations after more than a year of lockdowns and restrictions. The CEOs urged both governments to take a data-driven and risk-based approach to re-opening borders to travel.

A line-up of American Airlines CEO Doug Parker, British Airways CEO and Chairman Sean Doyle, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes, United CEO Scott Kirby, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow and Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss joined forces at the panel event, hosted by Duncan Edwards, Chief Executive of BritishAmerican Business.

Philadelphia International Airport and London Heathrow Airport ink agreement on transatlantic tie up

Photo Philadelphia International Airport

Florence Brown Director of Communications at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) confirmed on Tuesday that the airport had signed a unique and targeted Memorandum of Understanding with Heathrow Airport (LHR), which will see the two major international hubs work closer together in the recovery from the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

“Heathrow is PHL’s busiest transatlantic route with more than 2,200 annual flights and 455,000 onboarded passengers in 2019,” said PHL CEO Chellie Cameron. “This partnership will help us safely restart travel for our most important transatlantic trade corridor.”

“We have been working closely with PHL over the past six months - exchanging information and best practice supporting the delivery of a safe and secure environment for our passengers,” said LHR CEO John Holland-Kaye. “We wanted to take this engagement a step further by signing an MoU as we work hard to bring back a safe and meaningful restart of travel between the UK and U.S.”

Economic regulation of Heathrow Airport

UK Civil Aviation Authority publishes update on economic regulation of Heathrow Airport Limited

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published a package of measures relating to our economic regulation of Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL). 

The documents cover:

    Confirmation of our policy to allow Heathrow to recover the costs it incurred efficiently as part of its expansion programme;

    The CAA's latest update on the efficiency of HAL's capital expenditure during the current price control period (Q6)

    The CAA's decision relating to HAL's request for an increase to its regulatory asset base (RAB) of £2.6bn to account for the losses incurred because of the pandemic. The CAA has agreed to a limited, early adjustment to HAL's RAB of £300m and will consider this issue further as part of the next price control (H7); and

    The CAA's view on some of the key issues it will be considering as part of H7, which will come into effect from January 2022. 

Commenting on the CAA's decision to allow a limited, early adjustment to HAL's RAB, Paul Smith, Director at the CAA, said: 

 

“Following Heathrow's request for a RAB adjustment we have taken the decision that an early intervention on the scale of its request is disproportionate and not in the interests of consumers. The other issues raised by Heathrow as part of its request will be dealt with during the next price control review.

We do, however, recognise that these are exceptional circumstances for the airport and there are potential risks to consumers if we take no action in the short term. The decision we have announced today will incentivise and allow Heathrow to maintain investment, service quality and be proactive in supporting any potential surge in consumer demand later this year.”

Heathrow selects Smiths Detection for its next generation cabin baggage and security screening equipment

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, today announces that it has been chosen to supply integrated checkpoints throughout Heathrow Airport, featuring the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX computed tomography X-rays, to deliver an advanced level of security and efficiency. 

 The ECAC EDS CB C3 approved CT systems will see Heathrow meet the highest regulatory requirements, while helping the leading airport achieve its vision for the future of the security checkpoint for passengers and colleagues. The integrated checkpoints feature iLane automatic tray return systems and Checkpoint.Evoplus, Smiths Detection’s checkpoint operation management solution. The award also includes a 10-year equipment service agreement.

“We are delighted to once again be given the opportunity to work closely with Heathrow Airport to provide leading-edge technologies that bring the best security outcomes and passenger experience,” said Smiths Detection President, Roland Carter. “Both Smiths Detection and Heathrow are focused on intelligent solutions that deliver efficiency, security and resilience; and these new lanes will allow for improvements to be easily integrated as technology develops.”

Heathrow wants the UK government to rush decisions as it releases its latest figures.

The management of London Heathrow Airport wants the government to rush through decisions to help them protect jobs and the airport's vast profits in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

The UK's Government’s quarantine policy for international arrivals impacted load factors, which declined by 7% following its introduction in early June, compared to 2019. The airport says an exit plan is now more critical than ever, as long-haul flights remain grounded and more jobs continue to be put at risk in an industry crucial to rebuilding the UK economy.

 Heathrow urges Government to act faster on establishing Common International Standards that would allow safer travel to critical trading routes. Whilst steps toward travel corridors in July provide some hope for an initial recovery, the pace is too slow for the airports liking. 

Heathrow calls for quarantine exit plan to help reboot the UK economy

Passenger numbers were down 97% in April with the airport supporting essential travel for just 200,000 people in the entire month – the same number it would typically serve in just one day. Many of those passengers were on board the 218 charted repatriation flights that landed at Heathrow. Demand is expected to remain weak until governments lift lockdowns.

A total of 1,788 cargo only flights operated from Heathrow in April, helping to bring in critical supplies of PPE. The busiest day was 30th April, with 95 dedicated cargo movements – 14 times the usual daily average pre-COVID. Even so, cargo volumes at Britain’s biggest port were down over 60%. 

COVID detection camera trials landing at Heathrow

Photo Heathrow

Heathrow to drive forward development of a Common International Standard by trialling technologies and processes that reduce risk of Covid-19 transmission
Trials will assess for medical effectiveness, passenger response as well as suitability to the airport environment
Technologies under review include UV sanitation, facial recognition thermal screening technology and contactless security procedures
Data from trials will be shared with Government and industry to jumpstart the creation of a Common International Standard for health screening

Heathrow CEO, John Holland-Kaye informed the House of Commons Transport Committee on Wednesday 6th May that the airport is to trial technologies and processes which could form the basis of a Common International Standard for health screening at all global airports. The aim of the collective measures being trialled is to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting Covid-19 while travelling.

The package of measures that will need to be adopted will consist of tried and tested processes and technology as well as innovations new to the airport environment. Concepts under review as part of the Heathrow trials include: UV sanitation, which could be used to quickly and efficiently sanitise security trays; facial recognition thermal screening technology to accurately track body temperature; and contact-free security screening equipment to reduce person-to-person contact.

Heathrow outlines early impacts of COVID-19 - Results for the 3 months ended 31st March 2020

• Heathrow remains open – and continues operating safely to help people get home and to secure vital supply lines for the UK

• Significant impact on traffic – Passenger numbers declined by 18.3% during Q1 to 14.6 million and are expected to be down by around 97% in April. We expect passenger demand will remain weak until governments around the world deem it safe to lift travel restrictions. Overall revenue fell 12.7% to £593 million and adjusted EBITDA fell by 22.4% to £315 million

• Management has responded quickly – Heathrow took immediate action to conserve cash and reduce costs by around 30%, through cutting management pay, renegotiating all contracts and consolidating operations. Capital expenditure has been cut by £650 million

• Financial position is robust – Heathrow has £3.2 billion in liquidity, sufficient to maintain the business at least over the next 12 months, even with no passengers

• Building passenger confidence in flying - Heathrow is working with partners round the world to establish a Common International Standard for safe air travel to help the economy recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Re-establishing long haul passenger flights is critical for the UK’s supply chain, exports, inbound tourism and education

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: "Heathrow is proud to serve Britain by remaining open for repatriating UK citizens and critical supplies of PPE.  When we have beaten this virus, we will need to get Britain flying again so that the economy can recover as fast as possible. That is why we are calling on the UK government to take a lead in setting a Common International Standard for safe air travel."

Heathrow confirms planning application in 2020 alongside new delivery timetable and public consultation

Heathrow outlines timeline for submission of expansion planning application towards the end of 2020
The airport announces it will hold further public consultation to finalise airport expansion proposals following the recent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) decision to cap early spending
An eight-week consultation will run from April through to June

Heathrow has announced it will launch an eight-week public consultation to finalise its proposals for airport expansion following the recent decision by the UK’s aviation regulator, the CAA, to cap early spending on the project. Capping spending has prolonged the construction period of a new third runway and means Heathrow will need to undertake refreshed modelling of key aspects of the plan – including public transport to and from the airport – to evidence that Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) targets can be met.

The consultation will run from April through to June ensuring that communities can review and feedback. Heathrow will be writing to local authorities in the coming weeks with more information, offering them the opportunity to feedback on our approach to consultation. Responses will feed into the final planning application, to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate towards the end of 2020.

Heathrow’s submission to the Planning Inspectorate will detail how the airport will expand and connect all of Britain to global growth, whilst meeting the requirements of the ANPS. It will also restate Heathrow’s commitment to ensuring an expanded Heathrow meets strict environmental targets, delivers tens of thousands of new high-skilled jobs and honours our commitments to local communities.

Heathrow’s family-friendly revamp in time for half-term

Heathrow is rolling out its purple carpet for families and children flying through the airport during half-term with new services and limited-time offers to ensure their journeys start off right.  

From February 13th to the 23rd,  Heathrow’s Mr Men characters – Mr Adventure and Little Miss Explorer – will visit the terminals with Passenger Ambassadors, encouraging children to take part in craft activities. This year, children can also get started on the Mr. Men fun ahead of their travels through the new Mr Men family portrait feature which allows them to assign Mr. Men characters to family members and friends to create a personalised portrait.

15 million extra passengers flew through Healthrow in the last decade......... Latest figures from the UK's number one airport.

Since 2010, Heathrow has welcomed an additional 15 million passengers - an increase of 18% over the course of the decade. This passenger growth was facilitated by £12 billion worth of private investment which culminated in the opening of Terminal 2 which is now ranked by passengers as one of the best airport terminals in the world.

In the 2010s, Heathrow served as Britain’s front door for a number of nationally significant moments, such as the arrival of the world’s top athletes and many excited fans ahead of the London 2012 Olympics. The airport also celebrated a landmark anniversary, with 31st May 2016 marking 70 years since Heathrow officially became a commercial airport for civilian use.  

Heathrow transformed passengers’ experience with the opening of the new Terminal 2, the Queen’s Terminal, in 2014. The terminal is environmentally friendly, powered entirely by renewable energy and is a testament to Heathrow’s ability to deliver large infrastructure projects on time and on budget. The last decade saw Heathrow deliver on its promise of being a great place to live and work, with the airport leading the way on the London Living Wage accreditation and supporting many young apprentices from the local area in their training and career development. The decade concluded with Parliament making a landmark decision that would transform the airport’s future, as MPs overwhelmingly voted in favour of expansion.

London Winston Churchill Airport..........

According to new documents released by the UK's National Archives, in 1996 the then Prime Minister, John Major seriously in investigated the possibility of changing the name of London's number one airport, from Heathrow to Winston Churchill.

Harvey Spack, a businessman, wrote to the PM,  “New York has Kennedy airport, Paris has De Gaulle and we have the stupid name of Heathrow! It should be renamed with the name of the greatest man of the century, who has no truly great memorial in our country, the Winston Churchill airport, or Churchill airport,” Spack wrote, adding “I can only see this as a tremendous boost to the ‘feel good factor’ for all of us.”

John Major replied with thanks for the “intriguing idea about renaming Heathrow airport after Sir Winston Churchill. I am looking into this, and I am grateful for you raising it.” he then ordered his private secretary  write to the Department for Transport “The prime minister would be grateful for your secretary of state’s initial and personal views on the idea – both on the merits and practicalities, and also on how this might be floated if it seemed worth pursuing.”

If the idea had taken off,  we could be talking about the expensive expansion of Winston Churchill and rather than flying in and out of LHR it could have been LWC!  

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Aerotel opens at Heathrow Terminal 3 Arrivals

A New flexible stay hotel has opened at the UK's busiest airport, London Heathrow that offers 82 sleek rooms over two floors at Terminal 3.

“Our award-winning Plaza Premium Lounges at Terminal 2, 3, 4 and 5 have been well received for the variety of services.  Our international guests are now asking for a comfortable space to sleep when they land early or late at night, while London residents taking morning and late-night flights are looking for a spot to chill or power nap before boarding.  Aerotel London Heathrow is our answer to travellers’ pain points.” says Song Hoi-see, Founder and CEO of Plaza Premium Group.  “Heathrow is our long-time partner and we appreciate their trust and support through the past years.  We are confident to become an integral part of the airport and uplift the airport hospitality experience for all travellers.”

Highlights of Aerotel London Heathrow:
Located at Arrivals of Terminal 3 with two floors to offer 82 smartly-designed guestroomsOpen 24/7 to offer flexible booking packages and check in/out around-the-clockAll-day dining and social spot Library LoungeFive-minute walk to the nearest central bus station, six-minute walk to Heathrow Express and access Terminal 2, 4 & 5 within 10 minutes

John Arbuckle, Heathrow’s Head of Property said, “We are delighted to have worked with Aerotel to bring Heathrow passengers this new, comfortable, modern hotel in Terminal 3 Arrivals. This will be really valuable for customers in need of a quiet haven to rest, relax and prepare for their onward journey.”

Iberia at Heathrow's Terminal 5

As from 25 October, if you’re travelling to or from London-Heathrow, you’ll find a new exclusive check-in and customer services area with numerous additional facilities.

These are just some of the benefits you’ll be able to enjoy:

Online check-in available through Iberia.com and the Iberia app.
A check-in and customer services area for Iberia passengers only, located in Zone E on the departures level of Terminal 5. Specifically, you’ll find dedicated Business and Economy check-in desks, a customer services point and a ticket office.
Availability of a range of services including seat selection, upgrades and extra baggage allowance.
Spanish-speaking Iberia agents in both the check-in and boarding gate areas.
The boarding procedures will be carried out in line with the standard Iberia policy.
Passengers who arrive at T5 and are taking a connecting Iberia flight will be assisted by Iberia staff at the transit desk.

And there will be specific customer service points for Iberia passengers in the T5 baggage reclaim hall.

All of these facilities demonstrate yet another step forward in our commitment to enhancing customer services at a very important airport in the Iberia network.

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San Diego International Is the Most Connected Low-Cost Megahub Outside of Asia

14 North American Airports land in OAG’s Global Megahubs Index, including Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Atlanta (ATL) and Los Angeles (LAX)

Key Findings:

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most connected airport in the U.S. and third in the world. This is the fourth consecutive year ORD is the most connected Megahub in North America.
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) ranks second in the U.S. and eighth globally for its connectivity.
Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW) is now third in the U.S. for domestic connectivity, swapping places with Charlotte Douglas (CLT), which finished fourth.
Three Canadian airports are among the Top 50 Global Megahubs, including Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver International (YVR) and Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau (YUL).
London Heathrow (LHR) remains the most internationally connected airport in the world.

OAG, the world’s leading provider of travel data and insight, released its Megahubs Index 2019. The analysis reveals the Top 50 most internationally connected airports in the world and the Top 25 most domestically connected airports in the U.S.

Chicago O’Hare (ORD; Domestic Connectivity Index: 459) leads North America in connectivity for the fourth consecutive year and is the third most internationally connected airport in the world. On the busiest day in aviation this year, 83,580 domestic connections were possible within a three-hour window at ORD – 2% more than last year. United Airlines operates the majority of flights at O’Hare at 48%, down 2% from 2018.

London Heathrow Remains No. 1 in Airport Connectivity for Third Straight Year

Munich (MUC)landed among the Top 5 Global Megahubs.
Ranked second, Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), closely followed reigning Megahub London Heathrow (LHR).
Singapore (SIN) remained the most connected airport in the Asia Pacific region.
14 North American airports made the Top 50, led by Chicago O’Hare (ORD).

This week, OAG, the world’s leading provider of travel data and insight, released its Megahubs Index 2019. The analysis reveals the Top 50 most internationally connected airports in the world and the Top 25 most domestically connected airports in the U.S.

London Heathrow (LHR; International Connectivity Index: 317) is the world’s most internationally connected airport for the third straight year. On the busiest day in aviation this year, over 65,000 international connections were possible within a six-hour window. Frankfurt International Airport (FRA; ICI:309) moved up one spot in this year’s global rankings, giving Europe the top-two spots in the world. Chicago O’Hare (ORD; ICI:290), Amsterdam (AMS; ICI:279), and Munich (MUC; ICI:259) followed closely behind.