Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts

17 February, 2021

WestJet announced this week that Arved von zur Muehlen, the airline's Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, will step down from the firm on March 5, 2021.

WestJet announced that John Weatherill will be moving into the role of Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer effective March 5, 2021. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

"Arved's strategic thinking and ability have been of huge value to WestJet," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "On behalf of our WestJetters and our board of directors, we thank Arved for all he has done."

"I am grateful to our WestJetters, our guests and my colleagues on the executive team for having the opportunity to work for this great airline through some of the most pivotal times in our 25-year history," said von zur Muehlen. "I will remain a big supporter of WestJet and look forward to seeing the airline recover, as it is well-positioned for the challenges that lay ahead."

Airbus space technology reaches Mars

Airbus space technology reaches Mars

NASA's Perseverance rover relies on Airbus built weather station and communications antenna
Perseverance with MEDA and HGAS – Copyright NASA-JPL-Caltech



When NASA's Perseverance rover lands on the surface of the Red Planet next Thursday, key Airbus technology will be on board: the MEDA meteorological station will provide scientists with valuable Mars weather data and the High Gain Antenna System will ensure a high-speed comms link with Earth for the duration of the MARS2020 mission.

Perseverance will use seven scientific instruments to study the Martian biological and geological environment, including the MEDA (Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyser) meteorological station, designed and built by Airbus.

The MEDA instrument will measure many environmental parameters using sensors distributed across the rover: wind speed and direction, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, soil and air temperatures, solar radiation and also properties of suspended dust. These parameters will also be key when making the autonomous decision to release the Ingenuity helicopter onboard the rover.

Creating the New Normal with Timeless Tokyo

Creating the New Normal with Timeless Tokyo


We all know what a huge impact COVID-19 has had on travel and tourism across the world over the past year. Most foreign visitors have been unable to visit Tokyo as Japan, along with every other country, has fought to bring the coronavirus under control.

As the situation in many countries starts to stabilise, Tokyo is planning for when it will be able to once again welcome large numbers of arrivals from around the world. 

The Tokyo government and many attractions and facilities popular with tourists have put in place a range of plans and initiatives to ensure that any tourism can take place safely and securely in the months and years to come.

Timeless Tokyo has created a one-stop-shop for information on what is being done to ensure Covid-secure tourism in Japan's incredible capital.

Find out here the resources available, information on the latest border control restrictions and what is being done to protect people across the city as well as helpful hints on tips for a safe and unforgettable visit.

Moscow Cargo Terminal at Sheremetyevo International Airport gets green light from European regulators.

It has been confirmed that Moscow Cargo LLC has been issued the RA3 certificate by the German National Civil Aviation Administration (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt), which inspects and certifies airports and airlines on behalf of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The RA3 certificate (Regulated Agent Third Country) confirms that the terminal of Moscow Cargo LLC fully complies with all aviation security requirements established by the European Union for cargo and mail destined for or travelling through the EU countries from the territory of non-EU countries (Implementing Regulation (EU ) 2015/1998).

Moscow Cargo's registration number is RU / RA3 / 00005-01.

16 February, 2021

Brussels Airlines launches new booking platform


Brussels Airlines has switched the booking platform behind brusselsairlines.com to Amadeus e-Retail, which is currently already used for lufthansa.com. Herewith, Brussels Airlines is a first mover in a project to harmonize all four Lufthansa Group network airlines’ booking platforms. The remaining airlines, namely Austrian Airlines and SWISS will follow suit later this year. This means that from now on, Brussels Airlines offers all flights and services such as baggage booking and seat reservations of all four Lufthansa Group network airlines on its website.

Part of the Brussels Airlines embedding into the Lufthansa Group network airlines was to find further synergies within the Lufthansa Group. The strategic reason for using one common booking platform for all Lufthansa Group airlines is to offer a consistent user experience to the customers across the different platforms and make the same group-wide flight offer available across all platforms while reducing operating and development costs. Regardless of the Lufthansa Group airline the customer wants to travel with, he or she has access to the group-wide flight offer, while experiencing a modern  unified interface with new features. The harmonization of the different airlines’ booking platforms also allows making functionalities much faster available for the customers and therefore allows for quicker innovations.

Leonardo’s technology chosen to strengthen the Italian airport systems

  • Milan Malpensa and Milan Bergamo international airports have chosen Leonardo to provide high-tech upgrades, following the successful delivery of previous airport projects by Leonardo in Europe and beyond
  • A new baggage handling system will replace most of the existing infrastructure at Milan Malpensa and a new surveillance system will support runway operations
  • Milan Bergamo airport will be equipped with a new baggage handling sorting machine 


Leonardo has strengthened its market position in the airport sector by signing contracts with SEA and SACBO, the respective management companies for Milan Malpensa and Milan Bergamo airports. Malpensa and Bergamo are the second and third busiest airports in Italy.

At Milan Malpensa, Leonardo will replace most of the existing baggage handling infrastructure with a high-tech new system. This will bring the Terminal 1 baggage handling system in line with the new European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) ‘Standard 3’, which requires baggage to be subject to rigorous security checks prior to being loaded onto the aircraft. Components of the system will be replaced gradually in order to ensure continuity of services for passengers.

Once fully operational, the system will comprise two MBHS® (Multisorting Baggage Handling System) cross-belt sorters, approximately two and a half kilometres of belts and associated equipment. The new technology will seamlessly interface with the existing system, ensuring that baggage is identified and tracked right from the collection phase at check in and transfers, through to delivery to the final sorting system.

Wizz Air connects Eindhoven with Chisinau and this summer also connects Eindhoven with Burgas

Hungarian airline Wizz Air continues to expand its destination network. Starting March 29, the airline will fly twice a week between Eindhoven and Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. This will expand the route network of Eindhoven Airport to 24 capital cities. The flights to/from Chisinau on Mondays and Fridays will be operated with the Airbus A320 (180 seats). The new destination is expected to attract travelers visiting family and/or friends. As far as the tourism market is concerned, Moldova is increasingly popular with vacationers looking for still fairly undiscovered areas. Chisinau also serves as a gateway for visiting Transnistria, the republic declared in 1991 and not recognized by the international community. Transnistria has its own currency and flag and is often visited by so-called "country hunters.

Wizz Air will fly twice a week to the Bulgarian port city of Burgas from 13th of June. The Wednesday and Sunday flights are operated with an Airbus A320 (180 seats). This route is offered until mid-September. Located on the Black Sea, Burgas is Bulgaria's fourth largest city and the country's largest port. Burgas is a true gateway for thousands of tourists who spend their vacations on the Black Sea every year. The city is thus also interesting for the forty thousand Bulgarians who live in the Netherlands and like to spend their vacations in their home country. In addition, the destination is attractive for travelers visiting family and/or friends. The city-which plays an important role in Bulgaria's oil industry-can also be interesting for business travelers since the port city acts as a gateway from Eastern Europe to Western Europe.





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Marriott Bonvoy refreshes mobile app

Includes New Booking Options, Enhanced Customization for Contactless Experiences and Tailored Ways to Earn and Redeem Points Beyond the Stay Toward Free Nights


Marriott Bonvoy, the travel marketplace and highly awarded travel program from Marriott International, has released a redesigned, more intuitive version of its mobile app in anticipation of increased desire and demand for travel this year. Featuring new travel shopping options based on inspiring destinations and access to more of Marriott’s vast travel offerings such as premium vacation rentals from Homes & Villas by Marriott International as well as destination tours and activities, the app will offer members even more personalized recommendations and offers to maximize their points earned when traveling and even when they are not. As the centerpiece of the company’s mobile-first mindset, the Marriott Bonvoy app ensures guests receive the best available rate; enjoy program benefits such as exclusive member rates and accruing points for stays; and enables members to customize their experience. The app will make it easier for guests to choose a contactless option for check-in and check-out, easy access to mobile keys, and the ability to request services and amenities via chat and mobile requests.

The Air France Foundation provides 52 computers for Lebanese schoolchildren

Following the disaster in Beirut in August 2020, Air France and its employees rallied round to provide aid and support to the Lebanese people. A major “Solidarité Liban” fund-raising campaign collected close to 3 tons of donations.

Six months after this tragedy, the Air France Foundation is also coming to the aid of young Lebanese schoolchildren by providing them with computers to enable them to continue their schooling. The Air France Foundation has acquired 52 computers for the benefit of the association LEM - Les enfants de la Méditerranée (Children of the Mediterranean), a humanitarian organization specializing in the development and protection of children through education and culture. In association with Air France Cargo and the Air France Division in Beirut, these 52 computers were shipped on the Air France Paris - Beirut flight on 27 January and handed over to members of the association.

 

Gulf Air's new special edition A321neoLR


Introducing the special edition A321neoLR aircraft!

Gulf Air recently welcomed the second Airbus A321neoLR to its fleet and it was the first to sport the new special vintage livery!
 
This new Airbus A321neoLR features full lie-flat sleeper seats will be scheduled on flights to Frankfurt, Paris and select flights to Cairo, Dubai, Riyadh and some destinations in India from the new Bahrain International Airport terminal.

The aircraft features 16 Falcon Gold flat-bed seats and 150 seats in the Economy cabin and all seats are equipped with the latest in-flight entertainment technology and in-seat comfort features. Sit back and relax to discover the combination of technology and innovation in design. The aircraft boasts the essence of the overall boutique experience with the opportunity to provide more personalized service, cosier cabin and faster process of boarding and disembarking. 




The new aircraft is also be equipped with a wireless internet connection (WiFi) as the airline continues to offer the best in class service to passengers flying on its young fleet.

Gulf Air’s A321neoLR is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and it is the largest and most advanced A320 family aircraft. Featuring the widest single-aisle cabin in the market, the A321neoLR is also more eco-friendly than other types of the same size and it delivers up to 20% fuel burn reduction per seat, up to 14% lower cash operating costs per seat and 50% noise reduction.










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Qantas making domestic travel easier

  • Flexibility boosted with unlimited flight date changes
  • 1 million seat sale with fares from $99 one-way
  • Complimentary beer and wine in Economy


Qantas is providing even more flexibility to customers wishing to change their travel plans, now allowing unlimited flight date changes until at least January 2022.

The change coincides with a nationwide domestic sale, with more than 1 million seats on sale to 55 destinations starting from $99 and a boost to the premium-service offered on-board.

Qantas Group Chief Customer Officer, Stephanie Tully, said with international borders closed, the best way to drive tourism is by making it even easier for Australians to explore their own backyard.

“Customers have told us that sudden changes to border restrictions by state governments are giving them second thoughts about going on holidays or taking a business trip,” Ms Tully said.

“To help manage the uncertainty, we’ve introduced the highest level of flexibility in the market so people can plan their next trip with confidence.

“As the national carrier, we have an important role to play in helping the industry recover from COVID-19, and we know that given the right opportunity, people are keen to travel.

“By giving customers unlimited flight date changes for almost a year, we think it will encourage more people to book, helping to boost tourism which is so vital to local economies and businesses around the country.”

Mesa Air Group Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2021 Results

The Mesa Air Group, Inc.the regional airline that  provides scheduled flight service to 116 cities in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, and Mexico as well as Cargo services out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, has reported its latest results.

As of December 31, 2020, Mesa operated a fleet of 159 aircraft with approximately 420 daily departures and 3,200 employees. Mesa operates all of its flights as either American Eagle, United Express, or DHL Express flights.

Highlights for the quarter:

  • $18.9 million in pretax income and positive cash flow
  • Signed 5-year extension with American Airlines for 40 aircraft
  • Received $195 million loan under the CARES Act
  • Launched cargo operations for DHL with two 737-400F aircraft
  • Placed 12 new E-175 aircraft into service with United Airlines
  • Continued improvement in operational performance
  • No furloughs despite expiration of Payroll Support Program (PSP)

Air Canada Reports 2020 Annual Results

 
Total revenues of $5.833 billion in 2020 declined $13.298 billion or 70 per cent from 2019. The airline reported 2020 negative EBITDA(1) (excluding special items) or (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $2.043 billion compared to 2019 EBITDA of $3.636 billion.  Air Canada reported an operating loss of $3.776 billion in 2020 compared to operating income of $1.650 billion in 2019.   Unrestricted liquidity amounted to $8.013 billion at December 31, 2020.

"With today's release of 2020 fourth quarter and full year results, we close the book on the bleakest year in the history of commercial aviation, after having reported several years of record results and record growth at Air Canada. The catastrophic impact of COVID-19 and government-imposed travel restrictions and quarantines has been felt across our entire network, deeply affecting all of our stakeholders. It has resulted in a 73 per cent decline in passengers carried at Air Canada during the year and an operating loss of nearly $3.8 billion. Yet, despite a year-long onslaught of bad news, uncertainty and challenges posed by constantly changing requirements, our employees valiantly served our remaining customers professionally and transported them safely to their destinations, operated hundreds of repatriation flights and our Cargo team transported essential Personal Protective Equipment to Canada and around the world. I commend them for their courage as well as for their tireless efforts in these exceptionally trying circumstances to position our company well for when we emerge from the pandemic," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

Spirit Airlines Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Results

“Soft demand driven by pandemic-related concerns continues to have a significant impact on our operating results. However, our leading low-cost structure remains a key advantage and positions us well to compete in this environment and beyond. Our load factor and Adjusted EBITDA margin for the fourth quarter 2020 are among the best in the industry, illustrating the strength of our business model,” said Ted Christie, Spirit’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “While the road to recovery is anticipated to be choppy, we are confident we will be among the first U.S. carriers to return to profitability.”

Spirit continues to be recognized for a strong reputation within the airline industry and across all industries. The company’s latest accolade was being named to FORTUNE's 2021 list of World's Most Admired® Companies. Spirit is one of only three U.S. airlines included on the list, which surveyed top executives and directors from eligible companies, industry experts and financial analysts.


 

Lufthansa Group Airlines extend option for free rebooking

Since the end of August, all fares of Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings can be rebooked without a rebooking fee. Originally, this fare offer was valid for (re-)bookings until the end of February. Now the offer is being extended again: all airline fares can now be rebooked free of charge as often as desired up to May 31, 2021, if the rebooking is also made before that date. After that, another rebooking is possible free of charge.

Lufthansa Group Airlines had already made it possible for its customers to rebook their tickets without a fee last year. The waiver of the rebooking fee applies worldwide for all new bookings in all fares on short, medium and long-haul routes. This enables flexible travel planning for all Lufthansa Group Airlines customers.

However, additional costs may arise for rebookings if, for example, the original booking class is no longer available when rebooking to a different date or to a different destination.

Also, rebooking of tickets issued up to and including August 31, 2020, can now be done until May 31, 2021.

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Icelandair Group records a net loss of $376.2 million in 2020.... sells off the last of its hotel business and looks to the future...

Massive loss for Icelandair during the last quater and the whole of last year.....  

 

The troubled Icelandair Group has reached an agreement with Berjaya regarding sale of its remaining 25% share in Icelandair Hotels, the company has confirmed this week.

The firm will take in $3.4 million for the sale, which translate to just a book value of $13,000 and soon the Icelandair Hotels name will be dropped as Berjaya will be rebrand the hotels.

Bogi Nils Bogason, President & CEO of Icelandair Group:  "The sale of the remaining shares in Icelandair Hotels is in line with the Company’s strategy of focusing on our core business, aviation and related services, going forward. I want to thank all the employees of Icelandair Hotels for their cooperation and their contribution in building up numerous high-quality hotels in Iceland, leading to a unique experience for our guests. I am confident that Iceland will continue to be an attractive tourist destination following the pandemic and that Icelandair Hotels will continue to play an important role in the further development of the Icelandic tourism market in the coming years. I want to thank Berjaya for a good cooperation during the past year and wish them and Icelandair Hotels all the best for the future."

London Gatwick to keep just North Terminal open until June.



London Gatwck Airport will keep operations confined to just the North Termaninal until at least June this year the West Sussex airport has confirmed. 
 
Traffic over the 6-months to end June 2021 is expected to be materially impacted by restrictions to travel as a result of the Covid-19 virus, the airport revealed in its latest reports. Traffic forecasts have been set at around 4% of 2019 levels for Q1 2021, at which point passengers start to progressively build back as restrictions begin to lift. Overall, this traffic profile translates into a minimal cash contribution that is generated from the operations over this 6-month period.  
 

 
 
In response to this low level of traffic, Gatwick has continued to take significant steps to reduce its operating costs and protect the business. To minimise its operational footprint and therefore operating costs, Gatwick will continue to operate from just the North Terminal until at least June, and has concentrated operations from one pier whilst traffic remains at very low levels. The continuation of the government furlough/job support schemes until end of April ensures the preservation of jobs through this low demand environment, ahead of the anticipated rebound of demand and operational activity in the summer. 
 
Gatwick also continues to look at ways to further streamline its non-staff costs through procurement and prioritisation exercises and will benefit from the measures completed in November 2020 through a further redundancy programme as headcount is now c.1,850 compared to c.3,250 in March 2020. Monies associated with the recent release of the Government’s Covid-19 airport and ground operations support package (providing support of up to £8m to airports) have not been included in the next 6 months liquidity forecast, as Gatwick works through the detail of its claim. 
 
The airport is to also introduce charges for cars on its forecourts,  the airport origionally announced the plan
in October 2020, that on 8 March 2021 it will introduce a £5 charge for vehicles which drop off passengers directly outside its North Terminal. The airport said the charge would be extended to the South Terminal forecourt at a later date when it repoens for normal business. The initiative will help to reduce traffic congestion and emissions for the surrounding area as well as being a deterrent for a car-led recovery once more regular travel resumes post the COVID-19 national lockdown.  The charge will also create a vital new revenue stream for the airport, providing further protection for local jobs as the negative economic impacts of the pandemic continue.

Anyone who does not wish to pay the charge will be able to drop-off or pick-up passengers in the airport’s long-stay car parks with two hours free parking and a free shuttle bus to the terminal.  Alternatively, passengers can arrive by public transport, taking advantage of the significant improvements to train and bus services to the airport in recent years.








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Aeroflot resumes regular flights to Almaty, Baku, Yerevan, Delhi, and increases flight frequencies to Nur-Sultan, Minsk, Bishkek

Aeroflot resumes regular flights from Moscow to Almaty (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan), Yerevan (Armenia), Delhi (India) as well as increasing frequency of flights to Nur-Sultan (Kazakhstan), Minsk (Belarus), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan). Services from Saint-Petersburg to Minsk will also launch.

Flights to Kazakhstan on Moscow – Almaty route started again on 12 February and will operate once a week, on Fridays. Return flights will operate on Saturdays.

Aeroflot increased flight frequencies to Nur-Sultan from 10 February. Moscow – Nur-Sultan services will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays. Return flights will operate on Thursdays and Sundays.

Flights to Azerbaijan on Moscow – Baku route will operate from 17 February, on Wednesdays and Sundays. Return flights will operate on Mondays and Thursdays.

Flights to Armenia on Moscow – Yerevan route will operate from 15 February, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Return flights will operate on Mondays, Sundays and twice (two flights) on Thursdays.  

Delta Air Lines restarts New York-JFK - São Paulo flights

The U.S. mega-carrier Delta Air lines has resumed flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo on Friday 12th 2021. 

The route will operate four times per week with Boeing 767-400 aircraft featuring the latest Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin service. Flights will depart from Terminal 4 at JFK and Terminal 3 in São Paulo, where Delta and its partners offer easy and convenient access to Delta Sky Clubs or partner lounges. The route also complements Delta’s daily service between its Atlanta hub and São Paulo, providing significant connection opportunities through two of Delta’s major hubs.

 

  • Delta is now operating to 36 destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Route operated with B767-400 aircraft featuring new Delta One and Delta Premium Select
  • Delta’s interactive travel map helps customers understand latest travel guidelines to the United States and other destinations, including COVID-19 testing requirements
  • The return of the route will expand opportunities for transporting essential goods and services through Delta Cargo

 

BWI Releases Updated Guide To The 10 Best Aviation Insurance Companies

Top Aviation Insurance Broker BWI, releases updated guide, highlighting the 10 best Aviation Insurance Companies based on over 42 years of experience.

Aviation Insurance is a complex, small and unique industry and unlike car insurance with 500 different insurance companies, there are less than 20 aviation insurance companies. Each company has different aircraft insurance specialties and risk appetites, underwriting guidelines and credit ratings. An updated guide released by BWI, one of the Nation’s top aviation insurance brokers highlights the 10 best aviation insurance companies.

Aviation insurance is a crucial yet low capacity industry with only a handful of insurance companies providing insurance for hundreds of thousands of aircraft and aviation related risks. The aviation insurance industry, like all markets operates in a roughly 10-12 year cycle and over the past 3 years the market has been hardening. With a hardening market, underwriter guidelines are increased, capacity decreases as many carriers exit the market and generally, insurance rates increase. Over the past 3 years the aviation insurance industry has seen 6 insurance companies exit the market, putting more pressure on the remaining companies to increase rates.

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