Singapore Airlines and Garuda expand codeshare deal

Photo Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Garuda Indonesia customers can now enjoy more options when travelling between Singapore and Indonesia as a result of an expanded codeshare agreement between the two carriers.

Under the expanded agreement, SIA and Garuda Indonesia are now codesharing on each other’s flights between Singapore and the Indonesian capital Jakarta. SIA and Garuda Indonesia each operate nine flights per day on the route.

The two carriers first started codesharing in 2010 on each other’s flights between Singapore and Denpasar (Bali). In 2014, the agreement was expanded to include flights between Singapore and Surabaya. SIA’s regional subsidiary SilkAir also codeshares on Garuda Indonesia-operated flights to Denpasar and Surabaya, while Garuda Indonesia codeshares on SilkAir-operated flights to ten destinations1 in its Indonesia network.

Emirates implements plans to ensure smooth and punctual travel experience out of Dubai during runway closure

Photo Emirates

With the Southern Runway revamp starting tomorrow at Dubai International Airport, Emirates has been working hard to implement measures to further maximise operational efficiencies at DXB and deliver a seamless experience for its customers departing and transiting through Dubai. The Southern Runway Closure at Dubai International Airport will be taking place from 16 April to 30 May 2019.

On-Time Performance (OTP) is a key factor for smooth operations and a consistent customer experience on the ground and in the air and is even more critical during the Southern Runway Closure with all flights at Dubai International utilising a single runway. One of Emirates’ key objectives during this period will be to reduce instances of flight delays and disruptions in Dubai and across its destination network. The airline is also placing a substantial emphasis on communication to its customers through a number of channels, to keep them accurately informed of their flight's status.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Air Mauritius suspend their Joint Venture operations

KLM and Air Mauritius will suspend their joint venture operations between Mauritius and Amsterdam at the start of the 2019 IATA Winter season effective from 27 October 2019.

The current joint operations on the 2 weekly Air Mauritius’ operated flights will continue throughout IATA Summer 2019 season ending on 26 October 2019. Passengers holding tickets beyond this date will be either rebooked to other flights or are eligible for a refund.

The long established joint venture between Air France and Air Mauritius will not be affected by the suspension of the Amsterdam - Mauritius route, thus providing guests the option to travel via Paris Charles de Gaulle airport to Mauritius where both carriers will continue their operations with up to twice daily flights between Paris and Mauritius.

 

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More Florida routes for United

Photo United Airlines

United Airlines recently announced more flights and more opportunities for customers to fly between Washington, D.C., and Florida. Beginning October 29th the US mega-carrier, United will begin new twice-daily, year-round service between Washington Dulles and Fort Myers and Sarasota in Florida. Additionally, United will begin operating extended seasonal winter service between Miami and Washington Dulles starting two months earlier than originally planned in October 2019.

United's new service to Fort Myers and Sarasota complements the airline's growing Florida network of more than 50 routes served from Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Opposing Texas discriminatory legislation American Airlines signs open letter to Texas law makers

Photo American Airlines

The US mega-carrier American Airlines has signed an open letter, along with other major companies including Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, HP, IBM, PayPal and Pepsi sent to Texas state lawmakers opposing any discriminatory legislation. 

'Laws that allow discrimination go against American’s fundamental beliefs of equality and inclusion — values that are crucial for the success of the company.'

American has joined dozens of other companies and business organisations to express why discriminatory legislation is bad for business and will negatively impact the airlines' ability to recruit and retain team members. 

Visit the Texas Competes website to read the full letter.

UK Apaches take off for Estonia

Gavin Williamson is shown the controls of an Apache Photo MoD

The UK's Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson bid farewell to British Army aviators as they took off for Estonia, where they will be training alongside NATO forces working to reassure the allies and deter Russian forces.

3 Regiment Army Air Corps is deploying to the Baltics for three months, with Apache attack helicopters of 663 Squadron taking off from their base at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk today.

The Apaches will be working in tandem with the Army’s Wildcat battlefield reconnaissance helicopters to provide valuable training opportunities to NATO allies on Estonia’s annual Exercise Spring Storm and to the UK-led battlegroup deployed on NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP).

The creation of the ePF was a direct result of the Warsaw Summit of 2016 amid, concerns about Russian aggression following its annexation of Crimea in 2014.  The eFP is an enhanced deployment of defensive, combat-capable forces in countries which include Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. In the region, there are forces from Germany, the US and Canada side by side with the UK aiming to deter any future Russian aggression.

Before the Apaches departed from Wattisham, the Defence Secretary spoke with the soldiers who fly and maintain the aircraft to understand more about its capabilities and their mission.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "The first deployment of Apache helicopters to Estonia underlines our position at the forefront of NATO. This is a world class machine operated by world class Army aviators and this deployment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to NATO’s collective defence."

Amazing stopover offer from Etihad Airways - Two free nights of hotel accommodation in Abu Dhabi for everyone

Etihad Airways is inviting travellers flying through Abu Dhabi to enjoy a free stopover in the capital of the UAE, as part of a landmark global promotion launching today. 

Abu Dhabi is a vibrant and diverse city offering visitors the chance to explore cultural highlights, impressive architecture, world-class theme parks as well as striking beaches and desert landscapes. The city appeals to solo travellers and couples in search of unique travel experiences as well as families looking to create extraordinary memories with children, making it the perfect destination for a holiday within a holiday.

Etihad Airways is offering two free nights of hotel accommodation in Abu Dhabi for all guests booking flights to and from all Etihad destinations via Abu Dhabi. Guests can choose from a range of 15 hotels located across the city including the five-star Intercontinental Abu Dhabi and Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, as well as the Courtyard by Marriott WTC, Crowne Plaza and Radisson Blu.

Emirates marks significant fleet renewal milestones

Photo Emirates

The Dubai based mega-carrier, Emirates, has always been committed to offering its customers an unparalleled onboard experience, which is in no small measure, part of the carriers success. In April 2019, the airline completed the reconfiguration of its last Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. Emirates invested USD $150 million in converting the 10 Boeing 777-200LR aircraft in its fleet from three to two class cabins featuring wider Business class seats in a 2-2-2 format and a fully refreshed economy class cabin.

The reconfiguration of the 10 aircraft was executed fully in-house at Emirates Engineering’s state of the art facilities in Dubai. The Engineering team spent a total of over 160,000 man hours on the project, working with more than 30 suppliers and handling over 2,700 spare parts at any one time. On an average it took about 35 days for the team to completely strip and reconfigure a single aircraft.

Malaysia Airlines wins gold and bronze at Malaysian Digital Association d Awards 2019

Malaysia Airlines Wins Gold and Bronze at Malaysian Digital Association d Awards 2019

Malaysia Airlines was accorded Gold for Best Performance Campaign and Bronze for Best Use of Data at the recent Malaysian Digital Association (MDA) d-Awards 2019 for one of its digital campaigns called ‘Malaysia Airlines Global Grand Travel Deals made better with MAGIc’.

Held at Bangsar Shopping Centre, the ‘d Awards’ is an annual event organised by the MDA to recognise and honour talents and brands that embrace digital innovations in designing and executing memorable marketing campaigns for the masses.

Norwegian advise Niels Smedegaard nominated as Chair of the Board

Photo Norwegian

Norwegian have announced that Niels Smedegaard, President and CEO of DFDS has been nominated to become the chair of the board of the budget airline.  

Smedegaard has previously held leading positions in companies like Gate Gourmet Group, Swissair and SAS and is a Danish citizen.

The Nomination Committee recommends that Smedegaard is elected as a new member of the Board of Directors and that the Board considers electing him as the new Chair of the Board.

The Nomination Committee also nominates Ingrid Elvira Leisner as a member of the Board, with the new Board of Directors will be elected at Norwegian’s Annual General Meeting on May 7th.

Hawaiian Airlines to celebrate and support World Reef Day 1st June

Hawaiian Airlines Raw Elements USA CEO Brian Guadagno

Inaugural World Reef Day on June 1st encourages consumers Worldwide to dive deep into reef conservation.

On June 1, 2019, consumers, businesses, and organizations around the world will be called to action on the inaugural World Reef Day to reflect on the delicate ecosystem of our ocean's coral reefs and prevent further reef loss. World Reef Day is now the recurring annual day for the world to come together in awareness and activation to effect positive change for our world’s reefs. Founded by Raw Elements USA®, a 1% for the Planet member that has pioneered the reef-conscious movement with its certified-natural, non-nano zinc oxide-based sunscreens—and with the support of Hawaiian Airlines and Aqua-Aston Hospitality, World Reef Day kicks-off a month of initiatives focused on the environment to spur conversations and actions to support sustainability.  

Recognized by the National Day Calendar Association, World Reef Day was inspired by new legislation that will go into effect in Hawaii and Key West, Florida in January 2021, as well as recent proposed bills in the state of Florida, Bonaire, Palau and Aruba, banning the use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals that have been shown to be damaging to coral reefs. The Day aims to bring awareness on how coral reefs are hurt by human activity, including industrial pollution, plastic pollution, sewage and chemical sunscreens.

US President Donald Trump gives Boeing advice - 'rebrand' the 737 Max jet

Photo  Reuters/Lindsey Wasson

The US President Donald Trump used his favourite form of communication on Monday morning to give a bit of advice to the US plane-maker Boeing over its grounded jets the 737 Max 8 and 9.

Using Twitter the US president said  "What do I know about branding, maybe nothing (but I did become President!), but if I were Boeing, I would FIX the Boeing 737 MAX, add some additional great features, & REBRAND the plane with a new name. No product has suffered like this one. But again, what the hell do I know?"

The tweet has drawn scorn from many in the industry, not least those inside the Boeing headquarters in Chicago, who indicate that a rebranding of the troubled 737 Max aircraft was not on the horizon.  "It would be virtually impossible to rebrand the type completely, the whole range of Boeing's commercial aircraft have enjoyed the 7 _ 7 branding and numbering,  some planes have become iconic and globally known, like the Queen of the skies - the 747. Plus of course,  there are thousands of other variants of 737's flying today, so it is not like Boeing could withdraw the name/number 737 completely.  Plus the firm has 737 Max 10's which are still allowed to be flown, so a rebranding of the 737 Max would effect that." Our chief aviation correspondent, Jason Shaw said on Monday morning. "Even with a rebranding, the majority of air travellers are far more aware and astute, they will know it was a 737 Max jet before any possible rebrand and they will know it was a 737 Max jet after as well."

 


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Lufthansa Group Airlines welcomed more than 11 million passengers on board in March 2019

In March 2019, the Lufthansa Group airlines welcomed more than 11 million passengers. This shows an increase of 1.7% compared to the previous year’s month. 

The available seat kilometres were up 4.9% over the previous year, at the same time, sales increased by 4.1%. In addition as compared to March 2018, the seat load factor increased by 0.7 percentage points to 80.5%. This is partially due to the postponement of the Easter holidays, which fell into March last year.

In the first quarter of 2019 as a whole, the airlines of the Lufthansa Group welcomed more than 29 million passengers, 3.1% more than in the first quarter of the previous year. At 77.9%, the seat load factor in the first quarter was on a par with the previous year.

Cargo capacity in March was 10.5% up on the previous year, while the tonne-kilometres sold were 1.1% lower. This results in a load factor of 64.7%, which is 7.6 percentage points lower. In the first three months of 2019, freight capacity was increased by 8.6%. Sales fell by 3.0% in the same period. This results in a 7.5 percentage point lower cargo load factor. 

Network Airlines with around 8.4 million passengers

New order for four more Bombardier Global 7500 business jets from HK Bellawings Jet Limited

The Canadian firm Bombardier Business Jets announced this week that the Hong Kong aircraft management company HK Bellawings Jet Limited has firmed up an order for four Global 7500 business jets. 

In September 2018, HK Bellawings firmed up its order of four Global 6500 and two Global 7500 business jets, for an approximate value of $370 million US, based on current list prices for typically equipped aircraft.  This week, HK Bellawings and Bombardier confirmed that four more Global 7500 aircraft are now part of that firm purchase, bringing the total of firm aircraft orders to 10. This latest announcement represents a value of approximately $291 million on the current list prices, although after discounts and reductions the true cost is much less.

“We are thrilled to offer our customers access to the unparalleled Global 7500 aircraft as part of our unmatched fleet,” said HK Bellawings President Mr YJ Zhang. “The Global 6500 and Global 7500 aircraft align with HK Bellawings’ rapid development to be a one-stop business aviation solution. As the operator that will manage one of the world’s largest fleet of Global 6500 and Global 7500 aircraft, HK Bellawings Jet will further expand our business scope and continuously pursue higher goals.”

JetBlue are heading to Ecuador...... New A321neo service to start 5th December

The US low-cost type carrier JetBlue has announced today that it plans on introducing a new service down to the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil this coming December.

The hometown airline of New York will soon take delivery of its first Airbus A321neo and this new aircraft, with greater range and super fuel efficiency will pave the way for longer routes.  Starting December 5th Jet Blue will launch a new service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Guayaquil, Ecuador’s José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE). 

The new nonstop flight between the Northeast and South America will be made possible by the A321neo’s extended range and fuel efficiency. JetBlue’s growth in its existing Ecuador market advances the airline’s leadership position in Latin America and the Caribbean where it serves nearly 40 destinations. “The introduction of the A321neo to our fleet opens up a world of new possibilities as we think about the future of our growing network, building out our focus cities, and offering new and unique nonstop routes to our customers,” said Andrea Lusso, director route planning, JetBlue. “At the same time we are ensuring we deliver the best the best travel experience to customers and meet our long-term financial targets as we grow into the future.”

Holiday Offers

Super hot holiday deals, available for a limited time.

Halkidiki: Award Winning 4 Star Hotel with Lagoon Style Pool, Flights & Kids Stay FREE

From £199pp

Based on two people sharing | Subject to availability

Enjoy a 7 night holiday, with the option to extend your stay at the Anna Hotel including return flights.  

The 4 star Anna Hotel has a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and welcomes guests with its large lagoon style pool and impressive children's pool with a mini water park. The hotel also offers a veranda restaurant serving local and international dishes, a pool bar and a bistro that offers tasty snacks throughout the day. The hotel with its lovely gardens is located close to the beach and the well-known resort of Pefkohori, full of cafe's, restaurants and shops to browse and enjoy.

For more details and to book please visit icelolly here

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Scandinavia & Russia: 11 Night Summer Cruise with Overnight On-Board in St. Petersburg Incl Flights

From £1199pp

Based on two people sharing | Subject to availability

Enjoy 11 nights onboard Regal Princess sailing from Copenhagen with return flights & transfers included.

The stunning Regal Princess offers an enviable feeling of space on-board and in public areas.

The atrium will wow you from the moment you step on board. The large open area of swirling staircases and stunning chandeliers, lined with bars and dining venues remind you of how luxurious and elegant Regal Princess is.

She boasts the popular SeaWalk, where guests can walk along a glass-bottomed walkway that extends 28ft from the ships edge, 128ft above the ocean. Also, at the top of the ship, the ever popular Movies Under The Stars boasts a large HD screen, located perfectly over the mid-ship swimming pool. Every detail of the Regal Princess - from bow to stern - has been designed to create a modern, yet traditional feel with stunning features, elegant décor and striking venues to offer you the ultimate cruise ship.

For more details, terms and to book please visit icelolly here!

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Cuba: 14 Night All-Inclusive Holiday to Award Winning Hotel with Spa

From £809pp

Based on two people sharing | Subject to availability

Hotel Playa Pesquero, Playa Pesquero, Cuba

Enjoy this 14 night holiday, staying at the Playa Pesquero Resort, Suite & Spa with return flights, luggage and transfers included.

The Playa Pesquero Resort, Suite & Spa has a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and is one of the largest all-inclusive resorts in Cuba, mixing European standards with a traditionally Cuban style. There are plenty of games and water sports to keep you busy and an authentically Cuban all-inclusive menu, with food and drinks available 24 hours a day. The hotel has six restaurants, seven bars, a daily restocked mini bar with water, soft drinks and local beer, an ice cream parlour, daily activities, two swimming pools and a kids' pool. 

Included in the cost 14 nights all inclusive accommodation staying in a double room. Return direct flights from Manchester or London Gatwick with Thomas Cook Airlines. Hold luggage, in-flight meals & overseas transfers. Cuban Tourist card and departure tax.

For more details, terms and to book please visit icelolly here

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For holidays closer to home,  

Warner Leisure Hotels have some great spring offers! 

Warner holidays are a grown-up treat. You can choose to stay in one of 14 beautiful country hotels or coastal villages dotted around the country - set in fantastic locations from Cheshire to North Wales to the Isle of Wight. 

The hotels are a wonderful way to see beautiful parts of Britain that you've never explored. 

Visit for a couple of days for a short relaxing break, or for a proper holiday of a week or more. The choice is yours.  

For more details, terms and to book please visit Warners Holiday Hotels here.

Please note that Air101 may receive a commission for any holiday or deal you book via this post, any proceeds will be donated to the DEC charity appeal to help those affected by the recent cyclone in Africa

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Etihad Cargo flies 17 of the World’s top rallycross cars from Europe to Abu Dhabi

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, the official airline partner of the FIA World Rallycross of Abu Dhabi, flew 6 teams, 17 drivers, support crew and 17 vehicles from Europe to Abu Dhabi for the region’s first ever ‘festival of racing’ FIA World Rallycross of Abu Dhabi.  

Flight Valet Etihad Cargo brings the FIA World Rallycross to Abu Dhabi for the region’s first ‘Urban Festival’ at Yas Marina Circuit in partnership with Woodland Group, Official Logistics Partner to the Championship.

Plane crash in Nepal leaves three dead

Photo AFP

An aircraft has veered off the runway and collided with a stationary helicopter at Lukla Airport, the main gateway to the Everest region in Nepal, killing three people.

According to reports, the pilot of the small plane and two police officers standing close to the helicopter died in the incident and another three were injured. The aircraft are both understood to belong to firms specialising in taking climbers and tourists to and from the mountains. 

According to local officials, the weather at the time of the incident on Saturday was good and a full investigation had already begun.

 
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The London Gatwick drone attack could have been an inside job....

Photo Gatwick Airport

There were thousands of delays and cancellations at London Gatwick Airport in the UK just before Christmas last year due to persistent drone activity over the airport.

The attack that caused chaos at the Sussex airport was carried out by someone with knowledge of the airport's operational procedures, the airport has said.  Gatwick's chief operating officer, Chris Woodroofe, told the BBC's Panorama programme: "It was clear that the drone operators had a link into what was going on at the airport." adding, they "seemed to be able to see what was happening on the runway".

Sussex Police also informed the programme that the possibility that an "insider" was involved was a "credible line" of inquiry.

More than 140,000 people had their travel plans disrupted by the drone attacks that caused the airport to close down for 33 hours between 19 and 21 December last year.  Gatwick is the UK's second busiest airport, after London Heathrow and is the World's busiest single-runway airport.   

Look at who is offering free stop-overs.....

Etihad Airways is inviting travellers flying through Abu Dhabi to enjoy a free stopover in the capital of the UAE, as part of a landmark global promotion launching today. 

Abu Dhabi is a vibrant and diverse city offering visitors the chance to explore cultural highlights, impressive architecture, world-class theme parks as well as striking beaches and desert landscapes. The city appeals to solo travellers and couples in search of unique travel experiences as well as families looking to create extraordinary memories with children, making it the perfect destination for a holiday within a holiday.

Etihad Airways is offering two free nights of hotel accommodation in Abu Dhabi for all guests booking flights to and from all Etihad destinations via Abu Dhabi. Guests can choose from a range of 15 hotels located across the city including the five-star Intercontinental Abu Dhabi and Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, as well as the Courtyard by Marriott WTC, Crowne Plaza and Radisson Blu.