Brussels Airlines restarts its operations with a network of 59 destinations from June until August

                                        Last week Brussels Airlines announced that it will restart its commercial flights from its hub at Brussels Airport on 15 June. Based on market demand and ongoing travel restrictions, the airline will offer an adapted and downsized summer schedule, which will consist of approximately 30% of Brussels Airlines' originally planned summer schedule in Europe and 40% of the long-haul summer program. Between 15 June and 31 August, the company will gradually add destinations to its flight network to reach 59 destinations in 33 countries in Europe, Africa and the US by August.

On 15 June, Brussels Airlines will relaunch its flight operations after an interruption of 12 weeks. Based on the market demand and the applicable travel restrictions, the airline has designed a limited network for the summer season to meet market demand for both holiday and business travel.

The offer will gradually be built up from 15 June onwards to reach 240 weekly flights by August, which represents 30% of the originally planned summer schedule in Europe and 40% of the long-haul program. In Europe, a total of 45 destinations will be served in 20 countries, including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, France and Denmark. On its long haul network, the airline will (subject to local governmental approval) serve 13 out of its 17 African destinations and in the US New York JFK will join the schedule again. One new destination that was planned to be inaugurated in March, will join the network during the course of next year: Montreal in Canada.

Air Canada Announces New Schedule Offering Customers Wide Choice of Destinations for Safe Travel this Summer and Expands Goodwill Policy

New summer schedule includes nearly 100 destinations in Canada, the U.S. and worldwide
Options for new, fully-transferable voucher or Aeroplan Miles with 65% bonus starting June 1 mean more choices and flexibility for rebooking flights should travel plans change
Air Canada CleanCare+ biosecurity program offers greater protection from COVID-19 during all stages of the journey

Air Canada is offering customers a choice of nearly 100 destinations in Canada, the U.S. and around the world with an abridged schedule this summer. To ensure customers can book with confidence, the airline has implemented the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosecurity program and is introducing new cancellation options retroactive to March 1, 2020, to give customers greater flexibility and choice should their travel plans change for any reason.  

"Air Canada has put in place an abridged summer schedule offering a choice of nearly 100 destinations across Canada, in the U.S. and internationally. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, during which as much as 95 per cent of our flights stopped operating and which has left us flying to less than half last year's destinations, our customers are expressing their eagerness to travel,  where it is safe to do so. We are accordingly gradually opening for sale flights for the summer and beyond as we rebuild our network, leveraging our strong position as a global airline. Air Canada is ready for take-off, and we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard," said Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada.

"While the world is making great progress against COVID-19, we know we must remain vigilant, which includes being flexible. This is why we are introducing two new solutions for customers should their travel plans change. In addition to our regular goodwill policies, starting June 1 we will offer customers the choice of a travel voucher with no expiry date that is fully transferable or to convert their booking into Aeroplan Miles and get an additional 65% bonus miles. Both options, retroactive to March 1, give customers greater confidence and flexibility to plan and book travel with Air Canada," said Ms. Guillemette.

Board changes at Thai Airways

There have been a number of changes at the top level at the struggling Thai Airways, the company have revealed this week. 

On Monday the firm announced it had replaced four of its board members with former business executives and making a return to the top level was the airline’s former chief executive, Piyasvasti Amranand.

Amranand, held the chief executive position from 2009 and 2012, during which time the airline was a profitable going concern. The news came after the government reduced its stakes in the national carrier last week from 51% to 47.86%, thereby dropping its status a state-owned enterprise. Last week the government approved a restructuring plan to stabilise the carrier through bankruptcy court as it struggles to cope with the travel restrictions and dramatic drop in demand caused by the current pandemic. 

Other board new members are Pailin Chuchottaworn and Boontuck Wangcharoen from the business world, with the fourth being named as Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, an adviser to the Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

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£8 billion lifeline for Lufthansa

The German Lufthansa Group are to get a €9 billion / £8 billion lifeline it was confirmed on Monday, after the German authorities agreed on the rescue deal that will see the state take a 20% stake in the airline group.  The investment could rise to 25% plus one share in the event of a takeover attempt, as the authorities work hard to protect thousands of jobs.

Discussions between the airline group and the government had been going on for weeks as the lockdown and global travel crisis caused by the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Germany’s Finance and Economy Ministries said Lufthansa had been healthy and profitable with good prospects but, like most airline during this strange time, had run into trouble because of the pandemic. Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said: "The support that we’re preparing here is for a limited period. -   When the company is fit again, the state will sell its stake and hopefully ... with a small profit that puts us into a position to finance the many, many requirements which we have to meet now, not only at this company."

The Economic Stabilization Fund (WSF) will make silent participations of up to 5.7 billion euros in total in the assets of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Of this amount, approximately EUR 4.7 billion is classified as equity in accordance with the provisions of the German Commercial Code (HGB) and IFRS. In this amount, the silent participation is unlimited in time and can be terminated by the company on a quarterly basis in whole or in part. In accordance with the agreed concept, the remuneration on the silent participations is 4% for the years 2020 and 2021, and rises in the following years to 9.5% in 2027.

Qantas and Jetstar will roll out 'Fly Well' - a series of wellbeing improvements to give peace-of-mind in preparation for domestic travel restrictions easing.

Range of measures introduced to ensure a safe travel environment and give extra peace of mind.
Masks on board, hand sanitising stations and enhanced aircraft cleaning among the improvements.
More flexibility added to bookings so people can plan with confidence.

Qantas and Jetstar will roll out a series of wellbeing improvements to give peace-of-mind in preparation for domestic travel restrictions easing.

The ‘Fly Well’ program brings together a number of temporary measures already in use by the Qantas Group, including on repatriation flights from virus hot-spots, and represents a combination of best-practice medical advice and feedback from customers.

Rolling out from 12 June, the key measures at each point of the journey will be:

Pre-flight

Information sent to all customers before they fly, so they know what to expect.
Contactless check-in (via online/app) and self-serve bag drop strongly encouraged, including use of Q Bag Tags.
Hand sanitising stations at departure gates.
Temporary changes to Qantas Lounges, including increased physical distancing, hand sanitising stations, enhanced disinfection of surfaces and adjustments to food and drink service.
Working with airports on other safeguards in the terminal, including regular disinfection of security screening points and installing hygiene screens at airline customer service desks, wherever practical.

Onboard

Masks provided to all passengers on each flight – while not mandatory from a safety point of view, they are recommended to be worn in the interests of everyone’s peace-of-mind.
Enhanced cleaning of aircraft with a disinfectant effective against Coronaviruses, with a focus on high contact areas – seats, seatbelts, overhead lockers, air vents and toilets.
Sanitising wipes given to all passengers to wipe down seat belts, trays and armrests themselves, if preferred.
Simplified service and catering to minimise touchpoints for crew and passengers.
Passengers asked to limit movement around cabin, once seated.
Sequenced boarding and disembarkation to minimise crowding.

In addition, the air conditioning systems of all Qantas and Jetstar aircraft are already fitted with hospital-grade HEPA filters, which remove 99.9% of all particles including viruses. Air inside the cabin is refreshed on average every five minutes during flight.

All airline employees are required to follow strict personal hygiene protocols, for the benefit of themselves and others.

All passengers are encouraged to download the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app as part of improving the ability of health authorities to contain the spread of Coronavirus. In-line with public health advice, anyone with cold and flu like symptoms should stay at home.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “Safety is absolutely core to how we operate and that applies to new challenges like managing the risk of coronavirus so people can fly with confidence.

“From the early rescue flights we operated right into Wuhan and then more recently bringing Australians back from places like the US and Europe, we have a lot of experience at creating a safe cabin environment for passengers and crew.

“We’re relying on the cooperation of passengers to help make these changes work for everyone’s benefit, and we thank them in advance for that. Given the great job Australians have done at flattening the curve, we’re confident they’ll respond positively to these temporary changes to how we fly.

“We’ll continue to work with government and monitor the rollout of these measures closely, which are designed  with safety in mind and help people feel comfortable given the new norms that have emerged in response to the Coronavirus crisis,” added Mr Joyce.

Qantas Group Medical Director, Dr Ian Hosegood, said: “The data shows that actual risk of catching Coronavirus on an aircraft is already extremely low. That’s due to a combination of factors, including the cabin air filtration system, the fact people don’t sit face-to-face and the high backs of aircraft seats acting as a physical barrier. As far as the virus goes, an aircraft cabin is a very different environment to other forms of public transport.”

“Social distancing on an aircraft isn’t practical the way it is on the ground, and given the low transmission risk on board, we don’t believe it’s necessary in order to be safe. The extra measures we’re putting place will reduce the risk even further,” added Dr Hosegood.

The Fly Well program will be reviewed after its first month of operation and shaped by customer feedback and medical advice.

Flexibility

Customer research shows 98 per cent of frequent flyers are planning their next trip once restrictions lift. To help improve flexibility as travel restrictions are steadily adjusted, Qantas and Jetstar are introducing more flexibility from today.

Domestic : Customers can book any Qantas or Jetstar Australian domestic flight between 21 May and 30 June 2020, for travel between 12 June and 31 October 2020, and we will waive the change fee one time if you decide to change the date of your travel. Customers will have to cover any fare increase (if relevant) for the new booking.
International flight credit extension: Further flexibility has been introduced for international bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman). Customers with an existing Qantas or Jetstar international flight booking, for travel between 1 August and 31 October 2020, who wish to change their plans, can cancel their booking and retain the full value as a flight credit. Flight credits must be requested by 30 June 2020 and are valid for booking and travel across domestic and international services by 31 December 2021. Jetstar credit vouchers allow up to two years to travel from issue date. Customers will have to cover any fare increase (if relevant) for the new booking.

If a flight is cancelled by us, customers will be rebooked on the next available flight at no additional cost. Alternatively, customers can choose a flight credit or a refund.

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Qatar Airways introduces temporary additional safety measures..................

Cabin crew will wear disposable, full-body protective gear during flights while passengers must wear face coverings 

‎ Qatar Airways precautionary measures are aimed at reducing interactions between passengers and crew

With partitions and fully closing doors, Qsuite Business Class offers complete privacy

Qatar Airways has further enhanced its onboard safety measures for passengers and cabin crew. The airline is implementing several changes, including the introduction of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suits for cabin crew while onboard, as well as a modified service that reduces interactions between the passengers and the crew inflight. Cabin crew have already been wearing PPE during flights for a number of weeks, including gloves and face masks.

Cabin crew will wear the PPE suit over their uniforms in addition to safety goggles, gloves and a mask to provide even greater reassurance to customers in addition to enhanced hygienic measures already in place. The airline now requires passengers from Monday, May 25, to wear face coverings inflight and recommends people bring their own for fit and comfort purposes

American Airlines and Qatar Airways codeshare partnership

Qatar Airways is pleased to announce that the first stage of the strategic partnership with American Airlines has begun with Qatar Airways placing its code on American Airlines’ domestic flights, strengthening connectivity and creating hundreds of new travel options for passengers. The codeshare will be rolled out in phases over the next few weeks and once completed, will see Qatar Airways’ code placed on over 1000 of American Airlines’ domestic flights connecting with Qatar Airway’s 10 U.S. gateways. Flights are already available for sale, with the first codeshare flights having started recently on 17 May 2020.

The first phases of the codeshare will see Qatar Airways’ passengers able to book travel on American Airlines’ extensive domestic connections via Chicago (ORD) and Dallas (DFW) to 200 cities including Miami (MIA), Houston (IAH), Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), Seattle (SEA), and San Francisco (SFO). Additional cities, including destinations in Central America, and the Caribbean will be added, subject to government approvals.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Simon Talling-Smith said: “This codeshare is just the first step in renewing our long-term strategic partnership with American Airlines. The rollout of this domestic codeshare demonstrates our airlines are confident about the future and during this difficult time we continue to focus on how we can enhance the customer experience for our millions of passengers. As two of the strongest airlines in the world, I have no doubt that we will overcome the current challenge and be well-positioned to continue providing our passengers the reliable, safe and award-winning service that they have come to trust from us.”

Qatar Sends Message of Hope and Solidarity to the World

Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has launched a global social media campaign under the hashtag #LoveQatar in order to promote solidarity and connect the international community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The series of videos send out a message of hope, togetherness and renewed spirit from Qatar and its people.

Centred around the concept of ‘love from Qatar’, the campaign harnesses the fond memories Qatar has of its visitors from around the globe, as well as the rich cultural exchanges between peoples and the impression Qatar imprints in the hearts of its guests.

Air New Zealand launches Carepoints programme for Kiwis in need

Air New Zealand has today launched Carepoints™, a new way for the airline and its Airpoints™ members to give New Zealanders a helping hand in tough times.

Air New Zealand Carepoints enables Airpoints members to gift Airpoints Dollars™ to any or all of three charity partners: KidsCan, Women’s Refuge and New Zealand Red Cross. The programme will enable up to 150,000 Airpoints Dollars to be gifted across the three charities. Airpoints Dollars will be used to purchase essential resources like food, personal care, heating and petrol for struggling Kiwis from Airpoints partners New World, Mitre 10 and Z Energy.

Air New Zealand General Manager Loyalty Kate O’Brien says the idea for Carepoints came directly from Airpoints members.

“Our Airpoints members told us they’d like to donate their Airpoints Dollars to struggling Kiwis, so we’re pleased to be able to provide the platform for people to do this. We’re thrilled to be able to support these charities and a special thanks goes to our Airpoints partners New World, Mitre 10 and Z for being involved. The Airpoints Dollars donated will be used to purchase gift cards from these partners.

A fresh take on clear for IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts offers a fresh take on clean

IHG enhances guest experience with new cleaning protocols, service standards and partners, and launches a Clean Promise to give guests confidence as they re-establish travel norms

As the world adjusts to new travel norms and expectations, IHG Hotels & Resorts is enhancing the experience for its hotel guests around the world, by redefining cleanliness and supporting guests’ personal wellbeing throughout their stay. 

Using new, science-led protocols and service measures, partnering with industry leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey, and launching a global IHG Clean Promise, the strengthened measures will give guests greater confidence and hotel teams the protection needed.

Keith Barr, Chief Executive Officer, IHG, commented: “The future of travel may look different, but a safe, secure stay is fundamental to deliver True Hospitality – and that will never change. By combining IHG’s world-class knowledge and processes, with cutting-edge expertise from Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey, we can reassure guests and colleagues that we’re focused on protecting their health and wellbeing. This includes looking at where technology can make a difference, deploying enhanced, highly visible and more frequent cleaning measures, and different approaches to food and beverage, all underpinned by our new IHG Clean Promise.”

Enhancing IHG Way of Clean

IHG has a long-standing commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures. Launched in 2015, the IHG Way of Clean programme was developed with Ecolab and Diversey, both world leaders in hygiene and cleaning technologies and services. This programme is now being expanded with additional COVID-19 protocols and best practices - many of which are already in place - to reflect the advice of the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and local public health authorities in markets around the world. 

Royal Navy Merlins return to HMS Queen Elizabeth

RNAS Culdrose based 820 Naval Air Squadron, the “Carrier Squadron”, has re-joined HMS Queen Elizabeth to take part in Basic Sea Training and Carrier Sea Training in preparation for the carrier task group’s maiden operational deployment next year.

Photo Royal Navy / Crown Copyright

Aircrew, engineers, survival equipment technicians and logistics personnel have embarked with their Merlin Mk 2 helicopters as the ship is put through its paces by the Fleet Operational Sea Training (previously Flag Officer Sea Training) organisation - a rigorous test of the ship’s safety, capability and readiness to deploy.

820 NAS Commanding Officer, Commander Ian “Reg” Varley said: “I have recently taken over Command of 820 NAS and I am hugely excited and privileged to be going to sea with my team.

Photo Royal Navy / Crown Copyright

“We were recently on call supporting the nation’s emergency services and we have just handed that over to another Culdrose squadron so that we can focus on our more traditional purpose which is to defend the UK’s aircraft carrier Task Group.

Austrian Airlines reaches agreement with flight crew and ground staff on crisis contribution

Austrian Airlines has confirmed it has reached an agreement with the technical and commercial staff, included the stations as well as technical and administrative employees, comprising close to 3,000 of the 7,000 people working for Austria’s red-white-red national carrier.

Austrian Airlines anticipates a very slow recovery after the crisis. In order to retain as many employees as possible during a period of low demand, an agreement was reached with the works council on a long-term application of the short-time work model until 2022. There will be no customary annual salary increments or adjustments for inflation during this period.

• Successful conclusion of negotiations with the Ground Works Council today• Key issues paper for cabin crew signed yesterday• COO Ritter: “Can retain as many employees as possible during the crisis”

Textron Aviation awarded contract for two Beechcraft King Air 350CER aircraft for U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Beechcraft King Air 350CER turboprop aircraft  Photo Textron Aviation Inc

Textron Aviation Inc. has been awarded a contract for two additional Beechcraft King Air 350CER turboprop aircraft for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO). After mission modifications by Sierra Nevada Corporation, these two Multi-role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) aircraft will join a fleet of 23 other King Air 350 aircraft used to safeguard the United States homeland as part of the coordinated application of CBP’s aviation and maritime law enforcement resources.

“We are honoured the King Air 350CER continues to be the aircraft of choice to fill this critical mission need for the CBP,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales. ”These aircraft can fly six-hour missions and can deploy to hot spots where multi-sensor patrols assist both ground and marine agents to detect, interdict and prevent acts of terrorism as well as the unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs and other contraband toward or across the borders of the United States.”