WestJet returns the 737 MAX to commercial service

Photo WestJet

The Canadian airline WestJet has returned the first of its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to passenger service with the departure of WS115 from Calgary to Vancouver. With the second 737 MAX flight, WS122, from Vancouver to Calgary departing at noon local time.

The 737 MAX has been grounded for almost two years following two fatal crashes that killed over 300 people caused by Boeing's rush to get the 737 MAX into service with flawed design, a safety system that pilots were not told about that override their inputs and relied on just one sensor as well as other troublesome issues over the certification of the jets.

There were only 71 passengers on the first flight, despite offering free tickets to the media, as late as yesterday afternoon. Among those travelling were Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO, Chris Burley, WestJet Board Chair and Chris Rauenbusch, President, CUPE Local 4070 and a member of WestJet's Inflight team. 

The jet was piloted by Captain David Colquhoun, WestJet Master Executive Council Chair, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and Captain Scott Wilson, Vice President WestJet Operations. Although, the majority of WestJet pilots have yet to have retraining on the MAX jets, crucial for its return to revenue service. 

"The return of WestJet's MAX aircraft to the fleet marks an operational milestone after 22 months of intense review," said Ed Sims, "WestJet's preparation, training processes, due diligence and safety above all philosophy drives our confidence in welcoming guests onboard our MAX aircraft."

Captain David Colquhoun, WestJet Master Executive Council Chair, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) said, "For nearly two years, ALPA has been working tirelessly with Transport Canada, international regulators, and airline management on reviewing the MAX and the revised pilot training requirements needed to safely return this aircraft to service."

Unlike other airlines that are seeking to hide the 737 MAX by using model number 737-8, WestJet is being transparent over the scheduling of its aircraft. There’s no fee to change or cancel  flights booked before February 28, 2021, that are now scheduled on a 737 MAX jet - however,  you will not get the money back, you'll get a credit to use on another WestJet flight that is valid for two years.  

Photo WestJet

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The United States has committed air and naval power, plus sailors and marines to the UK’s premier military deployment of 2021.

The United States has committed air and naval power, plus sailors and marines to the UK’s premier military deployment of 2021.

US Marine Corps F-35 Lightning jets – identical to those flown and maintained by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force – will join HMS Queen Elizabeth on her maiden deployment. 

Also joining the carrier when she leaves Portsmouth later this year is the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS The Sullivans as both a shield (defence against air and submarine attack) and spear (among other firepower, Tomahawk cruise missiles).

She will be one vessel in the ring of steel around the 65,000-tonne Royal Navy flagship; the full composition of Carrier Strike Group 21 will be announced before the force sets sail. 

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and US Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher C. Miller put their signatures to a UK-US Joint Declaration for the Carrier Strike Group 2021 deployment committing the US Navy to taking part in the deployment, which is due to take the carrier group to the Asia-Pacific region. 

“This joint declaration paves the way for the US Navy and Marine Corps to be joining the HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group this year for the inaugural Carrier Strike 21 deployment,” Mr Wallace said. 

“I am delighted that the UK now possesses a 21st-Century carrier strike capability, which has been greatly assisted by the unswerving support and cooperation of the United States at all levels over the past decade. 

“This deployment embodies the strength of our bilateral ties and reflects the depth and breadth of this vital defence and security partnership.” 

As the US Marine Corps and the UK operate the identical ‘B’ variant of the F-35 (short take-off/vertical landing), it means both nations’ jets can operate seamlessly off their ally’s flight decks – as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) did aboard Queen Elizabeth off Scotland last autumn. 

Also taking part in those exercises was The Sullivans, which takes her unusual name from the five brothers lost when their ship went down in World War 2; their fate has been honoured with two warships in their name, and it also inspired the Oscar-winning movie Saving Private Ryan.

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Brussels Airlines signs ground handling contract with Alyzia

After a thorough tender process initiated in June 2020, Brussels Airlines has chosen Alyzia as its new ground handling partner at Brussels Airport.

 Following the bankruptcy of its handling partner Swissport Belgium in June 2020, Brussels Airlines initiated a procedure to search for a new ground handler in its home base at Brussels Airport. As the bankruptcy vacated the second handling license at the airport, several contenders entered the Belgian market to run for a permanent license. In December, the second permanent operating license was granted to Alyzia, a French company serving over 80 airlines in 8 French airports.

After a thorough tender process that took several months and which was based on quality, performance and cost criteria, Brussels Airlines decided to appoint Alyzia as its new ground handling provider at Brussels Airport as of 1 April 2021. The contract foresees a cooperation until at least 31 March 2024. The contract includes ramp handling (including baggage handling, tarmac handling and de-icing, among other services) and the management of Brussels Airlines’ Lost&Found service. Until the end of March 2021, Brussels Airlines’ ground handling continues to be managed by Aviapartner, the other license holder.

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AirAsia supports strict implementation of COVID-19 health protocols; reminds guests to comply to avoid hefty fines and penalties

AirAsia supports strict implementation of COVID-19 health protocols; reminds guests to comply to avoid hefty fines and penalties

 AirAsia reminds its guests to strictly observe established health and safety protocols such as wearing of face mask and face shield within the airport premises, and during the entire duration of the flight as mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). 

In a joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-01 issued on 08 January 2021, all scheduled air operators are reminded to stringently observe the advisories, orders, rules and regulations by aviation related agencies such as Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA),  and Clark International Airport Corporation  (CIAC) in relation to COVID-19-related protocols and guidelines. 

The aviation agencies have also reiterated that those found violating existing rules can be fined  from “Three hundred thousand pesos” (PhP 300,000) to “Five hundred thousand pesos” (PhP 500,000) for each violation.

AirAsia will strictly adhere to the allowable number of passengers per flight, as prescribed by the respective Local Government Units (LGUs).

 AirAsia has a robust multi-layered approach to safety from check-in to inflight. Numerous digital and contactless solutions have also been put in place to  ensure a safe, affordable and comfortable guest experience.

Pre-flight advisories and travel guidelines are  communicated directly to guests travelling in the near future, through email, SMS, various social media platforms, and airasia.com to provide a timely reminder  as  guests prepare for their flight, as well as to ensure their 100% compliance.  

AirAsia staff, cabin crew and members of the flight deck  observe the highest level of safety at all times to facilitate the safe journey of our guests. 

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AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said “AirAsia has always been compliant and committed to all existing guidelines set by the authorities. This allows us to assure our guests to travel safely and confidently during this period.

“Our perfect 7-star rating for COVID-19 compliance as presented recently by AirlineRatings.com is testament to our commitment to always go above and beyond to ensure the protection of our employees and our guests.”

Follow AirAsia on Twitter (@AirAsia) and Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPH) for the latest updates, or contact our customer support team at support.airasia.com.

   

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Cathay Pacific launches WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger customer care service in the US and Canada

As part of its ongoing commitment to customer experience, today Cathay Pacific launched WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger as 24/7 customer care channels in the US and Canada.

In addition to receiving information and assistance for general booking and ticketing queries, customers can use the service for enquiries relating to Cathay Pacific’s frequent-flyer program, Marco Polo Club, as well as its rewards program, Asia Miles.

The new service is part of Cathay Pacific’s efforts to provide passengers with as much choice as possible when it comes to their customer service needs.

Customers with +1 as the country code in their phone number can connect with the Cathay Pacific Customer Care team on WhatsApp by messaging +852 2747 2747 or Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/cathaypacific/.

WhatsApp support is currently available in English; Facebook Messenger support is available in Chinese and English.

For more information, please visit cathaypacific.com.

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Pilot fined for flying in and out of military aerodrome without permission

A pilot has pleaded guilty to landing and then taking-off, from RAF Valley in Anglesey last summer, despite the aerodrome being closed at the time. Richard Wood, 60, from London,  was charged with two offences of flying within RAF Valley's Aerodrome Traffic Zone without permission.

Mr Wood was today fined £3,400 at Caernarfon Magistrates' Court for the offences, which occurred on 25 May 2020, a Bank Holiday. Costs of £750 were also awarded to the UK Civil Aviation Authority which brought the prosecution. 

The Court heard that Mr Wood, flying a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, had departed from Fairoaks Airport in Surrey before landing at RAF Valley. The aerodrome had been officially notified as closed.  That information was readily available to Mr Wood and should have been checked during his pre-flight planning routine. Military personnel at RAF Valley initially believed the aircraft was making  an emergency landing and fire and rescue vehicles were deployed.  

Once on the ground, Mr Wood explained that he had  landed at RAF Valley to visit the nearby beach.   Once it was explained to him that the aerodrome was closed and that Wales  was under strict COVID-19 travel restrictions, Mr Wood got back into his aircraft and took-off.  

Alison Slater, Head of the Investigations and Enforcement Team at the Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This was a case of poor pre-flight planning. A routine check would have shown Mr Wood that  RAF Valley was closed. There were safety implications, and, fortunately, not more of a serious outcome.”

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Negative COVID-19 test results required to enter United States, per CDC order

Following an order from the CDC, customers will be required to present negative test results when entering the U.S., effective January 26th.

In accordance with a new order from the Centers for Disease Control, Delta Air Lines will require all customers entering or transiting through the U.S. from any location outside of the U.S. to present a negative COVID-19 test result prior to departure, effective Jan. 26. The CDC order requires all passengers to provide a negative test result from a test taken within three days of departure, adding another layer of safety when they travel.

Canada’s Flight Attendants Call for Action Plan From Trudeau Government for Airline Sector

Canada’s flight attendants are calling on the Trudeau government to stop stalling and provide urgently-needed support for Canada’s airline sector, and a plan for a safe return to domestic and international air travel.

“The aviation industries in other countries around the world have now received over $200 billion in aid from their governments, but not here in Canada,” said Wesley Lesosky, President of the Airline Division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents 15,000 flight attendants at nine Canadian airlines. “Canada remains the only country in the G7 without a comprehensive plan to support their airline sector through the pandemic.”

“Supporting this sector will be critical to backstopping the tens of thousands of workers who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic,” continued Lesosky. “We need to make sure there’s an industry for these workers to return to when this pandemic is over.”

The sector also needs the government to provide guidance on when it will reopen borders and allow for international travel to resume. “Protecting the health and safety of Canadians must remain the absolute priority,” said Lesosky. “But we also need to see a proactive plan from the government to help our industry get back on track. We want a dialogue with the government to ensure we don’t miss another year and leave thousands more workers out of a job.”

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American Airlines Extends Travel Waiver Through March 31

 American Airlines is providing customers additional flexibility by extending its offer to waive change fees for customers booking tickets for any new travel purchased by March 31, 2021.

As a reminder, effective Jan. 1, 2021, American has eliminated all change fees for first class, business class, Premium Economy and Main Cabin tickets for most domestic and international flying. This new offer applies to tickets that meet the following criteria and includes Basic Economy tickets.

Any first, business, Premium Economy, Main Cabin, or Basic Economy ticket purchased on or before March 31, 2021 for future travel will not incur change fees prior to travel. Customers must pay any fare difference, if applicable, and fare rules may apply depending on the ticket.

Customers are allowed to change their origin and destination cities as part of this offer.

Gulfstream drives sustainable business aviation

 Business aviation is an engine for economic growth, enabling companies to develop new ideas and grow internationally. But is business aviation sustainable? In an article and video published on Business Reporter, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation describes their innovative and highly effective approach to sustainability.

Designing for sustainability is critical. In addition to enhanced aerodynamics, Gulfstream focuses on engine efficiency. Gulfstream jets often fly 15000 feet higher than commercial jets: efficient performance at that height means that they are able to use less fuel, avoid adverse weather and fly more directly between destinations. Fuel is saved while at the same time journey times are shortened.

Save 20% on flights with Loganair from Belfast City Airport and many other airports.

Planning ahead? Loganair is offering 20% off over 1 million seats in its biggest ever sale! With more UK destinations than any other airline, you'll find the perfect destination for your 2021 staycation from Belfast City Airport.

Travel directly to Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, the Isle of Man, Inverness and Teesside International Airport with Loganair from Belfast City Airport.

Hurry though, offer ends 24th January! Use discount code Loading21 at checkout.

Valid on travel from 1st April.

"The safety and wellbeing of passengers and staff is of paramount importance" the airport said in a statement, adding: "we remain in contact with the Government and Public Health Agency Northern Ireland to closely follow all relevant directives for airports.

Measures are in place throughout the terminal to enable social distancing for passengers and staff with signage visible throughout the airport – posters and information on digital screens. Passengers are asked to wear a face covering through the terminal and onto their flight. Reusable masks are available to purchase in terminal.

We ask all passengers to respect these social distancing measures and have employed additional staff to ensure they are adhered to throughout the airport."

 

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Find Inspiration for Your Next Trip with Nine Hilton Art Collections Around the World

Cultural experiences are one of the main reasons why we travel. Museums, heritage sites, landmarks and art districts are some of the most popular tourist destinations in any city, drawing crowds from all around the world. The hotel experience has also come to be considered one of the most memorable aspects of a trip, but travellers have begun expecting more from their hotel stays. The solution? Hotels featuring world-class art collections of their own. 

Hilton offers several on-property cultural attractions for unforgettable stays. These creative features include local murals that spotlight nearby area attractions, museum-worthy collections housed in hotel suites, dining establishments that transport you to an artist’s studio or literal art galleries within steps of the hotel lobby.

Whether you’re planning future trips, expanding your travel bucket list or just looking for something to do this weekend in your own neighbourhood, these hotels are worth visiting for their art alone.

Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Known as the Eternal City for its longevity and enduring culture and splendour, Rome is an art lover’s playground. It’s no surprise that a city teeming with its own collections of priceless artwork from some of history’s most famed artists should be the setting of the world’s most prolific hotel art collection. Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel is home to one of the greatest private art collections in the world with more than 1,000 treasures ranging from 16th-century masters to contemporary art. The collection includes Rudolf Nureyev’s ballet costumes and Émile Gallé’s glass, in addition to famed paintings, tapestries, statues and period furniture and costumes that adorn the hotel’s interior. The hotel’s 25 luxurious suites are also furnished with incredible art pieces, including original Karl Lagerfeld sofas, rare 18th-century antiques and Andy Warhol paintings. If Rome is an art lover’s playground, Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel is their paradise.

Conrad Indianapolis

Part hotel, part art gallery, Conrad Indianapolis offers four uniquely-curated suites titled the Collections Suites; with each room inspired by the Pop, Modern, Surrealist and Contemporary art movements. At the heart of each of the four uniquely different suites is a work that captures the spirit of an artistic movement. Pieces by Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, William John Kennedy and more adorn the suite walls; and even the books on the shelves relate to each room’s style. For a more exquisite art experience, The Gallery Suite is an iconic celebrity hangout and art lover’s heaven. Still haven’t gotten your art fix? Conrad Indianapolis and Long-Sharp Gallery partner to present “Art Stays Here” – a fully integrated, exceptionally curated art education and exhibition program. The dual highlights of the program are the five rotating exhibits and the “Art Ambassadors,” Team Members who are trained on the artwork and artists exhibiting in the hotel. On the hotel’s second floor is “Regional Masters,” a semi-permanent exhibit featuring artists with a unique tie to the city of Indianapolis.

Etihad Airways is One of The First Airlines Globally to Launch IATA Travel Pass

Etihad Airways is One of The First Airlines Globally to Launch IATA Travel Pass

The International Air Transport Association and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE,  announced a partnership to launch the IATA Travel Pass for Etihad Airways’ guests. The IATA Travel Pass is a mobile app to help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with government requirements for COVID-19 tests or vaccines. 

IATA Travel Pass will initially be offered to Etihad Airways guests on selected flights from Abu Dhabi in the first quarter of 2021. If successful, the pass will be extended to other destinations on the Etihad network.

The IATA Travel Pass will enable Etihad’s guests to create a ‘digital passport’ to receive COVID test results and verify they are eligible to undertake their journey.

Importantly, IATA Travel Pass will keep passengers in control of their data and facilitate the sharing of their test with airlines and authorities for travel. It will also make it convenient for passengers to manage travel documentation throughout their journey. 

Doreen Burse Named Worldwide Sales SVP

United Airlines has announced that the carrier has named Doreen Burse senior vice president of Worldwide Sales. Burse brings to the company more than 30 years of sales expertise from the hospitality industry.

Burse, who will report to Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella, will be responsible for leading United's global sales strategy. She will work to enhance the airline's existing sales programs while building new partnerships and driving overall revenue.

"During her more than 33 years in the hospitality industry, Doreen has been a change agent, showing consistent achievement in leading teams through challenging environments," said Nocella. "Her results-driven focus, collaborative style and commitment to employee morale and development will help United navigate the evolving needs of corporate customers as they return to the skies in force as the pandemic recedes."

Most recently, Burse served as the vice president of Marriott's Global Sales for the U.S. and Canada. She led a cross-functional global account team serving hundreds of accounts, representing about 1,000 associations, 250 corporations, and hundreds of group intermediary partners, travel management companies, retail agencies and other organizations representing $16 billion in annual spending. Burse is also a member of the Global Business Travel Association, on the Board of Directors of AMC Institute, and an Editorial Board Member for Smart Meetings magazine, in addition to her participation in numerous other industry organizations.

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BBAM Adds Up to 12 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters

Boeing and BBAM Limited Partnership have announced the lessor is expanding its 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter fleet with six firm orders and six options. The agreement brings BBAM’s 737-800BCF orders and commitments to 15 and highlights the continued strength of the e-commerce and express cargo market.

“As we look ahead to expanding our cargo fleet, the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter provides the performance and efficiency our customers need,” said Steve Zissis, CEO of BBAM. “Adding these highly capable freighters to 276 Boeing aeroplanes in our managed fleet helps to further strengthen our leadership position in the marketplace.”

Monte Ford appointed to board of JetBlue

JetBlue announced the appointment of Monte Ford to its board of directors. The independent director appointment is effective immediately, following approval by the company’s board of directors.

Ford joins JetBlue's board with technology expertise gained from a career spanning almost four decades. He is currently the principal partner at the CIO Strategy Exchange, an organization of the top 50 sitting Chief Information Officers in business. In a previous role, he served as senior vice president and chief information officer of American Airlines.

CUPE union says Air Canada is taking federal dollars and running, leaving thousands of workers behind

The union representing 9,000 flight attendants at Air Canada says the airline is pocketing federal wage supports to pad their bottom line, and leaving thousands of its employees behind.

Air Canada announced an additional 1,400 layoffs on January 13, including 700 active flight attendants at Air Canada Mainline and a further 100 at Air Canada Rouge who are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), on top of thousands of others who have been laid off since the pandemic rocked the industry in March 2020.

Emirates to Become One of the First Airlines Globally to Trial IATA Travel Pass

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is partnering with Emirates to become one of the first airlines in the world to trial IATA Travel Pass – a mobile app to help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with any government requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccine information.

IATA Travel Pass enables Emirates passengers to create a ‘digital passport’ to verify their pre-travel test or vaccination meets the requirements of the destination. They will also be able to share the test and vaccination certificates with authorities and airlines to facilitate travel. The new app will also enable travellers to manage all travel documentation digitally and seamlessly throughout the travel experience.

‘Looking to recover' Aircraft leasing giant Avolon publishes outlook paper for 2021

Six ‘Fearless Forecasts’ set for 2021 including the expected growth in aircraft leasing to finance airline fleet renewal

Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, issued its 2021 outlook paper titled ’Looking to Recovery’. The paper reviews the key trends in the aviation industry for airlines, manufacturers, and lessors, identifying themes that are likely to shape the year ahead and setting out six ‘Fearless Forecasts’ for 2021.

 

The full paper is available at: https://www.avolon.aero/newsroom-and-thoughts

 

Jim Morrison, Head of Portfolio Management at Avolon and author of the 2021 Outlook Paper, commented: “At the start of last year, no one could have foreseen the devastating impact that the COVID-19 pandemic was about to have across the world. 2020 became the most challenging year the commercial aviation industry has ever faced. In response, Governments and aircraft lessors stepped up to support airlines.

IATA Urges Support for Common European Digital Vaccination Certificate

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged all branches of the European Union to support an initiative from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to agree a common digital European COVID-19 vaccination certificate that would enable those who are vaccinated to travel freely within Europe without COVID-19 testing.

In an open letter to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and copied to key policy-makers across the EU, IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac called on EU States to coordinate a policy that would see Europe safely gain the economic and social benefits of renewed freedom of movement, beginning with those who are vaccinated.

”Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ initiative should be urgently adopted by the Commission and all member states. Vaccination is a fundamental key to safely reopening borders and stimulating economic recovery. A pan-European mutually recognized vaccination certificate would be an important step towards giving governments the confidence to safely open their borders, and passengers the confidence to fly without the barrier of quarantine,” said de Juniac.

Oman Air giving away upgrades and enhancing schedules.....

Special free upgrades at Oman Air

In celebration of the anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik's assuming leadership in the Sultanate, over 250 of Oman Air passengers have been awarded free upgrades, lounge access and extra baggage allowance. And the celebrations continue for 5 more days!

The airline has once again successfully passed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), with a remarkable result. This certification is a valuable safety validation for Oman Air as it aligns us with global best safety practice.

Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Oman Air CEO said: “We are delighted to maintain an excellent track record since 2005. The IOSA is probably the most important examination of our operations and the results are testament to our all-encompassing safety culture".

The airline recently added more flights from its home base of Muscat, with flights to 25 cities including Doha, Dubai and London. Flights are added starting early January 2021.

Flights connecting Muscat and Doha will also increase from 2 to 4 per week.

Flights connecting Muscat and Dubai will increase from 3 to 5 flights per week.

Flights connecting Muscat and London will increase from 2 to 3 flights per week.

Additionally, flights will be added to and from Muscat to Mumbai, Cairo, Kochi, Delhi, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Lahore and Chennai.

Oman Air will continue to maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently. Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman's airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Cabin crew all wear a full set of personal protective equipment, meal service has been modified to further ensure safety and a number of other steps have been taken to ensure that the airline's guests and crew are safe at all times.

Guests departing from Oman should also ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure requirements and requirements during their flights, which are provided at omanair.com.

Guests travelling outside Oman should ensure that they are aware of official requirements to enter their destination country.

Oman Air keeping passengers safe with a range of special cleaning and other preventertive measures - see video below.

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British Airways and Loganair codeshare deal

British Airways CityFlyer has teamed up with leading UK regional airline Loganair Limited to offer a codeshare partnership on flights from Southampton International Airport Limited to Newcastle International Airport, Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport. 

Book now on ba.com/southampton

Loganair on flying safely.

Fly Safe (loganair.co.uk)

Passenger Numbers Fall to Historic Low Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic at Fraport

 Frankfurt Airport (FRA) welcomed some 18.8 million passengers in 2020, representing a decrease of 73.4 percent compared to 2019. With the outbreak of the Covid-19 global pandemic, Frankfurt Airport started to experience a major decline in passenger traffic in mid-March 2020. Between April and June, traffic almost came to a complete standstill – with weekly passenger figures plummeting by up to 98 percent year-on-year. Following a slight traffic recovery in the third quarter of 2020, a new rise in coronavirus infection rates led to intensified travel restrictions. This resulted in passenger numbers falling sharply once again in September and remaining low for the rest of the year. 

Fraport AG's executive board chairman, Dr. Stefan Schulte, commented: "The year 2020 brought extreme challenges to the entire aviation industry. In Frankfurt, passenger volumes dropped to a level last seen in 1984. Cargo traffic was one of the few bright spots, reaching almost the same level as in 2019 – despite the loss of "belly freight" capacity on passenger aircraft. Aviation played a vital role in ensuring the supply of essential medical goods to the world's population, particularly during the first lockdown."

Air Canada to put the Boeing 737 MAX back into commercial operations from 1st Feb 2021

The Canadian leading carrier Air Canada as confirmed that from 1st February the carrier is putting the Boeing 737 MAX, grounded since two fatal crashes caused by poorly designed safety systems killed more than 330 people,  back in the commercial operations. 

The airline's Vice President, Flight Operations, Captain Murray Strom said: "We are very confident the nearly two-year regulatory process undertaken by Transport Canada and other regulators worldwide ensures the utmost safety of the Boeing 737 MAX fleet from nose to tail, and from wing to wing. As part of Air Canada’s multi-layered approach to reinforcing and enhancing safety, our internal experts have also worked with independent specialists to conduct assessments of the aircraft and our operating procedures,".

"In addition to implementing all required updates and modifications to the aircraft, Air Canada has gone beyond by equipping its fleet with additional safety-enhancing features that exceed required regulatory standards." concluded Captain Strom.

Routes operated by the Boeing 737 MAX:

Latvia requires a negative COVID-19 test for all arrivals

Latvia requires a negative COVID-19 test for all arrivals

As of January 15, all arriving passengers in Latvia, in line with the national restrictions, must be able to present a negative COVID-19 test result that has been done in the last 72 hours. Latvian airline airBaltic has concluded its preparations, so that the company is able to check passenger status in all stations across its network.

In addition to the test, all passengers arriving to Latvia must fill an electronic questionnaire, available at Covidpass.lv.