Allegiant Announces Strategic Additions To Senior Leadership Team New Positions Anticipate Growth, Strategic Areas of Emphasis

Allegiant Announces Strategic Additions To Senior Leadership Team

New Positions Anticipate Growth, Strategic Areas of Emphasis

Allegiant announced several key additions to its senior leadership team. The new positions bring strategic emphasis to the areas of human resources, treasury/corporate finance and revenue as the company plans its next phase of growth.

"Allegiant began 2020 on pace for a record year of growth, before the onset of the pandemic and an array of previously unimaginable challenges," said John Redmond, president, Allegiant Travel Company. "Our ability to be on solid ground to weather the storm, and to take the extraordinary measures necessary to position for a post-pandemic future was due to the efforts of our team. As we look at our next phase, we are pleased to broaden our senior leadership group to address the challenges of an increasingly complex landscape."

Best Bilbao Bizkaia........

Coronavirus, COVID-19 travel restrictions and lockdowns have prevented so many of us for experiencing the full joys of travelling, either for business or pleasure. Summer, autumn, winter holidays in 2020  were either booked and cancelled or never booked at all. The start of 2021 hasn't looked that much better, in fact for some it has been worse, but there is light at the end of this very long tunnel.  The new vaccines are being rolled out and slowly, very slowly we'll be able to emerge from the long human hibernation of 2020/2.  

A great option for when you are allowed to come out, travel, enjoy and experience once again is the simply beautiful Basque Bilbao Bizkaia.

Let's just explore a little......

The Bizkaia Bridge

 

With more than 125 years of history, this is the first metal transporter bridge to be built in the world, a World Heritage Site since 2006. This spectacular structure transports passengers and vehicles in a suspended gondola and has an upper walkway for enjoying unique views.

A true delight and indeed a marvel of the European Industrial Revolution, its intricate metal latticework,  its super-strong cabals, its gondola all vie for the eye's attention.

One of the best ways to experience the bridge in all its glory is to travel one way in the gondola on foot from just 45 cents and then walk back along the footbridge up the top for around €9 and enjoy the wonderful view.  Get more info here. 

WestJet cuts flying to Mexico and Caribbean at request of Canadian government

The WestJet Group today announced it would temporarily cease international flying to 14 sun destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean in response to a request from the Government of Canada.

"The government asked, and we agreed," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "While we know that air travel is responsible for less than two per cent of cases since the start of the crisis, and even less today, we recognize the Government of Canada's ask is a precautionary measure. We also note that the overwhelming majority of quarantine exemptions, well over 90 per cent in fact, are connected to land borders and not air travel. We have responded to their request and will suspend service to destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean."

Effective Sunday, January 31 at 12:01 a.m. ET, WestJet will suspend southbound operations to the following destinations until April 30. Over the subsequent two weeks, WestJet will work to bring our guests already in destination back to Canada.

Air Canada to Suspend Flights to the Caribbean and Mexico at the request of, and to Support Government of Canada COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts

           Air Canada today said that, beginning January 31, it is temporarily suspending flights to Mexican and Caribbean destinations for 90 days in response to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, particularly during the Spring Break period. The decision, designed to achieve an orderly reduction in service and minimize customer impact, was taken in collaboration with the Government of Canada following consultations.

"Air Canada believes a collaborative approach with the Government of Canada involving all air carriers is the best means to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially given concerns around the variants of COVID- 19 and travel during the Spring Break period. Through consultation we have established an approach that will allow us to achieve an orderly reduction in service to these destinations that minimizes the impact on our customers and will support important public health goals to manage COVID-19.  System-wide the incremental impact on Air Canada's cash burn is not material given the already reduced levels of passenger traffic resulting from COVID-19 and travel restrictions," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada.

Gulf Air moves to new terminal at Bahrain International Airport

Gulf Air's 787 operating the airline's first flight from the new terminal

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain has moved to its brand new home,  the new terminal at Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Air takes pride to be a vital operator in the state-of-the-art terminal which features include a dedicated check-in area for both Falcon Gold and economy class passengers of Gulf Air as well as a brand new Falcon Gold lounge that is double in size and capacity compared to the previous one in the old airport.

At 210,000 sqm the new Passenger Terminal increases Bahrain International Airport’s capacity to around 14 million passengers and 130,000 air traffic movements per year with a handling capacity of 4,700 bags per peak hour.  

BP and Qantas form strategic partnership

Qantas and bp today announced a strategic partnership to further advance their shared net zero ambitions. Through the collaboration, the companies will work together on opportunities to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector and contribute to the development of a sustainable aviation fuel industry in Australia.

The two companies have agreed to explore ways in which bp’s global capabilities, skills and knowledge can support Qantas’ industry-leading sustainability and environmental strategy.

Jointly, the teams will explore opportunities and projects in areas including advanced sustainable fuels, advocacy for further decarbonisation in the aviation sector, renewable power solutions and generation, carbon management and emerging technology.

Swarming drones concept flies closer to reality

A swarm of 20 drones has recently completed the largest collaborative, military-focused evaluation of swarming uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the UK.

The exercise was the culmination of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)’s ‘Many Drones Make Light Work’ competition, funded under the MOD’s Science and Technology Portfolio through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).

Following 2 earlier phases, the £2.5 million contract for Phase 3 was awarded in January 2019. This was for an Integrated Concept Evaluation activity to explore the technical feasibility and military utility of a swarm of up to 20 small UAVs operating collaboratively. This was awarded to an industry team led by Blue Bear Systems Research including Plextek DTS, IQHQ, Airbus and Durham University.

The swarm consisted of 5 different types and sizes of fixed wing drones, with different operational capabilities, together with 6 different payload types, flying representative tasks at RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria. Three operators in Blue Bear’s Mobile Command and Control System (MCCS) managed the entire swarm whilst simultaneously handling different, collaborative payload analysis tasks.

American closes out 2020 with a net loss of $9.5 billion.

American Airlines saw fourth-quarter revenues mount to $4.0 billion, still, that's down 64% year over year, leading to a net loss of around $2.2 billion.  The U.S. mega-carrier ended one its most difficult years ever with a net loss of around $9.5 billion.

“Our fourth-quarter financial results close out the most challenging year in our company’s history,” said American Airlines Chairman and CEO Doug Parker. “However, we couldn’t be prouder of the American Airlines team and the great things they accomplished last year. Through collaboration, resourcefulness and hard work, our team did its part to keep the economy moving. The American team flew more customers than any other airline in 2020, and they did so safely and with the utmost care.

Full-year net loss of $8.9 billion, or ($18.36) per share. Excluding net special items2, full-year net loss was $9.5 billion, or ($19.66) per share.

Ended fourth quarter with approximately $14.3 billion of total available liquidity. Company expects to end the first quarter of 2021 with approximately $15.0 billion in total available liquidity.

Incorporated more than $1.3 billion of permanent non-volume, non-fuel efficiency cost-saving measures into 2021 operating plan.

Delta earns ‘Diamond’ rating for cleanliness

Delta has earned a Diamond rating from Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and SimpliFlying. It is the highest-level certification for airline cleanliness and safety determined by the two organizations through a new, independent health safety audit across the industry.   

“Delta Air Lines’ Diamond-level focus on continuously advancing customer health safety has been a shining example through COVID-19,” stated Dr. Joe Leader, APEX CEO. “Beyond Delta’s certification, I have consistently witnessed their flight attendants’ commitment to safety and care on dozens of flights with my family during the pandemic. Polite mask checks over nose and mouth occur like clockwork on each pass. On our Delta flight last week, the lead flight attendant added that they would be regularly checking and cleaning the lavatory for added customer safety. On behalf of your customers, sincere thanks to all of the airline professionals working harder than ever in COVID-19 customer safety roles.” 

Royal Australian Air Force benefits from Airbus SmartForce digital services

                 Airbus has recently signed a contract to provide a digital services focus for the maintenance of the Air Refueling Boom System (ARBS) on the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (A330 MRTT) fleet.

 

Based on the Airbus suite of digital services SmartForce, this service is intended to support the operator in reducing maintenance costs and improving fleet availability by optimizing the fault diagnosis and troubleshooting tasks for the ARBS of the tanker aircraft, based on data analytics applications.

 

The Central Data System plays a key role, allowing operators to draw on the flight data recorded by the Mission Recording System and provides information outputs about issues registered during the flight and recommended maintenance actions to fix them.

 

£84 million boost for technology to power a green aviation revolution

Green technology which could one day be used for taxi-like aircraft is set to revolutionise the aviation industry, with potential for zero-emissions air travel by 2023

£84.6 million invested by government and industry in 3 ambitious aerospace projects based in Bedford, Bristol, and Cranfield

projects will help the industry to build back better and greener, and have the potential to unlock up to 4,750 jobs across the UK

 

Nearly 5,000 jobs could be secured in making the UK’s aviation sector greener, thanks to a multi-million-pound boost for 3 pioneering research and development projects announced today (Thursday 28 January) by Business Minister Paul Scully.

The winning projects represent a total investment of £84.6 million – half from the government, delivered through the ATI Programme, and matched by industry.

Each of the 3 projects will use British innovation and expertise in green technology to power zero-emissions flights, using alternative energy sources of hydrogen or electricity to reduce the industry’s reliance on polluting fossil fuels.

From Bristol to Coventry and Cranfield to Orkney, these projects could help secure up to 4,750 design, engineering and manufacturing jobs.

Big loss for JetBlue in the 4th Quarter

JetBlue Airways Corporation reported its results for the fourth quarter 2020 this week showing a GAAP pre-tax loss of ($512) million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to a pre-tax income of $220 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. Excluding one-time items, adjusted pre-tax loss of ($581) million(1) in the fourth quarter of 2020 versus adjusted pre-tax income of $221 million(1) in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Operational Highlights from the Fourth Quarter

Fourth quarter 2020 revenue declined 67% year over year as a result of the impact of COVID-19. The decline is better than our prior expectations for the quarter of a 70% decline, and represents a nine-point sequential improvement quarter over quarter, mainly driven by solid booking trends in October and improving volumes in the back half of December.

Reduced fourth quarter 2020 capacity by 47% year over year, in line with our planning assumption of a decrease between 45% and 50%, as a result of actions taken to manage cash burn and protect liquidity.

Operating expenses declined 38% year over year. Excluding special items, adjusted operating expenses(1) declined 34% year over year compared to our planning assumption of a decrease of at least 30%. The results were driven by capacity actions taken to reduce variable costs and fixed cost reductions achieved by adjusting work schedules and managing external spend.

Ricardo investing in a hydrogen development and testing centre for sustainable transport

Designed to leverage and extend Ricardo’s expertise in building solutions to support zero emission mobility, this new facility will form part of a global centre of excellence for hydrogen, defossilised fuels and electrified transport engineering.

As part of its mission to support the decarbonisation of the global transport and energy sectors, Ricardo, a world-class environmental, engineering and strategic consulting company, has today announced an initial investment of £2.5million to build a hydrogen development and test facility at its Shoreham Technical Centre in the UK.

WIN a little island break for when the time is right to travel again.

We all need something to look forward to at the moment, so we’re giving you an opportunity to WIN a little island break to Jersey for when it is safe to travel again. All you have to do is share your details to be in with a chance of winning.

We realise the world feels a little topsy-turvy at the moment and we can't welcome you to Jersey just now, but we hope you will be able to plan an island break when you're able to travel again. 

Enter here today. 

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UK Travel bans extended as United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda added to red list to prevent spread of new variant

United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda added to travel ban.

The government has taken the urgent decision to ban travel to the UK from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Burundi and Rwanda to prevent the spread of the new variant originally identified in South Africa into the UK.

From 1pm on Friday 29 January, passengers who have been in or transited through the United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda in the last 10 days will no longer be granted access to the UK.

entry to the UK is banned for visitors arriving from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Burundi and Rwanda from 29 January 2021 at 1pm – British, Irish and third-country nationals with residence rights in the UK will be allowed to enter

from 4am on Friday morning all arrivals who have, in the 10 days before their arrival in the UK, been in these destinations, and their households, will have to self-isolate immediately, and will not be eligible to use Test to Release

move is in response to new evidence showing the likely spread of a coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa

This does not include British and Irish nationals, or third-country nationals with residence rights in the UK, who will be able to enter the UK but are required to self-isolate for 10 days at home, along with their household. Passengers returning from these countries cannot be released from self-isolation through Test to Release.

Interior design for aircraft successfully tested against SARS-CoV-2

British Addmaster Holdings Limited is since January 8, 2021, a wholly owned subsidiary of Polygiene with specialist skills within antimicrobial technology and hard surfaces. The company has a range of products for this kind of applications, found in consumer products, public spaces as well as in hospital environments and more.

MGR Foamtex Ltd, world-leader in the design, development and manufacture of advanced passenger upholstery systems for Premium cabin seating, has announced that its advanced antimicrobial MGRSafeWall™ product protection system has been successfully tested against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using Addmaster Biomaster antimicrobial technology.

SilkAir being blended in to Singapore Airlines.

For more than 30 years, SilkAir has been the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, flying to cover 40 destinations in Asia Pacific, often chosen for its service reliability and its promise to make every journey a joy to fly.

From 28 January 2021, SilkAir will start it’s integration into Singapore Airlines – part of a planned merger that was first announced in 2018. SilkAir’s aircraft will progressively join the Singapore Airlines fleet with a freshly painted livery, newly upholstered seats and served by Singapore Airlines cabin crew.

 

With this move, passengers can look forward to delicious in-flight meals created by Singapore Airlines team of chefs, which feature a great variety of dishes on rotation. Singapore Airlines Book the Cook service is also available on selected flights when travelling on Business Class.

 

Regardless of your cabin class, you'll be able to pair your meals with a glass of wine curated by the world’s leading experts.

 

If you are a Star Alliance Gold member, you'll now be able to access the lounge and enjoy other Star Alliance benefits and privileges, even when flying in Economy Class.

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Airbus studies “Moon Cruiser” concept for ESA’s cis-lunar transfer vehicle

Airbus studies “Moon Cruiser” concept for ESA’s cis-lunar transfer vehicle 

 

Versatile, autonomous logistics vehicle to support future lunar missions based on heritage from Orion ESM and ATV

Airbus has been awarded a CLTV (Cis-Lunar Transfer Vehicle) study for a "Moon Cruiser" by the European Space Agency (ESA). According to the study concept (two parallel Phase A/B1), the CLTV is a versatile, autonomous logistics vehicle that could, for example, provide timely and efficient support to NASA and ESA in the implementation of the future Artemis Moon missions. The spacecraft will be based on existing and proven technologies and will complement the multipurpose European Large Logistic Lander (EL3).

 

KLM remains committed to sustainable aviation fuel with KLM Corporate SAF Programme

KLM’s Corporate BioFuel Programme has been renamed the KLM Corporate SAF Programme. SAF stands for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. KLM has opted for this new name to make it clear that the fuel it buys is manufactured sustainably, using raw materials that do not cause deforestation, impede food production or harm the environment in any other way. This new name will also mark the start of an initiative to bring the programme to the attention of businesses outside the Netherlands.

“Sustainable Aviation Fuel is not necessarily the same as biofuel. The fact that something is made from organic raw materials, does not necessarily imply that it is sustainable. This led to some confusion,” explains Karel Bockstael, vice president of Sustainability at KLM. “For KLM, the term SAF better describes the alternative we use instead of fossil fuel. The fuel we use is truly sustainable and does not lead to deforestation or replace food production. SAF also includes alternative fuels that are, for instance, made of CO2, renewable energy and water, better known as ‘synthetic kerosene’. This field is undergoing strong development, which is why it is logical that we have decided to rename our corporate programme.”

Delta works with The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to donate unused tickets

When the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation found themselves with more than $100,000 in unused tickets due to COVID-19, they worked with Delta to donate the unused funds to charities of their choice rather than requesting a refund or rebooking. 

The Gates Foundation elected to donate their ticket funds to Feeding America, GLAAD and The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in the form of Universal Air Travel Plan cards.

“Even amid the turbulence of COVID-19, Delta is committed to serving our people, our customers and our communities," said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “We are proud to work with the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation to donate their unused tickets to multiple charities and support those organizations in their essential travel during the pandemic.” 

The Gates Foundation elected to donate their ticket funds to Feeding America, GLAAD and The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in the form of Universal Air Travel Plan cards. Delta worked with the foundation to waive all change fees, including the name change fee, and allow the value of the entire unused ticket to be donated.  

Each charity organization received one-third of the total funds in unused tickets. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights has already begun using their Universal Air Travel Plan cards. 

Companies interested in donating unused tickets can reach out to their Delta account representative and consider the SkyBonus donation program, which will be open through Jan. 31, 2021.    

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Flight attendants union demands action at House of Commons Transport Committee in Canada

Canada’s airline industry is approaching a “Mayday moment”. That was the message brought by representatives of CUPE’s flight attendants who appeared before the House of Commons Transport Committee on Tuesday, as they demanded urgent federal action to support jobs in the sector.

Jet Edge forms partnership with Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii Collection

Jet Edge, the global leader in full-service private aviation, is proud to announce a new partnership with Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii collection. The collaboration combines elevated large-cabin private jet flights with island escapes at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Four Seasons Resort Oahu, and Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. The ultimate tropical travel experience begins the moment travellers board a Jet Edge aircraft, where they will enjoy a special in-flight experience designed in partnership with Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii.

“Jet Edge always aims to exceed our clients’ expectations,” states Bill Papariella, CEO of Jet Edge. “We are excited to partner with the renowned Four Seasons brand to offer our clients exceptional in-flight and island experiences with the Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii. Our aircraft owners and charter flyers will enjoy unique benefits and experiences through our Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii collection partnership, as we continue working with leading brands that share our dedicated commitment to the highest level of service and safety.”

From Light at the End of the Tunnel to Re-start -​ Partnering with Governments on Restart Plans

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to partner with the air transport industry to devise plans to safely re-link people, business and economies when the COVID-19 epidemiological situation permits. A priority for this critical cooperation is acceleration of the establishment of global standards for vaccination and testing certification.

“We can see the light at the end of the tunnel as vaccination programs roll out. Turning this vision into a safe and orderly re-start will require careful planning and coordination by governments and industry. This will be challenging as the priority for the weeks and months ahead will be containing the spread of new variants. But even as the crisis deepens, it is important to prepare the way for a resumption of flights when the epidemiological situation permits. Understanding government policy benchmarks and agreeing the global standards needed to support a return to normality in travel will ensure that air transport is well-prepared and does not become a meaningful vector for reimportation. Airlines are ready to support governments in this task,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Hawaii travel made easier with expanded COVID-19 testing and pre-clearance programme with United Airlines

Beginning February 1, United customers travelling to Hawaii who have a valid negative COVID-19 test can show their results before boarding to save time and skip document screening lines upon arrival. The new pre-clearance process will be in place for customers travelling on 110 of United's weekly flights to Hawaii.

United is also making it easier to get the right tests to avoid Hawaii's 14-day quarantine by making approved COVID-19 tests available to all customers travelling to the islands no matter where in the U.S. their travel begins.

"We're making it easier for customers travelling to Hawaii to spend more time enjoying their trip and less time waiting in lines," said Toby Enqvist, chief customer officer at United. "Testing is the key to opening domestic and international travel so we'll continue to lead the way in rolling out solutions that are simple and safe so our customers have what they need when they take their next trip with us."

To begin the pre-clearance program, customers will enrol in Hawaii's Safe Travels program and complete Hawaii's COVID-19 questionnaire within 24 hours from departure. Next, customers will use the Safe Travels website to upload their negative test results from one of Hawaii's trusted testing partners which must be taken within 72 hours of their departure. At the airport, customers will see a United team member at the gate for their flight to Hawaii where they will receive a wristband if they qualify to bypass airport screening in Hawaii. Customers who have been pre-cleared will be able to skip test screenings in Hawaii and begin their trip as soon as they land.

PROS Solutions Transform Cathay Pacific Group Travel Sales

PROS®, a provider of AI-powered solutions that optimize selling in the digital economy, today announced Cathay Pacific has completed implementation and has gone live with SaaS-based PROS Group Sales Optimizer (GSO) with OneSearch to drive strategic and optimized pricing in group travel as a next step in its comprehensive digital transformation strategy. With PROS, Cathay Pacific can manage group bookings, pricing, contracts and policies in one location with speed and accuracy designed to boost productivity and profitability for the airline while significantly improving the end-to-end group travel booking experience.