Alaska Airlines expands service and presence at Santa Rosa/Sonoma County...............New nonstop flights arrive in time for summer holidays and fall harvest

Alaska Airlines is increasing its service and commitment to Santa Rosa/Sonoma County with more nonstop flights between Southern California and the heart of wine country. Starting June 1, the airline will offer daily nonstop service between Santa Rosa/Sonoma County and Burbank. On Sept. 8, Alaska will add additional flights to both Orange County and San Diego.

Alaska Airlines is expanding service and presence at Santa Rosa/Sonoma County, California. New nonstop flights arrive in time for summer holidays and fall harvest.

With the additional flight to Hollywood Burbank Airport, the airline will have nonstop service to six destinations from Sonoma County: Burbank, Los Angeles, Portland, Orange County, San Diego and Seattle. By fall, Alaska will operate 13 peak-day departures, including eight daily nonstop flights to Southern California airports.

Striking Airbus workers in Spain seemed to have started forest fire......

Airbus workers from the Puerto Real, Cadiz, factory put up barricades on the CA-35 and set them on fire to block access to the capital on Wednesday, April 14, in an ongoing dispute with the planemaker over the closure of the site.

However, they had more impact than they bargained for as the adjacent pine forest also caught fire, and whilst the exact cause hasn't been confirmed yet, it seems pretty inevitable it was the striking workers. A strong easterly wind carried sparks across the road towards the forest. Although some of the strikers claimed to have seen two men running from the forest just before the fire in a bid to halt the demonstration.

Source Newsflare 

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Moscow Cargo presents solutions at the TransRussia 2021 Exhibition

Moscow Cargo, the cargo operator at Sheremetyevo International Airport, gave a presentation on changes in the air transport market at the TransRussia International Exhibition of Transportation and Logistics Services, Warehouse Equipment and Technologies, which took place on April 12-14.

The event gathers professionals in cargo shipping and freight forwarding, thermal handling in air and seaports, integrated logistics services and customs clearance, and warehouse solutions.

The significant changes in global logistics over the past year, and the need to discuss key issues and tasks of the industry in the format of live communication, explain the increased interest of the audience in the business program of the event.

Air-to-Air Refuelling Market worth $851 million by 2025

Photo RAF

According to the new market research report "Air-to-Air Refueling Market by System (Probe & Drogue, Boom Refueling, Autonomous), Component (Pumps, Valves, Hoses, Boom, Probes, Fuel Tanks, Pods), Aircraft Type (Fixed, Rotary), Type (Manned, Unmanned), End User, Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets™, the market size is projected to grow from an estimated USD 501 million in 2020 to USD 851 million by 2025, at a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for combat aircraft and military spending of various countries.

Airbus signs major integrated support contract with Egypt for C295

The Egyptian Air Force, the largest C295 fleet operator worldwide, has recently signed a five-year services contract with Airbus for the performance-based support of its fleet, composed of a total of 24 aircraft. 

The Egyptian Air Force joins now the community of C295 operators that benefit from the provision of integrated and performance-based services which ensure that all elements of support are in place where and when required, in order to optimize fleet availability and mission readiness.

The contract includes the provision of material services, on-site technical support as well as on-wing maintenance.

Since the delivery of the first aircraft in 2011, Airbus has been providing support through a wide service portfolio with the highest quality standards including both technical and personnel resources. In signing this contract, Egypt goes further by reaffirming and extending their trust in Airbus by implementing the first integrated support contract.

Stephan Miegel, Head of Military Aircraft Services at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “This agreement is a significant step forward in the integrated service support that we offer our customers in the region. Our goal and commitment to our customers is to maximize their fleet availability, ensure their mission readiness, all while saving maintenance costs.

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Garmin announces retrofit ADS-B solution for ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft

Certification provides ATR operators an attractive option to meet the extended European ADS-B mandate

Garmin International announced the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval of an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) solution for the ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprop aircraft. To achieve this certification, Garmin worked closely with Scandinavian Avionics, who developed and certified a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that provides operators an economical solution with efficient installation and low downtime. Operators now have an attractive option to equip their aircraft and achieve compliance, which is required prior to June 7, 2023.

“We are proud to continue providing solutions to Air Transport customers worldwide and build upon our growing portfolio of ADS-B solutions that address the needs of this category of aircraft,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “Garmin continues to pioneer the industry on a global scale with a broad range of ADS-B solutions that span all segments of aviation, and we are excited to provide these commercial aircraft with a reliable and cost-effective all-in-one technology solution for years to come.”

Aerial photograph appreciation contest launched to celebrate Earth Day

Contestants will submit photographs they have taken from the air.

Winner will be awarded with an offset of their personal air travel’s carbon dioxide emissions for an entire year.

The contest, open until April 30, will raise awareness of the importance of reducing aviation emissions to protect the climate.

Photo: Business Wire

4AIR, the first and only rating system focused on comprehensive sustainability in private aviation – taking you beyond carbon neutrality, today announced #FORTHEAIR, an aerial photograph appreciation contest to celebrate Earth Day (April 22). Contestants can submit photographs they have taken personally from the air on Instagram or via email. The contestant submitting the best picture will have the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from his or her personal air travel offset for an entire year, helping them do their part in protecting the climate.

The contest is open for submissions and will close on April 30, 2021. All are welcome to participate for a chance to offset their air travel-generated emissions for one year whether they travel as a passenger or crew on commercial, private or personal-use aircraft.

Could Heathrow be at Risk of Collapse?

Could Heathrow be at Risk of Collapse?

Many of the world’s biggest airports have seen air traffic nosedive during COVID-19. Such has been the impact that some, including Heathrow, have warned that if passenger numbers do not take off quickly, they may not be able to carry on. 

John Holland-Kaye, the chief executive officer at Heathrow, has said that the airport has enough money to cope until 2023. However, with passenger numbers not expected to fully recover until 2024, is the UK’s largest airport at risk of collapse?

Lowest Passenger Numbers Since the 70s

In Heathrow’s financial results for the year ending 31 December 2020, Holland-Kaye described it as “one of the most challenging years in the company’s history”.

The pandemic has caused passenger numbers to plummet, leading to free-falling revenues and annual losses of around £2bn. The decline in passenger numbers also saw Heathrow lose its title as Europe’s biggest airport, with Paris’s Charles de Gaulle taking its place. 

Passenger numbers for the year fell from 80.9 million in 2019 to just 22.1 million in 2020, with more than half of those travelling in January and February. That was the smallest annual total since 1975. That led to falling revenues, down from more than £3bn in 2019 to £1.175bn in 2020, and an end of year loss of more than £2bn, compared with a profit of £546m for the year before.

Loganair boosts UK regional connectivity with new East Anglia to South West direct air link

The UK’s largest regional airline, Loganair has announced a major step in connecting East Anglia with the South-West of England through the launch of a new air route between Norwich and Exeter.

The service, which starts on 12 July, will operate a four flights per week service across the summer season on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday – moving to Monday and Friday flights from September onwards.

The 70-minute flight on Loganair’s 49-seat Embraer 145 jets represents a much more convenient way to travel than rail connections via London or an exhausting 320-mile road journey, particularly difficult on packed roads during the summer season.

Fares start from £49.99 one-way including all taxes and charges. All Loganair fares include a free checked baggage allowance, and tickets are on sale from today at www.loganair.co.uk.

The service links existing Loganair destinations. Norwich is already served from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Jersey, and Exeter from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.

Airbus shareholders approve all AGM 2021 resolutions

Airbus shareholders approve all AGM 2021 resolutions

Board mandates of four non-executive directors renewed, including Chairman René Obermann

Amsterdam, 14 April 2021 – Shareholders approved all resolutions proposed at Airbus SE’s (stock exchange symbol: AIR) 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM), including the renewal of the Board mandate of Chairman René Obermann. The Board mandates of Amparo Moraleda, Victor Chu and Jean-Pierre Clamadieu were also renewed.

Following the AGM’s approval of his Board mandate, René Obermann was formally reappointed Chairman at a Board meeting held after the shareholder meeting. 

At the same Board meeting, Amparo Moraleda was reappointed Chair of the Remuneration, Nomination and Governance Committee while Jean-Pierre Clamadieu was reappointed Chairman of the Ethics, Compliance and Sustainability Committee. Separately, Catherine Guillouard remains Chair of the Audit Committee.

Due to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic and to prioritise health and safety, shareholders were encouraged to vote by proxy instead of attending the meeting physically in Amsterdam.

Shareholders showed a high level of engagement, with 549 million votes expressed, representing around 70% of the outstanding share capital.  

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American Airlines Offers More Ways to Reconnect This Summer

Due to strong demand, the airline expects to fly more than 90% of its domestic seat capacity compared to summer 2019 and 80% of its international seat capacity compared to 2019.

American will operate more than 150 new routes this summer.

American will operate more widebodies from Miami to match demand in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This summer, American Airlines is giving customers more than 150 new opportunities to reconnect with friends and family as it continues to rebuild its network to match demand.

“Throughout the pandemic, our trademark has been to build a schedule based on what customers tell us they want and need,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Vice President of Network Planning. “And today, they are telling us they’re eager to get back to travel. With our summer schedule, we can offer customers the best network and continue welcoming them safely back to the skies."

New domestic routes make it easy to reconnect

In addition to flights that are on sale now, the airline will introduce 17 new routes available for sale starting on April 19, including daily flights between Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU) and Nashville, Tennessee (BNA).

Based on current customer demand projections, American intends to operate a schedule with domestic capacity almost equal to 2019. In response to increased leisure demand, on June 5, the airline is introducing eight new routes, operating on Saturdays, to experience the wonder of Orlando, Florida, and its endless outdoor adventures, including nonstop service from:

Alaska Airlines and SkyNRG sign partnership to advance sustainable aviation fuel made from municipal solid waste

Alaska Airlines and SkyNRG Americas today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing to increased investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The MOU builds on a long history of Alaska leadership advancing SAF and partners the airline with the global SAF pioneers at SkyNRG Americas.

"This is a critical next step in our long-term plan to reduce carbon emissions and our impact on the planet," said Diana Birkett Rakow, Alaska Airlines' vice president of public affairs and sustainability. "We have been working for more than a decade to advance SAF technology and viability, and we're excited to partner with SkyNRG's experienced team to advance truly sustainable production of SAF, develop supply in the Pacific Northwest, and engage partners for a commercially viable and scalable future for sustainable fuels."

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Alaska Airlines for the production of sustainable fuels," said John Plaza, CEO of SkyNRG Americas. "Alaska Airlines is already one of the most fuel-efficient airlines in the U.S., and an ideal partner not only to support SAF demand but also to help drive necessary policy changes that will encourage the development of the SAF industry across the Pacific Northwest and the nation as a whole." 

PIA to start Bahrain services next month.

National Flag Carrier of Pakistan, Pakistan International Airlines has confirmed that from the 7th May this year the carrier will be starting direct flights to Bahrain every Friday and Saturday from Lahore and Islamabad, respectively. PIA says the flights will be operated on Airbus aircraft, although a specific type has not yet been scheduled.  

Basic details regarding Bahrain,  the capital city is called Manama, the island has an area of around 765 sq.kms.  The official language is Arabic, although English is widely spoken and understood. The nation has a population of about 1.4 million. Electrical system is the 220v UK system and its in the plus 3 GMT time zone.

More details about Bahrain.......

New Caption by Hyatt hotel in Memphis will encourage guests and locals to embrace self-expression in a space that will deliver on experience and connection

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has said it has started a joint venture deal with Carlisle LLC for a Caption by Hyatt hotel in Memphis, which is expected to open in 2022.

The Caption by Hyatt brand is grounded in a commitment to caring for people and place and creating connections between them. Located at One Beale Street and adjacent Hyatt Centric Memphis Beale Street, which is set to open on April 15, Caption by Hyatt Memphis is expected to debut in 2022 and will be integrated into the historic main building of Wm. C Ellis & Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop, one of the earliest and longest-running businesses in Memphis. The historic building will house the hotel’s ground and second floors, and a new 136-guestroom tower will rise above offering guests spectacular views of the Mississippi River and city skyline.

The Caption by Hyatt brand’s signature marquee will adorn the hotel’s dual entrances, leading avid travellers and locals into the all-day, multi-functional lounge space, Talk Shop. The double-height lounge will be enveloped by the historic building’s original heavy timber framing, decorative brick walls, archways, and clerestory windows. At Caption by Hyatt Memphis, Talk Shop will include an expansive patio and double-height beer garden that will be incorporated into the building’s historic, decorative façade on Front Street – with locally driven tap beer offerings that will showcase the best beverages of the region, open fire-pits, exposed brick, and existing metalwork, Caption by Hyatt Memphis will have an unmistakable neighbourhood feel. Caption by Hyatt Memphis will work with Memphis-area purveyors and suppliers, making every effort to support local and minority-owned businesses whenever possible.

Norwegian now looking for even more money.................

The striken European budget airline Norwegian has issued an update to the markets ahead of its forthcoming capital raise as it seeks even more money to be pumped into the ailing firm. The upper limit has been increased to NOK 6 billion, namely because the firm believes its massive debts will reduce due to aircraft orders amounting to NOK 85 billion have been cancelled.

“The capital raise has been revised to between 4.5 and 6 billion kroner, this is due to several factors. We want to take a conservative approach at a time when the pandemic and travel restrictions continue to create unpredictability in the travel sector. Therefore, we must take this uncertainty into account in our forward planning strategy. At the same time, we have also taken into consideration feedback from investors, as well as dialogue with our board” said Jacob Schram, CEO of Norwegian.

IFALPA Calls on Albania to Adhere to International Regulations and Free Three Air Traffic Controllers

The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) is extremely concerned with the latest developments of the situation involving Air Traffic Controllers in Albania.

The International Convention on Civil Aviation prohibits an air traffic controller from exercising the privileges of their licences and related ratings at any time when they are aware of any decrease in their medical fitness which might render them unable to safely and correctly perform these privileges. It is considered unsafe to have a person perform air traffic control that is physically or mentally impaired in any way, or unqualified and untrained for the position.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) bemoans federal government’s $5.9 billion aid package for Air Canada

The Canadian Union of Public Employees CUPE reacts to the recently announced $5.9 billion aid package for Air Canada, which it says is bad news for the carriers cabin crew and breaks the governments own commitments to staff.

"We had a commitment from the Trudeau government that any relief money for the airline sector would flow directly to support workers, and that commitment is not reflected in this agreement," said CUPE National President Mark Hancock. "This deal is exactly what we feared a deal cooked up behind closed doors would look like: it’s a year late, no transparency, and not nearly enough to support the thousands of flight attendants still reeling from the impacts of the pandemic."

"This announcement is good news for our 2,000 members still working at Air Canada and for the stability of the company going forward, but it’s tough to think this is what we waited 13 months for,” said Wesley Lesosky, President of the Air Canada Component of CUPE. "This announcement leaves over 7,500 of my members with no answers and no income supports."

The $5.9 billion aid package provides long term support for the national carrier which had been hard hit by the pandemic and the resulting downturn in passenger numbers. Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada said:  "The additional liquidity program - achieves several aligned objectives as it provides a significant layer of insurance for Air Canada, it enables us to better resolve customer refunds of non-refundable tickets, maintain our workforce and re-enter regional markets. Most importantly, this program provides additional liquidity, if required, to rebuild our business to the benefit of all stakeholders and to remain a significant contributor to the Canadian economy through its recovery and for the long term."  The airline has already changed direction on its previous refund policy for passengers that had had flights cancelled because of the pandemic, who now will be able to get a refund, thanks to the bailout.

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Special edition 75th anniversary Beechcraft Bonanza blends modern technology With retro styling.

A special edition 75th anniversary Beechcraft Bonanza G36 single-engine piston aircraft has been released by Textron Aviation to celebrate the massive milestone.

The special edition 75th anniversary option for the Beechcraft Bonanza G36 single-engine piston aircraft is distinguished by its custom interior and paint scheme inspired by Olive Ann Beech’s signature blue colour. (Photo: Business Wire)

The company says the iconic aircraft design is distinguished by its custom interior and paint scheme that has been inspired by Olive Ann Beech’s signature blue colour.  The order book is open for the limited-edition model that will deliver in 2022 – the 75th year since it first entered the market for the longest continuously produced aircraft in history. The Beechcraft Bonanza continues to be a cornerstone of the company’s leadership in the piston market.

“The formula for the Beechcraft Bonanza’s longevity involves an ageless style and utility, a passionate legion of owners and aspiring owners, and a seven-decade commitment by company engineers to continuously refine and update features to meet customer, technology, regulatory and environmental needs,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales & Flight Operations. “We know Walter and Olive Ann Beech would be proud of where we’ve taken their stylish and powerful piston with today’s Bonanza G36.”

WestJet halts flights to Mexico and the Caribbean until 4th June

Photo WestJet

The Canadian airline WestJet has confirmed today that it will extend its suspension of international flights to destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean until 4th June 2021.

"We are extending our suspension with the clear expectation that as more Canadians are vaccinated, government policy will transition," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "We continue to advocate for the replacement of mandatory hotel quarantines with a testing regime that is equitable and consistent with global standards at all points of entry into our country. Alongside an accelerated and successful vaccine rollout, this policy transition will support the safe restart of travel and help stimulate the Canadian economy, where one in ten jobs are tourism-related."

The airline says that affected passengers will be contacted by the WestJet team, "We remain focused on a long-term solution that will serve the best interests of Canadians," continued Sims. "A safe travel-restart framework is the most effective way to support those interests and restore jobs." 

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Air Arabia gets new Airbus A321-200neo LR Aircraft

 One new Airbus A321-200neo LR aircraft delivered to Air Arabia

UAE budget carrier Air Arabia has taken delivery of a brand new Airbus A321-200neo LR aircraft on long-term lease from leasing giant, Air Lease Corporation.  The jet is powered by CFM International LEAP-1A32 engines and is the last of six new A321-200neo LRs delivered to the carrier from ALC’s order book with Airbus. 

Air Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market and is the Middle East and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia started operations in October 2003. The airline currently has a fleet of around 58 new Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, serving some 170 routes from five hubs in the UAE, Morocco and Egypt. Air Arabia is an award-winning airline that focuses on offering comfort, reliability, and value-for-money air travel.

“We are pleased to deliver our sixth new Airbus A321-200neo LR aircraft to Air Arabia,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “ALC’s very first Airbus long-range A321neo delivered in April 2019 to Air Arabia and we have been delighted to see our new-technology A321neos contribute to the airline’s excellent service and growing operations.”

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Virgin Atlantic to ship vaccines through partnership with SkyCell

Virgin Atlantic’s Pharma service will use SkyCell’s temperature-controlled containers to ship valuable, life-saving pharmaceuticals

                                       SkyCell, one of the leading manufacturers of innovative pharma containers, has partnered with Virgin Atlantic to contribute to its safe, secure, and sustainable shipment of valuable vaccines and pharma products. Virgin Atlantic will use SkyCell containers covering the full range of biologics transit temperature requirements: -80°C, -25°C to -15°C, +2°C to +8°C, and up to +15°C to + 25°C.

The partnership will give customers confidence that their pharmaceutical shipments will arrive at destination safely, as the innovative hybrid containers - which have an average runtime of 202 hours - have a failure rate of less than 0.1%. This is compared to an industry standard failure rate of up to 12%, which cost the pharma industry $34.1 billion in 2019 alone. 

JetBlue announce a series of promotions in place and appointments to its senior leadership team

JetBlue announced a series of promotions in place and appointments to its senior leadership team, this week. Helping crewmembers grow their careers is a key to JetBlue’s culture and important to its continued success. Over the past 21 years, JetBlue has prioritized evolving the organization to keep business moving forward while investing in the growth and development of the dedicated people who make JetBlue a renowned company and employer. 

Ursula Hurley has been promoted to head of treasury and investor relations as she adds investor relations to her responsibilities. Ursula is welcomed as the newest member of the airline’s senior leadership team. Ursula began her career at JetBlue 17 years ago, and most recently held the role of VP treasurer. Ursula will continue to be responsible for debt and cash management, cash flow, fuel and interest rate hedging, strategic sourcing, and fleet strategy including aircraft and engine sourcing, while taking on JetBlue’s relationship with the investor community.

“We are so excited to welcome Ursula as a well-deserved member of our senior leadership team. Ursula has demonstrated strong leadership when it comes to the airline’s financial strategy, which has never been more important to our success and recovery,” said Steve Priest, JetBlue’s chief financial officer.

United Airlines switching to sustainable aviation fuel........

 United becomes first U.S. airline to allow individual customers to purchase SAF

United Airlines continues to lead the industry towards a more sustainable future with the launch of the first-of-its-kind Eco-Skies Alliance SM  program. Working with the airline, more than a dozen leading global corporations will collectively contribute towards the purchase of approximately 3.4 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) this year. With its nearly 80% emissions reductions on a lifecycle basis compared to conventional jet fuel, this is enough SAF to eliminate approximately 31,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, or enough to fly passengers over 220 million miles.

As inaugural participants, the following companies are taking a lead within their respective industries, reducing their aviation-related impact on the environment at the source, and creating demand for more SAF production.

    Autodesk

    Boston Consulting Group

    CEVA Logistics

    Deloitte

    DHL Global Forwarding

    DSV Panalpina

    HP Inc.

    Nike

    Palantir

    Siemens

    Takeda Pharmaceuticals

"While we've partnered with companies for years to help them offset their flight emissions, we applaud those participating in the Eco-Skies Alliance for recognizing the need to go beyond carbon offsets and support SAF-powered flying, which will lead to more affordable supply and ultimately, lower emissions," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "This is just the beginning. Our goal is to add more companies to the Eco-Skies Alliance program, purchase more SAF and work across industries to find other innovative paths towards decarbonization."

Air Canada changes direction on refund policy - now available for backdated bookings

    New policy covers customers with non-refundable fares whose flights were cancelled or who voluntarily cancelled their travel due to COVID-19 since February 2020

    As of April 13, 2021, customers who purchase non-refundable fares whose future flights are cancelled or rescheduled by more than three hours will have the option of a refund

    Airline will not recall commissions for refunded tickets that travel agency partners process

Air Canada said that eligible customers who purchased a non-refundable ticket for travel on or after February 1, 2020 but did not fly can now obtain a refund from the carrier by submitting a request online or with their travel agent. The revised COVID-19 refund policy covers tickets and Air Canada Vacations packages purchased before April 13, 2021 for flights cancelled either by the airline or by the customer for any reason.

"Air Canada will be offering refunds to all eligible customers whether they cancelled their ticket or if their flight was cancelled by the airline. Customers can now submit refund requests online or through their travel agent and we are committed to processing refunds as fast as possible," said Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada.

"In addition, Air Canada has revised its booking policies for all future travel. Starting today, in cases where a customer's flight is cancelled or rescheduled by more than three hours, we will now offer all customers the choice of receiving a refund, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or the equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus. This new policy will provide more certainty and flexibility, so customers can book their future travel with greater confidence and we look forward to welcoming you back on board."

JetBlue Names Carol Clements Chief Digital & Technology Officer

JetBlue Names Carol Clements Chief Digital & Technology Officer

New York's hometown airline, JetBlue announced the appointment of Carol Clements to Chief Digital & Technology Officer, effective April 26, 2021. In this role, Clements will be responsible for the New York-based airline's information systems and technology strategies. She succeeds Eash Sundaram, who retired from JetBlue earlier this year after nearly a decade at the helm of innovation and technology strategy for the airline.

“As we work through the pandemic recovery, technology will play a more important role than ever in our success and it’s an area where you can expect to see more investment ahead to the benefit of crewmembers and customers alike,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “Carol will be leading our IT team during one of the most pivotal times for our airline and the industry, and we look forward to having her join our senior leadership team.”

Clements comes to JetBlue with more than a decade at Southwest Airlines, where she led the company-wide technology initiative to enable all commercial and operational capabilities for the carrier’s first-ever international expansion. During her time at Southwest Airlines, Clements also held leadership roles in e-commerce, reservations and loyalty technology, and business intelligence. More recently, Clements served as chief technology officer for Pizza Hut. Under her leadership, the Pizza Hut team leveraged technology innovation to drive significant increases in digital and mobile sales, deliver a more frictionless and personalized customer experience, and improve restaurant operating efficiency.

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